In a non-professional environment, varicose veins of the lower extremities are considered “feminine”.This is wrong.Men also suffer from varicose veins in the superficial veins of the lower extremities.Data from large statistical studies confirm this.The predominance of just half of the population in public hospitals only indicates 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 purposes.For men, as a rule, they are of no interest.
Thus, in our country as a whole, the “male” form of chronic venous diseases is characterized by late presentation.As they say, “until thunder sounds, a man will not cross himself”...
“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 associated with long periods of forced standing and sitting;
- discrepancy between eating habits and real energy costs, 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
At the initial stage, the development of varicose veins in men and women is the same.The disease follows the same principles and with the same stages.The reason for more severe forms of varicose veins when contacting a phlebologist in men is precisely the late presentation.Men, as a rule, are not concerned with 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.As pain and swelling appear, men just as firmly ignore these symptoms, showing miracles of unconsciousness.The reason for this behavior is a lack of information.The collapse of the dispensary system and the lack of medical information for the population lead to low literacy among the male population in relation to the possible harm of varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from turning to 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 healthcare professionals and not the population.
The lack of long-term treatment leads to the fact that when a man turns to a phlebologist or general surgeon, he already has:
- Advanced main varices with signs of severe chronic venous insufficiency,
- thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis
- trophic ulcer of venous origin
- varicose vein bleeding
To avoid these complications, modern and timely diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The ideal solution for men with symptoms of varicose veins is to contact a competent phlebologist.Ultrasound examination of blood vessels at the time of treatment is a mandatory component of consultation with a phlebologist!It is advisable that the ultrasound of the veins is carried out not by a third-party doctor (no matter how qualified he may be), but personally by the phlebologist you contacted.The doctor who undertakes to advise you is responsible for both the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angioscanning in duplex and triplex mode (vein ultrasound) is the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.Therefore, this examination must be carried out by the doctor who will advise, treat or operate on you.Vein ultrasound should be performed standing up.For patients whose health status does not allow ultrasound to be performed in the vertical position, the examination can be performed in the supine position with effort, but its diagnostic value will be lower.Especially when it comes to diagnosing deep vein thrombosis.After interviewing 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.It is mandatory to draw up an ultrasound angioscanning protocol indicating 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 expert examination will take no more than half an hour and you will receive sufficient information about the venous system of the lower extremities.
Consultation with a phlebologist is absolutely safe and does not involve traumatic examinations or procedures.No special preparation is required. Timely diagnosis is extremely important for choosing a modern and effective treatment, which will prevent 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.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the work day.
- Unpleasant sensations along the course of varicose veins.
- Pain along the path of the varicose veins, especially at the end of the work day.
- Swelling in the leg and foot area.The first symptoms are that the elastic of the sock leaves a 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 along the inner surface.
Treatment of varicose veins in men
For most people, modern, high-quality treatment for varicose veins is now available.Professional experts work only in accordance with the protocols recommended by the Association of Phlebologists and in accordance with European recommendations.Clinics and medical centers use modern equipment for ultrasonic angioscanning and laser varicose vein treatment.
The main methods of treating varicose veins used by specialists:
- Thermobliteration (laser and radiofrequency).
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these techniques.
Treatment at medical centers is completely outpatient, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or hospitalization.All necessary medical documentation is issued (consultation with a phlebologist surgeon, ultrasound angioscanning protocol, discharge summary with recommendations, certificate of temporary disability, documents for tax deduction).
Many patients have already appreciated the benefits of innovative methods of treating varicose veins.It should be noted that they all depend on the operator.In other words, the success of the treatment depends not only on the modernity and high cost of the equipment, but also on the operator, that is, the doctor who works on it.Specialists have extensive experience in ultrasound diagnosis of diseases of the lower extremities (all specialists have valid certificates of ultrasound diagnosis), as well as enormous experience in operations on the veins of the lower extremities and thermal (laser, radiofrequency) obliteration of varicose veins.