Vulvar varicose veins during pregnancy, we tell you everything

Are you pregnant and have you just felt a small swelling on one or both lips of your vulva? Is it unpleasant, does it burn, does it itch? It is very possible that you are dealing with a vulvar varicose vein . Very taboo due to their location, they nevertheless affect a good number of pregnant women and for good reason; they have hormonal origins.

As founders of an e-concept store dedicated to female intimacy, we have made it our mission to break the taboos surrounding pathologies that affect women: that is why it seemed essential to us to tell you about them. Symptoms, causes, diagnosis: discover everything you need to know about vulvar varicose veins.

---

What is a vulvar varicose vein?

If vulvar varicose veins are taboo, it is different for varicose veins on the legs that you have certainly already seen. You know those blue veins that appear in relief at the level of the calf or the back of the knee: due to venous insufficiency, blood circulation is poor, the blood stagnates and the veins swell.

Well, vulvar varicose veins are similar, except that they are located on the vulva. A vulvar varicose vein is a dilated vein that can cause a swelling or a more or less hard lump on the labia majora. Although benign, it can nevertheless be sensitive, even painful and create itching, especially during sexual intercourse or just after.

Varicose veins can extend towards the root of the thigh, or deep towards the pelvis or anal region (it can then be associated with hemorrhoidal symptoms, quite common in pregnant women too – we like it).

💡 There are also pelvic and perineal varicose veins which, as their name suggests, affect the pelvis and perineum. The risks of developing them during pregnancy are similar to those of developing vulvar varicose veins.

Why do vulvar varicose veins particularly affect women during pregnancy?

Vulvar varicose veins are caused by hormonal fluctuations and rapid changes in the body. This is why the body of pregnant women offers a very fertile ground for the development of vulvar varicose veins. If 5 to 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with vulvar varicose veins , it is estimated that many more of you suffer from this taboo problem.

Hormonal causes

The vulvar veins, just like the veins in the legs, are equipped with hormone receptors. This makes them sensitive to hormonal fluctuations that can be experienced during the menstrual cycle but also during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. Pregnancy being the biggest hormonal boom that one can go through, it is not illogical that the vulvar veins are impacted.

💡 It is for these hormonal reasons that vulvar varicose veins also affect post-menopausal women. Affected? Don't hesitate to continue reading this article: the answers we provide may also concern you.

Physiological causes

In addition to the weight of the fetus putting pressure on the pelvic region and creating compressions, the body of pregnant women is led to transform rapidly during pregnancy. To facilitate childbirth, the hips widen and we understand how this action can have an effect on the veins that circulate throughout the pelvic region. This change in the body plays a role on the veins and is another cause of the appearance of varicose veins. Added to hormonal fluctuations, the period of pregnancy is thus conducive to the development of vulvar varicose veins.

How to recognize a vulvar varicose vein?

To help you recognize the presence of a vulvar varicose vein, let's discover together the symptoms of vulvar varicose veins that can alert you as well as the different forms that varicose veins can take . In case of doubt, we can only recommend that you see a doctor: if the varicose veins are benign, they can be painful and require treatment.

What are the symptoms of vulvar varicose veins?

If there are asymptomatic carriers of vulvar varicose veins (they will then have no pain or discomfort), the symptoms of varicose veins are as follows:

Pain or feeling of heaviness in the vulvar area

The first symptom that may lead you to suspect that you have a vulvar varicose vein is that you feel heaviness or pain in the vulvar region – potentially in the labia.

Dyspareunia (pain during or after intercourse)

In some cases, the sensation of pain may only appear during or just after sexual intercourse, particularly during penetration ( dyspaneuria ). The latter exerts pressure on the labia and can create more or less significant discomfort. If you have a sensation of pain beforehand, the pain may be more significant during sexual intercourse.

Itching, irritation and/or burning sensation

Another symptom that may lead you to suspect the presence of a vulvar varicose vein is the sensation of itching, irritation or even burning/heat . Like pain, the sensations can be amplified during sexual intercourse, due to friction.

