How To Treat Vulvar Varicose Veins In Pregnancy

Symptoms Of Vulvar Varicosities

Vulvar Varicosities | GET INSTANT RELIEF | My Story Of Pregnancy Vulvar Varicose Veins

You may develop vulvar varicosities without knowing about the condition, since you may find it difficult to see your vulva, particularly during pregnancy.

Vulvar varicosities typically appear as soft, purple or blue-colored veins that protrude out from the skin or appear twisted.

Vulvar varicosities can cause the following symptoms:

  • Pain or pressure in the vulva
  • A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the vulva
  • Discomfort or pain while walking
  • Itchiness

Vulvar varicosities may appear alone or in association with varicose veins in the lower extremities or pelvic region.

Can Vulvar Varicose Veins Bleed And Burst

Vulvar varicose veins can become swollen, but theyre unlikely to burst and bleed. Certain activities, such as standing for long periods of time or exercising, can make them worse. However, these veins usually dont bleed or break open. Since the flow of blood in varicose veins is low, bleeding is easy to manage if it does occur.

How The Intervention Might Work

Treatments for varicose veins are usually divided into three main groups: surgery, pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments. Treatments of leg oedema comprise mostly of symptom reduction rather than cure and use pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. Historically, surgery, for treatment of varicose veins, has been the most widely recommended treatment option. Surgery may reduce the risk of complications of varicose veins . Some pharmacological treatments work through increasing venous tone and preventing oedema . Nonpharmacological interventions including include avoidance of prolonged standing and straining, external compression devices and leg elevation can provide relief from discomfort and may improve symptoms in some women. However, evidence to support these therapies is lacking .

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Can I Prevent Varicose Veins In Pregnancy

Dont sit or stand for long periods of timeexercisewalk

  • mobilise your ankles by bending and stretching your foot up and down 30 times
  • circle each foot eight times one way, and then repeat the other way

Stay a healthy weightPut your feet up

  • Put your feet up whenever you can. Use a footstool or box if you have to sit in a chair.
  • Try sleeping with your legs slightly raised. You could put pillows under your ankles, or raise the foot of your bed with books or blocks.

Complementary therapy

Would I Recommend The V

Varicose Veins &  Pregnancy Olympia

Now to answer the most important question: does the V Sling work for vulvar varicosities? The answer all depends on what youre expecting. I knew when I bought this support belt that I wasnt going to gain complete relief. I just wanted to feel improved enough to keep up with my life.

So, yes, it really does help. I pair it with taking breaks throughout the day and using ice packs as needed. These three things together are helping me to manage my pain and I am seeing a steady improvement over time. While I dont expect to be pain-free anytime soon, it has been nearly two weeks since I had a really hard day and had to call my mom for help.

As a pain management option for vulvar varicose veins, I recommend the V-Sling. Dont rely on this support garment on its own, but talk with your doctor and make it part of a holistic plan to take care of yourself until you give birth.

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Finding Extra Support For Vulvar Varicose Veins

After a couple weeks of worsening symptoms, I knew that I was going to need to do more. At the time, I still had three months of pregnancy ahead of me. Like so many moms right now, I have a lot to take care of each day. I have three kids at home and Im homeschooling two of them while working from home full-time. The prospect of daily pain that prevented me from carrying out the basics on my to-do list was enough to trigger a massive amount of anxiety.

At my doctors suggestion, I started looking at vulvar varicose vein support garments. I found one specifically made for varicose veins on the vulva. Its the V-Sling by Belly Bandit and yes, it is just as sexy as it sounds. This maternity support garment might not be my favorite thing to strap on at the start of the day, but it is giving me the support I need.

Dont Suffer In Silence

One of the most important things to take away from learning about and dealing directly with vulvar varicosities is that it is completely normal. Do not let yourself get caught up in being too embarrassed about it that you do not get the help and pain relief that you need! Pregnancy is something to be excited about and look forward to, but we need to remember how important it is to take care of ourselves!

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What Are The Symptoms Of Vulvar Varicosities

You may not notice any symptoms with vulvar varicosities. Or, you may notice that your vulva looks and feels different than it has in the past.

You may see:

  • Bulging veins that appear bluish or purplish underneath your skin.
  • Veins that look twisted, swollen or bunched into a cluster.
  • Veins that only appear on your vulva or that appear along with other veins on your upper thighs, butt, or calves.

You may feel:

  • Raised areas of skin with swollen veins underneath.
  • Fullness, pressure, pain, itchiness or discomfort in your vulva.
  • Pain or discomfort in your upper thighs and lower back.
  • Pain or discomfort that gets worse from intercourse or from standing too long.

Sleep On Your Left Side

Naturally Treat Varicose Veins

After the first trimester, doctors recommend that you try to avoid sleeping on your back, since the extra weight from your growing baby compresses the vein that carries blood from your lower extremities back to your heart. Instead, sleep on your left side, the optimal position to promote blood flow throughout your body .

Cant stand side-snoozing? Prop a pillow between your legs and another behind your back. You might even want to invest in a body-length pregnancy pillow, which can double as a breastfeeding pillow after your babys born.

