top of page

VULVAR VARICOSE VEINS

What are Vulvar Varicosities?


(Vulva: Female external genital organs/ or more commonly called private parts of a female.)



Prominent veins in the Vulvar region or in vaginas or around the origin of urethra, sometimes referred to as vaginal varicose veins or varicose veins of vulva are common in 10% of pregnant women. Occasionally symptoms present in women who have never been pregnant,especially in their 30s.

The main symptoms are pain in the vulvar region, itching, heaviness, numbness or ugly venous swelling.

This would sometimes cause deep seated dull aching pain in the lower abdomen which gradually increases as you stand for long, and slowly subsides on lying down.

Another symptom commonly experienced in this disorder is dyspareunia, ie pain during sexual intercourse.

The lack of attention to this disorder is typically due to a reluctance by women to discuss this extremely personal concern and due to the limited number of vein specialists with experience in this area.


Pathology:

Perineal veins do not have valves and are therefore predisposed to the development of varices (varicose veins). Valvular incompetence or proximal venous obstruction, that results in increased venous pressure and causes varicose veins in this area.


Venous insufficiency of the ovarian veins and internal iliac may also contribute to progression of varicose veins over the territories of their main branches. These varices can be large, have frequent anastomoses (connection of normally separate veins), and involve the vulva and middle of the back side of your thigh.


Pregnancy:

Vulvar varicosities are seen commonly in pregnant women because physiologic and anatomic changes related with pregnancy result in pelvic venous congestion. The causes include

(a.) increased pelvic blood flow, which impairs venous return via the femoral veins and thus contributes to venous congestion in the legs and pelvis, and

(b.) mechanical compression of the inferior vena cava/iliac veins by the pregnant uterus, which increases venous pressure distally.

In addition, hormonal changes are likely to contribute by causing the enlargement of blood vessels, leading to underlying venous insufficiency, and the symptoms of varicose veins in the legs and vaginal area. With every additional pregnancy, symptoms typically occur earlier and become more severe.


If you experience similar complaints, Please visit for consultation.


Comments


bottom of page