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Vulvar Varicosities - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Vulvar Varicosities - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Vulvar varicosities are venous disorders occurring in women. Read this article to know more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Written by

Dr. Lochana .k

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sangeeta Milap

Published At October 14, 2020
Reviewed AtNovember 30, 2022

What Are Varicose Veins?

Before we know about vulvar varicosities, we should gain knowledge about varicose veins. They are enlarged veins. They are commonly found in the legs. The veins might become twisted and painful. The appearance of these veins become a bluish or purplish one. This is due to excessive pressure on the abdomen or legs. Most of the patients do not experience any symptoms.

What Is Vulvar Varicosities?

If the varicose veins occur in the private parts of the women, it is known as vulvar varicosities. These vulvar varicosities occur on the outer surface of the female genitals. The specific region where it occurs in the genitals is the outer part known as the vulvar region. Women who have this during the first pregnancy tend to get it during the second pregnancy also.

What Are the Causes of Vulvar Varicosities?

It is seen in women during pregnancy. It is because of the high flow of blood to the vulva. Even the increased levels of hormones are known to be a cause of vulvar varicosities. If pregnancy is the cause of vulvar varicosities, then the symptoms of vulvar varicosities subside by itself after pregnancy. The other causes of vulvar varicosities are:

  • Aging of the patients. When a person grows older, the veins begin to stay less fit in structure and function.

  • Weakness in the veins. This might occur due to aging.

  • Genetics. If any of your family members are known to have this condition, you might tend to have it too.

  • Tumors of the pelvis.

What Are the Symptoms of Vulvar Varicosities?

The symptoms of vulvar varicosities are:

  • Pain in the vulva.

  • Heaviness and increased pressure in the vulva.

  • Discomfort while walking and sleeping.

  • Pain during sexual intercourse. This is known as vaginismus.

  • Itchiness and tingling sensation in the vulva.

  • Pain increases during lifting heavy objects and doing a lot of physical activities.

What Are the Complications?

  1. Hemorrhoids. They are also known as piles. It might occur in the region between the anus and vagina.

  2. Deep vein thrombosis. Poor circulation can lead to the pooling of the blood.

  3. Bleeding during delivery.

How Is It Diagnosed?

The first and the foremost part of the diagnosis requires clinical examination by the doctor. Finding a gynecologist for treating vulvar varicosities can help you talk more freely regarding the treatment options. The doctor will recommend you perform a few tests. They are:

  • Selective venography. It is an imaging technique that uses a contrast material to identify the flowing of blood through the veins.

  • Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It is a technique that uses magnetic resonance to screen the images of blood vessels.

  • CT scan of the heart. It is a painless procedure used to image the heart and its blood vessels.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Home Remedies:

  • Apply ice packs to the affected region in a circular motion.

  • Sleeping with the hips elevated slightly. This might prevent blood from pooling in that particular area.

  • Change your resting positions regularly. This will relieve too much pressure becoming confined to the lower part of the body.

  • During pregnancy, wear suitable underwear. Always try to sleep on the left side as it decreases the pressure on the vena cava.

Compression therapy can be given using compression stockings or compression socks. This can reduce pain and swelling. Have an extra pair of stockings. There are different types of compression stockings, choose the one that suits you. Wear it during the day time and remove it during the night. The advantages of compression stockings are:

  • This compression therapy can enhance the flow of blood from the legs to the heart. It improves blood circulation.

  • Supports the veins that have become weak.

  • Soothes the pain.

  • Reduces any swelling if it is present.

  • Improves the functioning of lymphatic drainage.

Medications:

  • Apply corticosteroids in the vulvar region to decrease the pain.

  • Low molecular weight Heparin is prescribed for patients who are having a blood-clot.

  • Certain medications are not suitable during pregnancy. It is good to get an opinion from your doctor before consuming the medication.

Other Treatment Options:

The other treatment options in patients who are not pregnant are:

Sclerotherapy. In this procedure, medicine is directly injected into the blood vessels or lymphatic system. It is a safe, non-surgical procedure.

Echo sclerosis. This procedure is similar to sclerotherapy and it is done along with the guidance of ultrasound.

Phlebectomy. In this procedure, few incisions are made, and the affected veins are removed.

Transcatheter embolization. This procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the varicose vein. The doctor then uses a coil or sclerotherapy solution to treat the vein.

What Are the Preventive Measures?

The patient should follow certain measures to prevent the condition from getting severe.

  • Sit in a folded leg position. Do not cross your legs. Avoid standing for a long duration.

  • Sitting for longer periods should also be avoided.

  • Wearing high heels and uncomfortable shoes should be avoided.

  • If you are overweight, take steps to stay fit.

Are you pregnant and suffering from any of these issues? Call a doctor online and talk to them to get the best consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Do Vulvar Varicosities Go Away?

Vulvar varicosities are not permanent. Symptoms go away shortly after giving birth. However, women who get these symptoms during one pregnancy may develop or repeat in their next pregnancy. The veins may also get more painful or worse with each pregnancy.

2.

Do Vulvar Varicosities Hurt?

The symptoms of vulvar varicosities are very painful. There could be veins that are visible, swollen veins, and twisted. The pain will be felt around the genital area. Soreness and uncomfortable feelings will always be present.

3.

How Do You Relieve Vulvar Varicosities Pain?

- Change position by avoiding standing or sitting for long periods.
- Get a support garment, which is specifically designed for vulvar varicosities.
- Elevate your legs, which helps to promote circulation.
- Apply cold compresses to your vulva to ease your discomfort.

4.

Does Ginger Help You With Vulvar Varicosities?

Patients suffering from vulvar varicosities often have fibrin deposits in the blood vessels. Ginger has the capacity to dissolve these blood vessels. Ginger has the ability to dissolve these fibrin clots, and it also improves blood circulation.

5.

Is Massage Good for Varicose Veins?

Some doctors say that massaging the varicose veins is not good as it might damage the weakened veins. But some massage therapists say that massaging can help the problem of varicose veins. Many people get temporary relief by massaging the varicose veins. However, you should consult your doctor before involving in these practices.

6.

Can Varicose Veins Be Dangerous in Pregnancy?

Varicose veins are relatively common during pregnancy, which is usually painless and harmless. After delivery, varicose veins will shrink along with the rest of you.

7.

Are Hot Baths Good for Varicose Veins?

Lengthy hot showers and hot tubs can make varicose veins worse. Hot water will cause the veins in your body to swell, which results in slowing down the blood flow.

8.

What Exercises Prevent Varicose Veins?

- Regular walking or running for just 30 minutes per day for five days a week can provide good benefits.
- Lie or sit on your back while sticking your feet straight out.
- Cycling a bike is also helpful.
- Rocking your Feet.
- Lunges exercise.

9.

What Are the Warning Signs of Vulvar Cancer?

Warning signs of vulvar cancer may include:
- Pain and tenderness.
- Itching that does not stop.
- Changes in the skin like a color change or thickening.
- Bleeding that isn't from menstruation.
- A lump, wart-like bumps, or open sores.

10.

How Common Are Vulvar Varicosities in Pregnancy?

Vulvar varicosities are very common in pregnant women. About 20% of pregnant women are known to attain this condition. The chances of getting this condition are higher the second time if the patient had it during the first pregnancy. About 30% of the women who suffer from varicose veins in the pelvis are known to get vulvar varicosities too.
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Dr. Sangeeta Milap
Dr. Sangeeta Milap

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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