In a non-professional environment, varicose veins of the lower extremities are considered "feminine".this is wrong Men also suffer from varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities.Data from large statistical studies confirm this.The predominance of the fair half of the population in public hospitals only shows that women are focused on varicose veins while men are not.Most women who seek help from a general surgeon or phlebologist have, in addition to medical, cosmetic goals.For men, as a rule, they are not of interest.
Thus, in general, in our country, the "male" form of chronic venous diseases is characterized by a late manifestation.As the saying goes, "a man will not cross himself until thunder strikes"...
"Male" risk factors for varicose veins
It is generally accepted that the true cause of varicose veins is still unknown.Risk factors include hereditary predisposition and lifestyle.These risk factors are the same for men and women.
The main ones:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- work involving long periods of forced standing and sitting;
- a discrepancy between eating habits and actual energy expenditure, which leads to obesity;
- smoking;
- heavy physical work involving lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Sports involving weightlifting
Causes of severe forms of varicose veins in men
In the initial stage, the development of varicose veins in men and women is the same.The disease proceeds according to the same principles and with the same stages.The reason for the more severe forms of varicose veins during contact with a phlebologist in men is precisely the late presentation.Men, as a rule, are not interested in the aesthetic component.There is no pain in varicose veins in the early stages of the disease, so most men do not consider it necessary to seek advice and help.When pain and swelling appear, men just as stubbornly ignore these symptoms, showing miracles of unconsciousness.The reason for this behavior is the lack of information.The breakdown of the dispensary system and the lack of medical information for the population leads to low literacy among the male part of the population regarding the possible harm of varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from contacting a phlebologist in a timely manner is the reluctance to wear "female" compression stockings.This is also a consequence of medical illiteracy and is largely the fault of medical professionals rather than the population.
Long-term lack of treatment leads to the fact that when a person turns to a phlebologist or general surgeon, he already has:
- Advanced major varicose veins with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis
- trophic ulcer of venous origin
- bleeding from varicose veins
To avoid these complications, timely modern diagnostics is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The optimal solution for men with symptoms of varicose veins is to contact a competent phlebologist.Ultrasound examination of blood vessels during treatment is a mandatory component of the consultation with a phlebologist!It is recommended that the ultrasound of the veins be performed not by an external doctor (no matter how highly qualified he may be), but by the phlebologist you contacted personally.The doctor who undertakes to consult you is responsible for both the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angioscanning in duplex and triplex mode (ultrasound of veins) is the basis of the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.Therefore, this test should be performed by the doctor who will consult, treat or operate on you.Ultrasound of the veins should be performed in a standing position.In patients whose state of health does not allow ultrasound to be performed in a standing position, the examination can be performed in a supine position with tension, but its diagnostic value will be lower.Especially when it comes to diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.After an interview with the patient, examination, palpation and ultrasound of the veins, the phlebologist must write his report, which includes a brief history of the disease, diagnosis and recommendations.A protocol for ultrasound angioscanning must be written indicating the date of the examination.If necessary (complicated cases, congenital malformations, consequences of massive deep venous thrombosis), the doctor recommends additional clarifying studies (magnetic resonance venography, X-ray angiography or others).
Only this approach meets modern European standards. The expert examination will take no more than half an hour, and you will get enough information about the venous system of your lower limbs.
Consultation with a phlebologist is absolutely safe and does not involve any traumatic examinations or procedures.No special preparation is required. Timely diagnosis is extremely important for the selection of modern and effective treatment, which will avoid complications and progression of the disease.
Symptoms of varicose veins in men
Every patient should pay attention to these signs:
- The appearance of varicose veins protruding above the skin when standing up.
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the working day.
- Unpleasant sensations along the course of varicose veins.
- Pain along the course of varicose veins, especially at the end of the working day.
- Swelling in the legs and feet.The first symptoms are that the elastic from the sock leaves a clearly visible mark, and the usual shoes become tight.
- Changes in skin color (appearance of brown or bluish pigmentation).
- Trophic ulcer in the lower third of the leg on the inner surface.
Treatment of varicose veins in men
Modern, high-quality treatment for varicose veins is now available to most people.Professional specialists work only according to protocols recommended by the Association of Phlebologists and in accordance with European recommendations.Clinics and medical centers use modern equipment for ultrasound angioscanning and laser treatment of varicose veins.
The main methods of treating varicose veins used by specialists:
- Thermal obliteration (laser and radio frequency).
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these techniques.
Treatment in medical centers is completely outpatient, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia and hospitalization.All necessary medical documentation is issued (consultation with a phlebologist surgeon, protocol for ultrasound angioscanning, discharge with recommendations, temporary incapacity for work sheet, documents for tax benefits).
Many patients have already appreciated the advantages of innovative methods for the treatment of varicose veins.It should be noted that they are all operator dependent.That is, the success of the treatment depends not only on the modernity and high cost of the equipment, but also on the operator, i.e.the doctor who works on it.Specialists have extensive experience in ultrasound diagnosis of diseases of the lower extremities (all specialists have valid certificates for ultrasound diagnosis), as well as vast experience in operations on veins of the lower extremities and thermal (laser, radio frequency) obliteration of varicose veins.