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Treating Vulvar Varicose Veins Using Compression Therapy During Pregnancy Can Relieve Pain And Reduce Symptoms

You are not alone if you have vulvar varicosities. Fifty-five percent of women will suffer varicose veins in their lifetime, according to a study done by the American College of Phlebology.

This may not be a hot topic of conversation, but many women experience swelling of veins in the vagina or vulva during pregnancy. This condition often occurs during pregnancy due to increased blood flow and pressure on the pelvic floor resulting in varicose veins of the vulva or vagina.

The symptoms of vulvar varicosities are:

  • pain in the vulva area
  • feelings of fullness or pressure
  • swelling and discomfort
  • visually swollen veins

In more extreme cases the full, dilated blood vessels can resemble dark purple, swollen veins . There are several steps you can take to reduce swelling, prevent this condition from worsening, and potentially heal the varicosities.

Take action to care for yourself so that your pregnancy will be comfortable and healthy.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

When you walk, the calf muscles help pump the blood back to the upper part of the body. The leg veins have one-way valves that stop the blood from flowing back to the legs. During pregnancy, these valves do not work properly due to pressure, weakening or hormonal factors , accumulating the extra blood in the veins, causing them to bulge and form varicose veins. When the blood collects in the rectal vein, causing it to swell, it gives rise to hemorrhoids during pregnancy .

The following factors could increase your risk of varicose veins during pregnancy :

  • Increase in the volume of blood to support the babys growth.
  • Heavy weight of the baby applies pressure on the pelvic veins and obstructs the blood flow from the legs to the heart.
  • Hormonal changes affect the vein walls, causing them to become softer and inefficient.

Some possible risk factors of developing varicose veins are :

  • Genetic factors
  • Painful vulva in case of vulvar varicose veins

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What Is A Vulvar Varicosity

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can occur anywhere in the body and are often the result of increased pressure to the area involved. In this case, the vulva or perineum. Vulvar varicosities typically occur due to increased pressure on the genitals and lower extremities during pregnancy. Roughly 4% of women will experience vulvar varicosities. The risk increases when the woman already has varicosities in areas near the pelvic region or has a family history of varicosities. Once a woman has vulvar varicosities, she is more likely to get them with each subsequent pregnancy. While these varicosities are not always problematic, they can often be painful and leave women feeling extremely self-conscious.

What Causes Vulvar Varicosities And Whos At Risk

Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

Varicose veins in the legs develop when parts of the vein weaken. When this happens, it makes the body less able to efficiently circulate blood from your lower extremities back to your heart. Blood in your legs then pools, resulting in bulging, squiggly, protruding, and sometimes painful veins.

Aging is often a factor in developing varicose veins. Over time, the veins become less efficient in structure and function, causing venous blood circulation to slow. You may also be more susceptible to this condition if you have a family history of varicose veins or if youre overweight.

That said, youre most likely to experience VVs during pregnancy. During this time, your body produces more blood, which flows more slowly from your legs back up to your pelvis. The changing levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones in your body also cause the walls of your veins to relax.

Having pelvic varicose veins also increases your chances of developing VVs. This condition can lead to pain in your pelvis and surrounding areas, like the lower back and upper thighs.

According to a 2017 study , its estimated that 18 to 22 percent of women who are pregnant and 22 to 34 percent of women with pelvic varicose veins have VVs. These numbers may even be higher. Many women never receive a diagnosis of VVs because they cant see or feel the varicose veins in their vulva. Others choose not to seek medical help.

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Will My Vulvar Varicosities Ever Go Away

A fear that is often associated with vulvar varicosities is that they will never go away. Fortunately, in most cases, vulvar varicosities go away on their own within about six weeks after delivery. After giving birth, the symptoms should go away within a short amount of time.

It is important to note that there are some rare cases in which vulvar varicosities do not go away after pregnancy. First, you should go make a visit to see your doctor. There are some surgical procedure options available in order to relieve the pain and or help speed the process of the removal of the varicosities:

  • Vein Embolization

    This is a surgical procedure where a catheter is used to close the weakened vein with a coil

  • Sclerotherapy

    This is an injection into the vein with a solution that blocks blood flow. The goal of this treatment is to reduce pain and swelling

  • Echo Sclerosis

    This is an advanced and expanded version of Sclerotherapy, which uses ultrasound guidance

  • Phlebectomy

    This treatment works to remove the affected veins, which will require a few incisions made on the skins surface

  • Which Treatment is Right For Me?

    Finding the best vulvar pain treatment for you will ultimately depend on what your pain levels are and the symptoms you are experiencing. To make sure you are making the right choice for you, speak to your doctor and have an exam done in order to determine your best recovery route.

    Varicose Veins During Pregnancy How To Treat

    For many pregnant women, varicose veins during pregnancy are nothing more than a nuisance. Others, however, complain of itchiness, irritability, and severe pain.

    If youre concerned about varicose veins, its important that you truly understand what they are, the things that make them worse in appearance, and how to treat these veins so you feel comfortable in your own skin once again.

