Vulvar Varicosities are varicose veins that occur in the vaginal and vulvar areas. The vulva is a woman’s external portion of her genitalia.
Many women experience vulvar varicosities during pregnancy. This is due to increased hormones that cause the veins to become dilated and can result in pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. The varicosities usually disappear approx. 6 weeks after pregnancy, however residual symptoms can persist and are often difficult to formally diagnose. Therefore many women suffer for years with unexplained pelvic discomfort.
Vulvar varicosities can also have an association with pelvic venous congestion (PVC) or they can simply occur as an isolated event.
- Pressure or pain in the vaginal or vulvar area.
- Discomfort in the pelvic region when walking.
- Heavy feeling in the vaginal or vulvar area.
- Pressure in the vulvar region with prolonged sitting.
- Discomfort associated with intercourse or sexual activity.
- Itchiness in the vaginal or vulvar area.
Diagnosis of the condition requires an in-depth history of the patient’s symptoms. Since there is an association with pelvic venous congestion, there may be additional tests needed to delineate between the two.
After ruling out pelvic venous congestion as the primary cause, vulvar varicosities can be treated with ultrasound guided or visual guided sclerotherapy.