In this article:
What Causes Vulvar Varicosities During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes, and one of them can be swollen veins around the vulva. This happens because your blood volume increases to support your baby, which puts more pressure on your veins.At the same time, more blood gets directed to your pelvic area, and the flow of blood back to your heart from your lower body becomes slower. When this happens, blood tends to collect in the veins around your vulva.
As your uterus grows, it adds even more pressure on the veins in your pelvis. This pressure makes it harder for blood to travel back to the heart. The veins then expand and become swollen.
Hormones also play a big part here. Your oestrogen levels increase during pregnancy, which makes the walls of your veins softer and more flexible. This makes it easier for the veins to stretch and hold more blood than they should. Over time, they can twist and swell, which leads to those uncomfortable, swollen veins known as vulvar varicosities.
Other risk factors include:
- Family history of varicose veins
- Body mass index (BMI) over 25
- Older age, as vein strength reduces over time
- Standing for long periods
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
What Are the Symptoms of Vulvar Varicosities During Pregnancy?
Many women don’t notice any symptoms with vulvar varicosities. But when they do, the vulva can feel heavy, full, or under pressure.Common signs and symptoms include:
- Swelling in the vulva or perineum
- Pain, itching, or burning sensation
- Visible bluish or purplish veins
- Bulging, twisted, or clustered veins under the skin
- Swelling that worsens by evening
How Can Vulvar Varicosities Affect You While Pregnant?
You might notice these veins looking raised, bumpy, and bluish or purple. In some cases, they can bulge more than usual.Possible issues with vulvar varicosities may include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Skin irritation or ulceration
- Blood clots
- Vein rupture during delivery
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
How Do Doctors Diagnose Vulvar Varicosities During Pregnancy?
Your healthcare professional will usually start by checking the area during a physical exam. They’ll look at the vulva while you’re lying down and then standing up to see how gravity changes the veins. This helps them spot swelling or pressure.If they need more detail, they might do an imaging test to see how blood flows, measure the vein size, and check if varicose veins are present elsewhere in your pelvis or legs. All this helps them decide what steps to take next.
How to Ease Vulvar Varicosities Discomfort at Home
Most vulvar varicosities usually fade on their own about 6 weeks after birth, and many improve even more once breastfeeding ends.In the meantime, a few simple habits can really help you feel better:
- Drink plenty of water to support better blood flow.
- Lie down on the left side or with hips raised for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce pelvic pressure and swelling.
- Apply cold compresses to the vulva for up to 20 minutes while resting, but always wrap it first so it doesn’t touch your skin directly.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches.
- Elevate the legs when possible to encourage circulation.
- Eat fibre-rich foods and stay hydrated to prevent constipation, since straining worsens symptoms.
- Skip salty foods that make the body hold extra fluid and strain veins.
- Wear loose, comfy clothes around your hips and groin, and skip high heels if you’re on your feet a lot.
What are the Treatment Options for Vulvar Varicosities During Pregnancy?
For pregnant people, the focus stays on symptom management since the veins usually resolve post-delivery.If they linger a few months after birth or occur without pregnancy, treatment options include:
- Sclerotherapy: A solution is injected into the vein, causing it to scar, close, and eventually disappear.
- Phlebectomy: Small cuts in the skin are made to remove the affected veins directly.
- Ligation: Tiny sections of veins are cut after accessing them through minor incisions.
- Transcatheter embolisation: A catheter is used to block blood flow by injecting special materials into the vein.
When to Seek Medical Help
Let your healthcare professional know right away if you notice any changes in the vulva or have circulation concerns.Seek urgent care if the veins become very painful, red, hard, or swell suddenly, as these could signal a rare clot, like deep vein thrombosis.
Vulvar varicosities during pregnancy can feel uncomfortable, with pressure, fullness, or itchiness adding to the sensation. But the good news is they're usually temporary. Simple home care combined with guidance from your doctor keeps them manageable.
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FAQs on Understanding Vulvar Varicosities During Pregnancy
- Can exercise worsen vulvar varicosities during pregnancy?
Gentle exercise, like walking or prenatal yoga, usually helps circulation and is safe. But strenuous activity may increase pressure on the veins and cause discomfort. - Do vulvar varicosities during pregnancy affect urination?
Yes, they can sometimes cause itchiness and frequent urination.