Visible and palpable swelling of the vulvar veins

The most obvious symptom of the presence of a vulvar varicose vein is… the visible and sensitive swelling of the veins at the vulva level . General swelling, presence of a ball, bluish area: vulvar varicose veins can take several forms that we will describe to you just after.

Feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area

Do you feel the presence of one or both of your labia due to their swelling and fullness? The rush of blood and their swelling can cause these sensations and be a sign that you suffer from vulvar varicose veins. These sensations can be amplified if your underwear and clothing are tight or if they have seams that reach this area.

Increased discomfort when standing or during physical activity

The last sign that you may be suffering from a vulvar varicose vein: standing and physical activities increase your pain and unpleasant sensations. This can be explained by the increased heart rate and blood flow that these activities cause.

What forms can vulvar varicose veins take?

Vulvar varicose veins can take one or all of three forms:

How to observe the appearance of vulvar varicose veins?

Beyond the touch that can allow you to identify the relief of the veins, it may be necessary to look at your vulva to better understand your problem.

For this, we can only recommend the use of a mirror, if possible magnifying and equipped with a handle. Lying flat on your back, orienting the mirror as best as possible, you will be able to examine your vulva and become aware of the appearance of what is causing you pain.

What are the causes and risk factors for vulvar varicose veins during pregnancy?

Although pregnancy is a time when vulvar varicose veins are more likely to appear, not all pregnant women are affected by them. Why? What are the other risk factors that can cause vulvar varicose veins and can we anticipate and prevent their appearance?

Heredity

Since varicose veins are linked to venous insufficiency, the primary cause of varicose veins, during pregnancy and menopause, is hereditary. If there are cases of varicose veins in your family, it is possible that you are more affected.

Blood circulation problems

For the same reason, because the appearance of varicose veins is linked to venous insufficiency, if you have a history of blood circulation problems, you will also be more likely to develop them.

Sedentary lifestyle

Your lifestyle can also be a risk factor: a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing vulvar varicose veins. In fact, we will talk about this a little later, but walking regularly can reduce vulvar varicose veins.

Overweight

The last factor that increases the risk of vulvar varicose veins: being overweight. Pregnant women who are overweight are more likely to have vulvar varicose veins. This is largely because more weight weighs on the perineal area and causes greater compression of the vulvar veins.

How to prevent the appearance of vulvar varicose veins?

Unfortunately, preventing the appearance of vulvar varicose veins is difficult as they are linked to genetics and the pregnancy itself. However, you can still take steps to prevent and slow the appearance of vulvar varicose veins during pregnancy. Here they are:

Is there a risk during childbirth?

Are you pregnant, suffering from vulvar varicose veins and hoping for a vaginal delivery? Rest assured: there is generally no contraindication to vaginal delivery in the case of vulvar varicose veins.

In very rare and specific cases, often identified in advance, there may be a risk of hemorrhage linked to varicose veins which could push the medical team looking after you to opt for a caesarean section. If you are really worried about this, we recommend that you discuss the subject with your health practitioners before delivery.

Can vulvar varicose veins be treated?

Yes, there are medicinal and natural solutions to treat vulvar varicose veins and make them less painful and unpleasant during your pregnancy.

Before putting them in place, we recommend that you visit your GP/gynecologist/midwife to talk to them about it. First, they will check that vulvar varicose veins are the cause of your pain and the change in the appearance of your vulva. Note that the examination may take place standing up: it is easier to see the dilated veins in this position. Then, they will give you advice on how to better experience your pregnancy and, if necessary, in a special case, they will refer you to a vascular specialist to have tests done and better prepare for your delivery. This medical care will prevent the occurrence of rare but potential complications (rupture, thrombosis, dermatitis, etc.).

Will they disappear after pregnancy?

Vulvar varicose veins disappear in 90% of cases, naturally, without specific treatment, after pregnancy. If you continue to be bothered, do not hesitate to consult your doctor: he will refer you to a vascular doctor. It is sometimes necessary to undergo an examination to locate the diseased veins more widely in the pelvic area in order to treat them.