Varicose veins of the vulva is a condition that usually affects pregnant women and after childbirth, and can effectively make this exceptional period of life difficult. What are the causes of the appearance of varicose veins of the vulva? We suggest how you can help yourself if you have varicose veins of the vulva. Find out about effective methods of their treatment.

Varicose veins of the vulvais one of those diseases that we are ashamed to tell even the doctor about. We delay the visit to a specialist for as long as possible, hoping that what happened to us "will pass by itself". But unfortunatelyvaricose veins of the labiarequire professional diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the sooner you go to the gynecologist - the less you will tire. And varicose veins of the vulva give really unpleasant symptoms.

Varicose veins of the vulva: symptoms

Persistent pain and heaviness in the abdomen, itching of the intimate areas, burning, redness, swelling of the labia, and sometimes also slight bleeding - this is how varicose veins of the vulva make themselves felt. The patient feels so much discomfort that even ordinary, everyday activities may be difficult for her. The standing position causes pain, sitting becomes difficult to bear, and it is almost impossible to cross your feet. Pain occurs even during bowel movements. Very often varicose veins of the perineum coexist with hemorrhoids, i.e. rectal varicose veins.

Sexual intercourse becomes a big problem for the patient. The pressure on varicose veins makes them burst, they can bleed, and lead to the formation of numerous, small wounds. Many women struggling with varicose veins of the labia avoid sexual contact because they are associated with unpleasant sensations, and also for aesthetic reasons.

How do vulva varicose veins develop?

The cause of varicose veins in the intimate parts may be venous insufficiency in the pelvis, pressure on blood vessels occurring, for example, in endometriosis or in polycystic ovary syndrome, or - most often - increased levels of female sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone.

If you suffer from varicose veins of the lower limbs, you are at higher risk. You should regularly check for the presence of varicose veins.

That is why this ailment usually affects pregnant women. Estrogen increases the amount of blood, and progesterone causes a decrease in the tone of the muscle membrane of the blood vessels, which leads to theirtheir significant expansion. As the uterus increases in size, the pressure on the lower part of the inferior vena cava and the iliac veins grows stronger each week. Blood cannot drain back to the heart from the lower parts of the body, which causes additional filling of already widened veins. The situation is aggravated by the fact that expectant mothers, especially in the last stage of pregnancy, are not very active physically.

Other causes favoring the formation of varicose veins of the vulva

  • high temperature, heat
  • oral contraception
  • overweight
  • sedentary lifestyle
  • little physical activity
  • genetic load
  • constipation
  • hot baths
  • multiple births

Treatment of varicose veins of the vulva

When 3 months have passed since childbirth, and the varicose veins have not disappeared, you need to see a doctor, otherwise serious complications may occur, such as pelvic vein thrombosis, problems with the urinary system (pollakiuria, oliguria ) or digestive (flatulence, constipation).

Usually, a few weeks or months after childbirth, there is no trace of vulvar varicose veins. It happens, however, that the problem does not want to "go through". Then, without a visit to the doctor, you will not be able to do it.

After a comprehensive interview, a specialist will order a blood flow test, i.e. Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or diagnostic venography (the most effective method) of the abdominal and small pelvis veins. This will allow you to locate the inefficient vessel, and also, for example, to exclude endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. To repair the larger vessel, a procedure called intravascular embolization is used, which requires hospitalization. The smaller ones are closed with sclerotherapy. It is an almost painless and minimally invasive procedure, after which you should refrain from physical activity for some time and you will recover quickly. Your doctor may also recommend pharmacology to treat varicose veins. Drugs that improve the condition of the veins include, among others diosmine, rutoside, horse chestnut extract.

How can you help yourself?

In order to prevent the emergence of the troublesome problem of varicose veins in pregnancy, it is worth implementing a few rules:

  • avoid staying in one position for a long time, especially sitting or standing
  • drink lots of water
  • rest lying on your left side with your thighs tucked up - this position will reduce the pressure on the inferior vena cava. You can also put pillows under the hips and calves (the so-called Sims position)
  • wear appropriate maternity underwear, one that does not constrict and thus does not interfere with blood circulation in thestep
  • eat foods rich in routine, such as vegetables (onions, carrots, potatoes) and fruits (oranges, limes, blueberries, grapes, cherries).
About the authorMarta Uler A journalist specializing in he alth, beauty and psychology. She is also a diet therapist by education. Her interests are medicine, herbal medicine, yoga, vegetarian cuisine and cats. I am a mother of two boys - a 10-year-old and a 6-month-old.

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Category:

Female diseases