Vulvar varicose veins are a condition where veins on the external female genitals become swollen. They can cause discomfort. While often not dangerous, they commonly appear during pregnancy. This article explores ways to manage and treat them.
Understanding Vulvar Varicosities
Vulvar varicosities appear twisted, bulging, and may be blue or purple; some individuals experience no symptoms, while others notice signs such as a feeling of fullness, pressure, pain, or itching in the vulvar region. This discomfort can also worsen with prolonged standing, sitting, or physical activity. Their development is often related to pregnancy, as blood volume increases significantly and hormonal changes relax vein walls. The growing uterus also applies pressure to pelvic veins, making it harder for blood to return to the heart. Other contributing factors also include a family history of varicose veins or prolonged periods of standing.
Self-Care Strategies for Relief
Elevating the hips while lying down, or resting on the left side, can help reduce pressure on the veins in the vulva and prevent blood from pooling. Applying cold compresses to the vulvar region can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. Wearing specialized support garments, such as compression underwear or maternity support belts, provides gentle pressure to the pelvic area, improving circulation and reducing swelling. Regular, gentle exercise, such as walking, improves blood flow. Maintaining adequate hydration and consuming a fiber-rich diet helps prevent constipation, which can increase pressure on the veins.
Medical Interventions for Removal
One common treatment is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a liquid or foam solution directly into the affected vein. This solution causes the vein to scar, close, and eventually disappear, with blood rerouting through healthier veins; it is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with a relatively short recovery period. Another minimally invasive option is embolization, which blocks blood flow to the varicose veins by inserting a catheter and deploying coils or other agents, causing the veins to shrink and reduce discomfort. Surgical excision, also known as phlebectomy, involves small incisions to remove affected veins, generally reserved for very large or symptomatic cases. Consult a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist or vascular specialist, to determine the most suitable treatment plan, as the choice depends on symptom severity and the underlying cause.
Post-Treatment Care and Prevention
Post-procedure care ensures optimal healing and reduces recurrence risk. Following sclerotherapy, patients can usually resume most normal activities immediately, though strenuous exercise might be avoided briefly. Wearing compression garments for about two weeks helps maintain pressure and supports circulation; mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling at the injection site are common but resolve within a few days. For embolization, patients often return to normal activity within about a week, and gentle movement, such as daily walking, promotes blood flow and reduces the risk of complications like blood clots. To minimize recurrence or developing new varicose veins, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding prolonged static positions, and managing constipation through adequate hydration and a fiber-rich diet are beneficial, with ongoing communication with a healthcare provider important for long-term management.