In a non-professional environment, varicose veins of the lower extremities are considered "female".This is wrong.Men also suffer from varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities.Evidence from large statistical studies confirms this.The prevalence of the fair half of the population in public hospitals only shows that women focus on varicose veins, while men do not.Most women who seek help from a general surgeon or phlebologist have, in addition to medical, aesthetic purposes.For men, as a rule, they have no interest.
Thus, throughout our country, the "male" form of chronic venous diseases is characterized by late onset.As they say, "until lightning strikes, man will not be crucified"...
"Male" risk factors for varicose veins
It is generally accepted that the true cause of varicose veins is still unknown.Risk factors include genetic 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.
- discrepancy between eating habits and actual energy expenditure, leading to obesity;
- smoking;
- heavy physical work associated with 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 develops with the same principles and with the same stages.The reason for more serious forms of varicose veins at the time of communication with a phlebologist in men is precisely the late appearance.Men, as a rule, are not interested in the aesthetic component.There is no pain in the vasculature in the initial stages of the disease, so most men do not consider it necessary to seek advice and help.As pain and swelling occur, men just as consistently ignore these symptoms, showing miracles of fainting.The reason for this behavior is lack of information.The collapse of the medical practice and the lack of medical information for the population leads to low literacy in the male population about possible damage from varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from timely turning to a phlebologist is the reluctance to wear "female" compression stockings.This is also a consequence of medical illiteracy and is largely the fault of the doctors rather than the population.
A long-term lack of treatment leads to the fact that when a man turns to a phlebologist or general surgeon, he already has:
- Advanced main varicose veins with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis
- trophic ulcer of venous origin
- bleeding from varicose veins
In order to avoid these complications, timely modern diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The best solution for men with symptoms of varicose veins is to contact a competent venologist.Ultrasound examination of blood vessels at the time of treatment is a mandatory component of a consultation with a phlebologist!It is good that the ultrasound of the veins is not done by a third-party doctor (no matter how highly qualified), but personally by the venologist you contacted.The doctor who undertakes to advise you is responsible for both the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angiography in double and triple mode (vein ultrasound) is the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.Therefore, this test should be carried out by the doctor who will advise, treat or operate on you.Ultrasound of the veins should be done in a standing position.For patients whose state of health does not allow ultrasound to be performed in an upright position, the examination can be done in a lying position with stretching, but its diagnostic value will be less.Especially when it comes to diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.After the patient's interview, examination, palpation and ultrasound of the veins, the venipuncture specialist must write his report, which includes a brief history of the disease, diagnosis and recommendations.It is mandatory to draw up a protocol for ultrasound angiography with an indication of the date of the study.If necessary (complex cases, congenital malformations, consequences of massive deep vein thrombosis), the doctor recommends additional clarifying studies (magnetic resonance venography, X-ray angiography or others).
Only this approach meets modern European standards. The examination will take no more than half an hour and you will receive sufficient information about the venous system of your lower extremities.
Consultation with a phlebologist is completely safe and does not involve any traumatic tests or procedures.No special preparation is required. Early 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 watch out for these signs:
- The appearance of varicose veins that protrude above the skin when standing.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the working day.
- Unpleasant sensations during the course of varicose veins.
- Pain during the course of varicose veins, especially at the end of the working day.
- Swelling in the leg and foot area.The first symptoms are that the rubber from the sock leaves a clearly visible mark and ordinary shoes become tight.
- Changes in skin color (appearance of brown or bluish pigmentation).
- Ulceration on the lower third of the leg along the inner surface.
Treatment of varicose veins in men
For most people, modern, high-quality treatment for varicose veins is now available.Professional specialists only work according to protocols recommended by the Association of Rhenologists and according to European recommendations.Clinics and medical centers use modern equipment for ultrasound angiography and laser treatment of varicose veins.
The main methods of treating varicose veins used by specialists:
- Thermosimplification (laser and radio frequencies).
- Miniphlectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- Combination of these techniques.
Treatment at medical centers is completely outpatient, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or hospitalization.All the necessary medical documents are issued (consultation with a phlebologist, ultrasound angiography protocol, discharge summary with recommendations, certificate of temporary disability, supporting documents for tax deductions).
Many patients have already appreciated the benefits of innovative methods for the treatment of varicose veins.It should be noted that everything depends on the operator.That is, the success of treatment depends not only on the modernization and high cost of the equipment, but also on the operator, that is, the doctor who works on it.The specialists have extensive experience in the ultrasound diagnosis of diseases of the lower extremities (all specialists have valid ultrasound diagnostic certificates), as well as vast experience in operations on the veins of the lower extremities and thermal (laser, radio frequency) elimination of varicose veins.