9 Effective Treatment for Vulvar Varicosities During Pregnancy

Varicosities of the vulva are bulging veins that typically appear during pregnancy. They can exist without causing any symptoms. Or, you may have symptoms such as soreness or a sense of fullness in your vulva that indicate their presence. Typically, they disappear once your kid is delivered. In the meanwhile, there are simple changes in lifestyle that can be made to alleviate symptoms.

What are vulvar varicosities?

Varicose veins on the vulva are called vulvar varicosities. Veins become strained and enlarged during pregnancy when the changes in your body that support a growing fetus cause them to appear. These veins can appear ugly and painful to the touch. However, they typically disappear without treatment approximately six weeks after birth.

Who is affected by vulvar varicosities?

Varicose veins typically occur during pregnancy, particularly in the third or fourth month. In rare situations, non-pregnant individuals may also contact them. Possessing pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) increases the likelihood that you will develop vulvar varicosities.

What are the causes of varicose veins?

• The most prevalent cause of vulvar varicosities is pregnancy. 18–22 percent of pregnant women and 22–34 percent of women with varicose veins near the pelvis develop vulvar varicosities, according to a 2017 study.

• An estimated 4% of women have experienced vulvar varicosities. They often arise during pregnancy and typically disappear within six weeks following delivery.

• Varicose veins are uncommon in women who have never been pregnant. However, occasionally they occur in older women, particularly after prolonged standing. Women who have varicose veins elsewhere on their bodies may also develop varicose veins in the genitalia.

Symptoms of Vulvar Varicosities:

• In addition to obvious twisted or enlarged veins, vaginal discomfort is another major sign of vulvar varicosities.

• The area may feel sore and tender, similar to a bruise.

• A sensation of pressure or fullness in or around the genitals accompanied by swelling in or around the genitals.

• Pain that worsens with standing, sexual or physical activity.

• Additionally, veins can impact the perineum, the region between the vagina and the anus. Some women who have vulvar varicosities also suffer from hemorrhoids.

How are Vulvar Varicosities treated?

Whether or not you are pregnant and whether or not the varicose veins in your vulva are coupled with enlarged veins in other places of your body will determine your treatment. Pregnancy increases the likelihood that vulvar varicosities may resolve without therapy. If you are not pregnant or it has been more than three months since giving birth and the veins are still present, your healthcare professional may propose therapy.

Here are the nine available therapies for Vulva Varicosities during pregnancy:

1. Sclerotomy

This is the most prevalent method for treating vulvar varicosities. Your healthcare professional injects a liquid or foam solution into your veins, causing them to scar, shut, and finally vanish.

2. Ligation

Your provider can make small incisions in your skin to gain access to your veins and remove small portions of them.

3. Phlebectomy 

This treatment entails making small incisions on the skin's surface to remove the problematic veins.

4. Transcatheter thrombolysis

This treatment is less intrusive. Medications or synthetic materials are fed into the veins through a catheter to limit blood flow to this location.

5. Wear a contraction-support clothing

Supporting vulvar varicosities requires the use of a Vulvar Varicosity Support Kit consisting of an abdominal band with compression therapy groyne bands and a hot/cold pack. 

Direct compression on the vulvar varicosities and/or vaginal varicosities helps avoid swelling, provides support for the enlarged veins, and helps flow blood along the pelvic floor region to prevent blood pooling and future varicosities. Using Postpartum Girdle can help in fast recovery from the condition. The shoulder straps included with the support-wear goods are even more advantageous because they raise the abdomen, relieving pressure on the pelvic floor.

6. Avoid standing for long periods of time

Avoid standing for extended periods of time and try to relieve pressure on your pelvis with brief periods of sitting or lying down. If you have a profession that requires you to stand, it is even more crucial that you wear compression support during these hours to balance the strain caused by the additional weight of the baby and gravity's pull on your varicose veins. Request that your company offers you opportunities to alternate between standing and sitting. 

7. Raising your hips

When supine, raise the hips by placing a pillow beneath the bottom. This improves blood circulation in the pelvic floor region and reduces vein swelling.

8. Cool compress

When you are able to recline, apply cool compresses to the vulvar varicosities to minimize pain and swelling. To preserve this area of soft tissue, ensure that the packs are refrigerator-cold, not frozen so that they feel soothing and comfortable.

9. Avoid lifting heavy objects

This is challenging if you have a child, but try to avoid carrying large stuff. Instead of lifting your young child to converse with him or her, squat or sit down and ask him or her to sit on your lap. Request assistance while lugging groceries or other heavy items. Women are typically the 'helpers' and rarely seek assistance. 

Conclusion

Some women may feel embarrassed to discuss varicose veins with their doctor due to their alarming appearance. In such situations, you can use a postpartum support girdle as it benefits by supporting your body and even helps in reducing lower back pain. However, these veins are common, so there is no need for panic. Still, women should consult a physician for a precise diagnosis and comfort that the veins will likely fade with time.