Are you aware of vulvar varicosities during pregnancy?

Many mothers, especially during pregnancy, have heard of varicose veins in their legs. It is very common. But did you know that a similar condition can also occur in the area around your vagina (vulva)? This is what we medically call `( Vulvar Varicosities )`. Although many people are a little embarrassed to talk about it, this is a more common condition that affects many women, especially after their first pregnancy. So don't worry, we will talk about it all clearly today.

Why does this happen during pregnancy?

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. So with those changes, the chances of this condition also increase. Simply put, when the veins in your lower abdomen can't circulate blood properly, the blood pools in one place and the veins swell and become twisted. There are several main reasons for this.

• Increased blood flow to the pelvis: During pregnancy, your body's blood volume increases significantly to nourish the growing baby. This extra blood also flows to your pelvic area. But when the delicate veins there have trouble managing this extra blood, the blood builds up inside those veins, causing them to swell and clot.

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes in your body during this time, especially the increase in the hormone progesterone , can cause the walls of your veins to become loose and stretchy. This can reduce their ability to carry blood efficiently, causing them to become enlarged and twisted.

• Enlarged uterus: As your baby grows, your uterus also grows. This weight puts pressure on the large blood vessels (veins) in your pelvic area. This can interfere with the blood returning from your lower body to your heart. As a result, the veins in your vagina fill with blood and start to swell.

How do you know if you have this condition?

Many times, women don't even know they have this condition. Because sometimes they don't feel any pain or discomfort. However, some people may experience the following symptoms . Let's see what they are.

How is this treated?

The good news is that most of the time, this condition will go away on its own within 6 to 8 weeks after delivery, without any treatment. So, during pregnancy, we focus most of our attention on managing the symptoms and minimizing the discomfort you feel.

Simple things you can do at home

Try these things to reduce your discomfort:

• Change your position frequently: Don't stay in the same position (standing or sitting) for long periods of time. Change your position at least once every half hour.
• Keep your hips elevated: When lying down, place a pillow under your hips to keep them slightly elevated. This helps with blood circulation.
• Cold compress: Place an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth on the area of ​​pain and swelling for about 10-15 minutes. Do this several times a day.
• Special support garments: There are special support garments designed specifically for this condition. These provide support to the affected area, reducing pain . Ask your doctor for advice on this.
• Wear loose clothing: Avoid wearing clothes that are tight around the groin or waist area.

What if this doesn't get better after having the baby?

Very rarely, the vein occlusion may not heal even a few months after delivery. If this happens, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• Sclerotherapy : A special liquid solution is injected into the vein, causing it to shrink, close, and disappear completely over time.
• Phlebectomy: Removal of affected veins through a very small incision in the skin.
• Transcatheter Embolization: A procedure in which a medication or artificial substance is injected into a vein through a catheter to stop blood flow to that area.

When should I see a doctor?

It is very important to inform your doctor about any health problems you may have during pregnancy. This is also true for this condition. Don't be shy or afraid to talk about it. Especially if you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

• If the veins are dark red and feel hot to the touch.
• If the pain and swelling are getting worse day by day.
• If there is a suspicion of a blood clot.
• If there is bleeding from the area.

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and, if necessary, refer you for something like an ultrasound scan to accurately diagnose the condition.

Vulvar Varicosities, Pregnancy, Vagina, Varicose Veins, Varicose Veins, Women's Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology