Varicose veins affecting the vulva and vagina are a particularly embarrassing problem. In many cases, they arise during pregnancy or after childbirth and multiple pregnancies are the main risk factor for these types of vein. They are associated with reflux in the ovarian veins of the pelvis and abdomen which is thought to develop during labour. The veins may improve after pregnancy, but they may often continue to be a source of discomfort and embarrassment. When varicose veins of the vulva and vagina are associated with painful periods, pelvic pain, urinary disturbance, bloating or bowel disturbance, the condition is called ” Pelvic Congestion Syndrome” or PCS for short.
In simple cases, without internal or pelvic symptoms, Foam Sclerotherapy is a simple and effective solution. In cases where internal or pelvic symptoms are severe and dominant, it is usually helpful to seek the advice of a Gynaecologist before treating the ovarian veins.
Recently, I met a lady called Louise. Her main concern was the presence of varicose veins in her calf, but during the consultation it became clear that she was also troubled by uncomfortable vulval and vaginal varicose veins extending into her upper thigh.
Louise’s Story
“I have three children and each time I became pregnant, the veins in my leg and around by my vagina got worse. The one’s on my leg were unsightly and I went to Dr Gajraj to get rid of these. I didn’t know anything could be done about the ones around by vagina and my groin. Dr Gajraj said that these could be injected with foam at the same time my leg was treated. It was so simple – I didn’t need to be put out and I went home within a few hours. It was a bit sore in the area for a few days, but it was so worth it.”
Dr Gajraj explains the treatment.
Vulvar and vagina varicose veins are amongst the most rewarding varicosities that I treat. The treatment itself is a little unpleasant and the recovery can be uncomfortable , but everyone I have treated so far has been pleased. I treat these veins by Foam Sclerotherapy using a very fine needle to minimise the discomfort of the injection. In the recovery period, compression to the area is helpful and I recommend wearing“cycle shorts”.
Here you can see Louise’s clinical photographs before and after treatment. Six weeks after Foam Sclerotherapy, Louise is free of varicose veins and she has no discomfort. I met Louise again in my clinic last week, six months after I treated her and she remains completely free of any problems.
Like the majority of women with vulval and vaginal varicose veins, Louise was fortunate – her veins were not causing her internal symptoms and she did not have the Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. In my experience, people like Louise with simple vulval and vaginal varicose veins can benefit dramatically from Foam Sclerotherapy and only 1 in 10 people with veins in this area need a referral to a Gynaecologist or to have the ovarian reflux treated by an interventional radiologist.
Contact me today for a confidential chat
If you’re worried about your veins and would like a confidential chat please do get in touch. I am happy to offer simple advice by telephone and email for free and without obligation. In addition, we are offering FREE VEIN SCANS with our Vascular Technologist Wendy Parsons – simply call 0800 698 3467.