In non-professional settings, varicose veins of the lower extremities are considered “feminine”.That's wrong.Men also suffer from varicose veins of the superficial veins of the lower extremities.Data from large statistical studies confirm this.The vast majority of the population in public hospitals only suggests that women focus on varicose veins, while men do not.Most women who see a general surgeon or phlebologist have cosmetic as well as medical reasons.They are generally uninteresting to men.
Thus, the “male” form of chronic venous disease in our country is characterized by late manifestation.As they say: “Until the thunder strikes, a person 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 most important:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- work involving long, forced standing and sitting;
- discrepancy between dietary habits and actual energy costs, leading to obesity;
- Smoke;
- heavy physical work involving lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Sports involving weightlifting
Causes of severe forms of varicose veins in men
In the initial stages, the development of varicose veins is the same in men and women.The disease progresses according to the same principles and in the same stages.The reason for more severe forms of varicose veins at the time of contacting a phlebologist in men is precisely the late presentation.Men usually don't care about the aesthetic component.In the early stages of the disease, varicose veins do not cause pain, so most men do not consider it necessary to seek advice and help.When pain and swelling occur, men equally steadfastly ignore these symptoms and show the miracle of unconsciousness.The reason for this behavior is a lack of information.The collapse of the pharmacy system and the lack of medical information for the population means that the male population is poorly informed about the possible harm caused by varicose veins.
Another factor that prevents the male population from visiting a phlebologist in a timely manner is the reluctance to wear “female” compression stockings.This is also a result of medical illiteracy and is largely the responsibility of the medical staff and not 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 diagnostics is necessary.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in men
The optimal solution for men with varicose vein symptoms is to contact a competent phlebologist.Ultrasound examination of the blood vessels at the time of treatment is a mandatory part of a consultation with a phlebologist!It is advisable to have the ultrasound examination of the veins carried out not by a third-party doctor (no matter how highly qualified he may be), but personally by the phlebologist you contacted.The treating physician is responsible for both making the correct diagnosis and developing a treatment strategy.
Ultrasound angioscanning in duplex and triplex mode (ultrasound of the veins) is the basis for the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases.Therefore, this test should be carried out by the doctor who advises, treats or operates on you.The ultrasound examination of the veins should be carried out while standing.For patients whose health status does not allow an ultrasound examination in an upright position, the examination can also be carried out in a lying position under weight, but its diagnostic value is lower.Especially when it comes to the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.After interviewing the patient, examination, palpation and ultrasound of the veins, the phlebologist must write his report, which includes a brief medical history, diagnosis and recommendations.It is mandatory to write a protocol for ultrasound angioscanning and indicate the date of the study.If necessary (complex cases, congenital malformations, consequences of massive deep vein thrombosis), the doctor recommends additional clarifying examinations (magnetic resonance venography, X-ray angiography or others).
Only this approach meets modern European standards. The expert examination takes no longer 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 require any traumatic examinations or interventions.No special preparation required. Timely diagnosis is extremely important for choosing modern and effective treatment that 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 that protrude above the skin when standing.
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the working day.
- Unpleasant sensations in the course of varicose veins.
- Pain during 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 band of the sock leaves clearly visible marks 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
Modern, high-quality treatment for varicose veins is now available to most people.Professional specialists work only according to the protocols recommended by the Phlebologists Association 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 used by specialists to treat varicose veins:
- Thermoobliteration (laser and radiofrequency).
- Miniphlebectomy.
- Sclerotherapy.
- A combination of these techniques.
Treatment in medical centers is carried out entirely on an outpatient basis, without anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or hospitalization.All necessary medical documents are issued (consultation with a phlebologist, ultrasound angioscan protocol, discharge report with recommendations, certificate of temporary incapacity for work, documents for tax deductions).
Many patients have already recognized the benefits of innovative methods of treating varicose veins.It should be noted that they are all operator dependent.This means that the success of treatment depends not only on the modernity and high cost of the devices, but also on the operator, i.e. the doctor working on it.The specialists have extensive experience in ultrasound diagnostics of diseases of the lower extremities (all specialists have valid ultrasound diagnostic certificates) as well as enormous experience in operations on the veins of the lower extremities and thermal (laser, radiofrequency) obliteration of varicose veins.