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Vulvar varicosities sound dreadful, but they are more prevalent than you would think. The swollen veins in and around your vulva are painful and distressing, and they are also likely to happen while you are pregnant. The silver lining? Most are fixable with the right strategy.
Vulvar varicosities are basically just like varicose veins on legs, except they occur on that super-sensitive spot that we mentioned earlier. They are quite pesky and may make you a little nervous, but if you understand what triggers them and how to manage them, you'll feel a whole lot better about controlling your body.
What Are Vulvar Varicosities and Why Do They Happen
Vulvar varicosities are swollen, coiled-up veins that arise around your vulva - the outside of your female genitals. They swell up when blood lingers in them rather than traveling normally back up to your heart. You'll usually see them as bluish or purplish lumps that are soft and mushy to the touch, from grape-size to plum-size bumps.
Your body’s got this network of veins with one-way valves that help blood get back to your heart. But when those valves start to weaken or don’t work right, blood can flow backward and collect, which makes the vein swell up. Pregnancy is a major factor because your growing baby and expanding uterus put pressure on the veins in your pelvis, and on top of that, your blood volume increases by about 40-50% during pregnancy. Pregnant women are at the highest risk, especially in their second and third trimesters, with about 10% of pregnant women developing vulvar varicosities according to medical studies.
Grasping the reasons allows you to understand that vulvar varicosities are just a mechanical condition and not a threatening disease, thereby rendering them very simple to manage.
How to Recognize Vulvar Varicosities Symptoms and Risks
Early recognition of vulvar varicosity's signs enables you to get appropriate therapy and avoid disease complications.
Tip 1: Visual Signs
The clearest symptom is looking at bloated, cord-like veins near your vulva. They may be blue, purple, or a shade of skin color. You may spot them more easily while you are on your feet or when you have exercised. The region may appear bloated or swollen, and you may notice veins that were not present previously.
Tip 2: Physical Discomfort
Not everybody who has vulvar varicosities hurts, but a great number of people do. You may experience this leaden, painful feeling in your vulva, particularly if you've stood for a while. Some women describe it as a feeling of pressure or bloating, as if something is pressing down on them. The ache is normally worse later in the day and improves if you get horizontal and raise your legs. A postpartum abdominal belt can be used to relieve this feeling.
Tip 3: Impact on Daily Life
Even though vulvar varicosities are almost never dangerous, they can significantly impact quality of life. Pain may leave you hesitant to perform exercises, work for an extended period, or enjoy intimate moments with a sexual partner. Some women are hesitant to perform certain activities or wear certain clothing because of the way the varicosities appear or feel.
Tip 4: Pregnancy Concerns
Vulvar varicosities during pregnancy may complicate labor. Rarely, they may bleed during delivery, but that may resolve easily. The most important thing during pregnancy is controlling distress and stopping varicose veins from aggravating.
Identifying these signs at an early stage enables you to act on them before they seriously affect your day-to-day routine and comfort.
How to Treat Vulvar Varicosities
Vulvar varicosity treatments range from simple home remedies to some treatments by a physician, depending on the severity of your condition.
Step 1: Home Care Relief
Begin with some simple home techniques that work immediately. Use ice packs covered in a thin towel for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day. The cold compress minimizes swelling and dulls pain.
Wear maternity or varicose vein support underwear. They provide soft compressions that help with better blood flow. The Momcozy Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit includes support garments designed for comfort and healing postpartum. This comprehensive recovery kit also contains cooling pads that can be used for cold compress therapy to reduce swelling and numb pain, while other products in the kit provide essential support and comfort during the postpartum recovery phase.
Step 2: Lifestyle Adjustments
Change positions frequently throughout the day. If you sit a lot, take breaks to walk around. If you stand a lot, try to sit and elevate your legs when possible.
Sleep on your left side and use a pillow between your legs. It takes pressure off those big veins within your pelvis and gets the blood moving. And don't forget to exercise. Just be doing low-impact exercises like swimming, taking a walk, or prenatal yoga.
Step 3: Medical Treatments
Compression garments that are especially designed for vulvar varicosities may be required by your healthcare provider. Topical treatment with witch hazel or ointments that is anti-inflammatory are also suggested by some doctors. Acetaminophen is normally permissible during pregnancy and may be taken for relief.
