Could varicose veins be causing the pain in my vulva?

How long will I have to be off work for my varicose veins?

Varicose veins and exercise

Question

I am aware of a heavy feeling in my vulva, and sometimes pain, when I balance on one leg, get dressed or turn over in bed.

What are the symptoms of vaginal and vulval varicose veins?

I am unable to actually see anything below my navel at the moment because I am pregnant and I have no varicose veins anywhere else.

Answer

It isn't possible to say whether you are suffering from vulval varicose veins without examining you. They tend to cause aching and irritation, which can become severe, and become more common as pregnancy progresses.

Like varicose veins in the legs, they are caused partly by the enlarging womb, which obstructs the flow of blood back to the heart, and partly by pregnancy hormones. Increased blood pressure in the veins can damage them and cause them to become varicose. There are deeper veins that do the same job so the body can easily cope without them, but the varicose veins are unsightly and often uncomfortable.

Since you haven't got any on your legs it's less likely that vulval varicose veins are causing your symptoms. Some swelling of the vulva and increased blood supply to the area is a feature of pregnancy and this may be all that you are experiencing. Infections such as thrush, which is common during pregnancy, could also account for your symptoms.

See your GP, he or she will be able to examine you and then give you more information about the cause of your symptoms and any necessary treatment.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

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