Varicose veins occur in a number of people. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men. More than 50% of women will experience this condition. Veins found in the legs and thighs play a role in getting blood from the legs to the heart and these are generally what becomes varicosed. Damaged is caused to these carriers and blood cannot travel correctly to the heart.

The valves in the veins become damaged and defective making , but other veins can also become damaged during pregnancy. Damage can appear in the vagina most likely during pregnancy. These are as common as hemorrhoids which are another example of varicose veins. Vaginal varicose veins during pregnancy are not unusual. Not all pregnant women will develop varicose veins in the form of hemorrhoids or vaginally. Pregnant women can also acquire vulva varicose veins.

Why do vaginal varicose veins appear?

There is no real known cause for why some people, or women, are more likely than others to develop varicose veins. Though, a number of people in the medical profession agree that increased pressure in the veins is a link to varicose veins. Pregnant women have a rapid weight gain, retention of fluids, increased blood flow through the entire body along with increased female sex hormones which can also play a role in increasing the frequency of vaginal varicose veins in pregnant women. Late pregnancy is when the damage is more likely to appear. Other causes of the condition include obesity, trauma and prolonged standing.

Are vaginal varicose veins dangerous?

Most are simply unattractive. Though, there are times when the damage is a serious medical condition that calls for further medical attention. A visit to a physician can decide if medical treatment is needed.

The most common symptom besides being visually unattractive is localized pain and itching. Although leg and thigh varicose veins are not likely to spontaneously resolve themselves, vaginal varicose veins and hemorrhoids typically improve after delivery.

Following delivery pregnant women lose the weight, additional fluids, have a reduction in female hormones and blood flow returns to normal which could account for spontaneous resolution. Most women who get varicose veins in the leg and thigh during pregnancy will still have them in these areas after delivery. Multiple pregnancies is shown to worsen the condition with each subsequent pregnancy.

Diagnosing and treatment of vaginal varicose veins

There are no invasive laboratory or x-ray tests for diagnosis. A physician can generally diagnose the condition by a simple physical exam of the patient. If the physician believes another medical condition may exists there are other labs or x-rays ordered. Other conditions could be things such as a blood clot or infection which would potentially result in death for a patient.

There is no treatment for vaginal varicose veins, but any secondary medical condition related to them can be treated. If no other medical condition is present physicians are likely to simply take a look and see outlook with no hands-on treatment.

There is no known absolute prevention for vaginal varicose veins. However, there are some things to do overall to make less stress on the body and veins in general to lower the likelihood of the condition occurring;

Elevate feet and legs when possible

Lying on the left side of the body when prone prevents the baby from stressing a major vein from the legs and causing damage to them in the lower half of the body

Support stockings that increase circulation and blood flow in the foot and leg is good

Avoid stressing the veins in the legs and lower body by extended periods of standing

stay away from tight clothing, including socks or stockings to increase blood flow

Keep unnecessary weight down with a good diet and exercise

Keep excessive water gain down with a good diet

Crossing your legs while sitting stops good blood flow in the legs and thighs

Walking and exercising daily is a great way to stimulate blood flow in the legs and lower body. This is the best preventive measure for vaginal varicose veins as well as varicose veins in the legs and thighs

Vaginal varicose veins are a condition which a lot of pregnant women develop. This is generally resolved without medical intervention after delivery. If no further medical condition exists physicians will not generally have any type of treatment for the condition.

A good start for treating and prevention of the condition is remaining as healthy as possible during pregnancy. Although for the most part the largest symptom is being unattractive, always discuss any medical condition with your doctor to decide a course of treatment.