Step 4: Surgical Options
Surgery is not often necessary for vulvar varicosities, especially if one is pregnant. Doctors might want to perform sclerotherapy or possibly surgery if they don't recover after pregnancy. Most women notice a drastic difference within 6-12 weeks once they have given birth. Once effective therapy has been delivered, a vast majority of the women feel significantly better from vulvar varicosities and are able to conduct normal activities easily.Some women also experience postpartum vaginal itching driven by hormonal shifts, dryness, or healing tissues, and understanding its specific causes can guide more targeted comfort strategies.
How to Prevent Vulvar Varicosities
Prevention is frequently simpler than a cure, and taking preventative action may allow you to refrain from developing vulvar varicosities or prevent the varicosities from becoming worse.
Daily Prevention Habits
Prevention is all about boosting circulation and easing up on your pelvic veins. Keep your weight in check since extra pounds add more pressure on those veins. Make sure to stay active with some regular, moderate exercise that gets your blood flowing. Don't sit or stand for a long time. For jobs that demand you to be in one spot for a long stretch, try to get up frequently. When sitting, refrain from crossing legs since the movement may hinder blood flow.
Pregnancy-Specific Prevention
Start wearing supporting garments during early pregnancy, even if one doesn't feel any symptoms. This could possibly stop varicosities from occurring or becoming extreme. Recovery kits like the Momcozy Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit may be able to provide the support that a woman needs and comfort items that could be beneficial both during and after pregnancy. Take care to sleep on your left side as frequently as possible. Hydrate and snack on high-fiber foods to help prevent constipation, as that may put extra strain on your lower pelvis.
Considering these preventive steps seriously can spare you from experiencing uncomfortable symptoms later and make for an easier pregnancy and post-pregnancy period.
When to See a Doctor for Vulvar Varicosities
Learning how to know when to go to the doctor and what could happen if you overlook vulvar varicosities can greatly help you make wise choices for your body.
When to Consult a Doctor
Get seen by a healthcare provider if you develop a new bulge or swelling near your vulva, particularly if you are pregnant. Do not delay if you are having severe pain or discomfort that affects what you are doing. Your obstetrician or gynecologist is frequently able to diagnose and treat vulvar varicosities. They may sometimes refer you to a vascular specialist for alternative forms of therapy.
What Happens Without Treatment
Vulvar varicosities that are left untreated are infrequently followed by severe disease, yet they may significantly impact comfort and quality of life. They characteristically progress steadily in pregnancy up to the time of delivery. After pregnancy, the majority of females improve within a few months. The veins, however, may never regain their original size. Future pregnancies tend to redevelop the symptoms sometimes more severely than before.
Early action and proper medical consultation make it possible to control the signs better and prevent potential complications from occurring in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are Vulvar Varicosities Permanent?
Vulvar varicosities aren't necessarily permanent, but they don't always disappear completely either. Most women see significant improvement about 6 weeks after delivery as blood volume returns to normal and pressure from the baby is relieved. However, the veins may remain slightly enlarged compared to before pregnancy. Future pregnancies often cause them to return, sometimes more severely than the first time. Non-pregnant women may see some improvement with lifestyle changes and treatment, but complete resolution is less likely without medical intervention.
Q2. Is Walking Good for Vulvar Varicosities?
Yes, walking is excellent for vulvar varicosities and one of the best exercises you can do. Regular walking helps improve blood circulation and prevents blood from pooling in the affected veins. The gentle muscle contractions in your legs act like a pump, pushing blood back toward your heart. Aim for 20-30 minutes of walking daily, but listen to your body and rest if you feel discomfort. Avoid standing in one place for long periods, as this can worsen symptoms. Swimming is another great low-impact option that provides natural compression.
Q3. Are Vulvar Varicosities Worse During Periods?
Many women notice their vulvar varicosities symptoms worsen during menstruation. Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle can affect blood vessel walls, making them more prone to swelling and discomfort. The increased blood flow and fluid retention that naturally occur during periods can intensify the feeling of heaviness and pressure. You might also experience more sensitivity and aching in the affected area. Using supportive undergarments, applying cold compresses, and elevating your legs can help manage increased symptoms during your menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
Vulvar varicosities are uncomfortable and alarming, yet knowing what you have is the best first step to taking effective control. Most resolve considerably with the simple home care and lifestyle modifications, particularly post-pregnancy. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance due to embarrassment. Your healthcare provider has encountered this condition on numerous occasions and is able to provide useful advice specific to your case. You should make an appointment to see your physician today if you are having symptoms - acting early will stop things from deteriorating and make you feel better for the duration.
