Varicose veins are unsightly and uncomfortable. They affect both men and women and appear to have a genetic predisposition. In other words, if you have family members that suffer from varicose veins, you will also probably have weak valves and have the same experience.

Varicose veins occur when the one way valves that stop blood from pooling in the feet are damaged. When the blood leaves the heart it is pumped throughout the body by the force of the heart muscle. When it comes to the end of the route and has delivered all of the oxygen available, it turns around and heads for home, the heart and lungs.

On the return trip there is no heart muscle to pump the blood back against gravity. Instead, there are a series of one-way valves in the venous system that work with muscle contraction to force the blood through the legs, up to the inferior vena cava which then delivers the blood to the heart and lungs. Continue reading →

Varicose veins develop in men and women when the one-way valves that control the return of blood from the lower extremities to the heart are damaged. These valves prevent the blood from pooling in the veins and the subsequent swelling that results. Unfortunately, some men and women are prone to varicose veins and spider veins because of a genetic predisposition. Women can also develop varicose veins in the vaginal area, especially during pregnancy.

These vaginal varicose veins can occur both within the vaginal vault and outside where they can be seen more clearly. Some women complain of pain and discomfort while others noticed the bump but have no change in sensation. Just as with other varicose veins, women who spend the majority of their day on their feet, will experience greater heaviness and pain at the end of the day. Also, it is not uncommon for women to find that sex is now uncomfortable or painful. (1)

Women can improve their pain and discomfort by spending some time lying down with their feet elevated for 30 minutes both in the morning, afternoon and evening. Women also find that adding pressure against the varicose veins can help them from increasing in size as the day goes on. Continue reading →