Vaginal Varicose Veins – Common Causes And Natural Remedies

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged superficial veins that are mostly associated with the thighs and legs. Most of the time, these veins don’t cause any symptoms and are only a cosmetic problem.

They can sometimes occur in the vaginal area and this is especially the case during pregnancy. Vaginal varicose veins occur in around 10% to 20% of pregnant women and most often during the fifth month of a second pregnancy.

It is possible that you feel moderate pain, for example when sitting down or during sex, if you have developed vaginal varicose veins. If you do experience a lot of pain or any bleeding, it is advised to contact your healthcare professional.

If you develop vaginal varicose veins during pregnancy, they will normally go away after the baby is delivered, but there are also some home remedies to treat this condition.

Causes of varicose veins at the vaginal area

As already mentioned, this is mostly a condition found in pregnant women. This is because women have increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in their body during pregnancy and these hormones are linked to vaginal varicose veins. The increased amounts of these female sex hormones can result in the walls of the veins becoming weaker and more lax, causing them to become filled with blood.

During pregnancy, vaginal varicose veins are also linked to excess weight gain and fluid retention. The baby can put pressure on the abdominal area too and cause the veins to be strained, which can lead to vaginal varicose veins.

Remedies for vaginal varicose veins

If your vaginal varicose veins are linked to pregnancy, they should disappear after you’ve given birth; however, it might also be that they remain, especially after multiple pregnancies. If you have developed them with no link to pregnancy, there are ways to reduce and treat them.

The best thing to do is to make sure you are not eating a lot of salt, because this often increases water retention and can thus lead to the appearance of the veins. You should also avoid eating a lot of processed foods or foods with high sugar content.

It is recommended that you eat a high fiber diet and whole-wheat foods instead of refined wheat. Include green vegetables and fresh fruits into your diet. Keep drinking a lot of water to make sure you don’t have salts building up in your body. Water will also help you retain a healthy circulation and oxygen content in your veins.

You can also try herbal remedies to treat vaginal varicose veins. Witch hazel has been widely recommended as safe, even when you are pregnant. It helps to reduce the inflammation and possible pain caused by the condition. It can be taken both externally and internally.

Other great and safe herbs to use are horse chestnut and butcher’s broom. You can also try to apply a zinc paste on the affected area to reduce the swelling and irritation that the vaginal varicose veins can produce. The Varicose Veins Treatment website also suggests using cornstarch this way.

It is also important, both in helping to remedy the condition and in preventing it from occurring or getting worse, to make sure you are maintaining healthy circulation. Thus, remember to exercise even during pregnancy. Exercise will help to strengthen the veins and reduce the likelihood of developing vaginal varicose veins. Don’t stand for very long periods. You can also lie down and lift your legs up to improve circulation.