    This list tells you all you need to know about varicose veins during pregnancy.

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    Can Varicose Veins Cause Problems For The Baby Or During The Birth

    No, even vulvar varicose veins probably wont affect how you give birth. This is because varicose veins usually have a low level of blood flow through them . Just make sure your midwife knows if you have vulvar varicose veins. Thats because your midwife could help you to have a gentle and slow delivery to lower the chance of the veins bleeding .

    Things You Can Do To Minimize The Symptoms Of Vulvar Varicosities:

    Avoid Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
  • Avoid being still for long periods of time, keep active and keep moving, walk, and change positions when sitting or lying down. Go for a swim, the water will help lift the baby and improve the blood flow from your pelvis.

  • Lie down to rest as often as practical. Lying on your side is best.

  • Avoid any squatting, kneel or sit on a chair.

  • Avoid activities that cause straining such as lifting, pushing, pulling, sneezing or coughing . When you cannot avoid any of these activities, use your hands or a rolled towel to help support your perineum.

  • Avoid constipation which will increase the pressure on your veins during bowel movements. Make sure your bowel motions are regular, soft and easy to pass. Making sure you are well hydrated and getting enough fibre will go a long way in preventing constipation.

  • Getting a small footstool may enhance position, and in general assist with bowel movement – check out the hilarious Squatty Potty video here of the company featured on Shark Tank and Dr. Oz. just be careful not to laugh too hard, which makes point 4 above even more relevant!

  • When buying a support garment look for one that specifically incorporates a design that addresses vulvar varicosities. Compression garments like SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings not only deal with vulvar varicosities but also provide support for: the lower abdomen, lower back as well as encourage good venous return and assist with pelvic girdle pain so prevalent during pregnancy

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    Pelvic Vaginal And Vulvar Varicose Veins

    Pelvic, vaginal, and vulvar varicose veins occur in and around the groin area and can be worsened following previous treatments including laser or radio frequency ablation, sclerotherapy or surgical ligation of the sapheno-femoral junction or can also occur after multiple pregnancies, and in some cases after one pregnancy. They can be present with or without accompanying symptoms.

    When Do Veins Start Showing During Pregnancy

    Bluish or purple veins often start to appear in the first trimester by about week 10, which is when your body has started producing more blood to support you and your growing baby. Your veins enlarge to accommodate the higher blood volume, and theyll likely continue to become more visible throughout pregnancy.

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    What Causes Varicose Veins

    During pregnancy, the blood vessels in your legs are under the increasing pressure of your growing uterus. Varicose veins tend to pop up in your lower body, since more blood pressure is required to push blood from your legs back up to your heart.

    That, in turn, means that those small, blue veins could make an appearance in your legs, ankles and other areas below your baby bump.

    Treatment Of Vulvar And Perineal Varicose Veins

    The Best Treatment For Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

    Service de médecine vasculaire, InstitutArthur Vernes, 36 rue dAssas, 75006 Paris,France.Private practice: 43 rue de la ChausséedAntin, 75009, Paris, France

    SUMMARY

    Vulvar varicose veins occur in 10% of pregnant women, generally during month 5 of a second pregnancy. Anatomically, the vulvar veins have communicating branches and anastomoses between the pelvic wall and the veins of internal organs, between the internal and external iliac venous system, and with the circulation of the medial aspect of the thigh via the perineal veins. Vulvar varices are not caused by an increase in circulatory volume during pregnancy, but by increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. Vulvar veins are the target of these hormones.

    Out of embarrassment, women rarely mention vulvar veins and they are not adequately sought in the physical examination with the woman in the standing position during month 6 of pregnancy and the first month post partum. Most often they are asymptomatic. Pain, pruritus, dyspareunia, and discomfort during walking are possible during pregnancy. Thrombosis and bleeding are rare. Treatment is symptomatic during pregnancy and curative during the post-partum period.

    Most often, vulvar varices disappear a month after delivery. Small residual, asymptomatic varices are seen again 1 year later. Large or symptomatic varices are managed with curative therapy. Sclerotherapy is the preferred method because it is very effective on thin-walled varices.

    INTRODUCTION

    TREATMENT

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    Watch Your Weight Gain

    The greater number of pounds you put on while pregnant, the more pressure youre putting on your cardiovascular systemand the higher the risk of developing postpartum varicose veins becomes. Keep weight gain to no more than 30 pounds, Dr. Lupo advises. We know, curbing your pregnancy cravings is easier said than done. But try your best to avoid indulging too much.

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    Can Pelvic Vaginal And Vulvar Varicose Veins Be Treated

    Pelvic, vaginal and vulval varicose veins can be treated quite effectively with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. This procedure is performed by experienced senior phlebologists. It requires the use of advanced ultrasound equipment and careful isolation of the pelvic veins. As with lower leg varicose veins, the treated veins will undergo a hardening process referred to as sclerosis and will eventually get absorbed by the body. Once these veins have been treated, any congestion or symptoms associated with the build-up of blood within them, should resolve.

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