What are Labia Varicosities (Vulvar Varicosities)?
Vulvar varicosities, also commonly referred to as labia varicosities, are a condition when the veins in the labia minora or majora become dilated.
Like any other part of the human body, the vulva is interconnected through an extensive reach of large and small blood vessels. During pregnancy, the increase in weight and pressure may reduce blood flow to the lower body and genitals. This will then cascade into the condition known as Labia varicosities.
While no one is fully exempt from developing vulvar varicose veins, the condition is more apparent in pregnant women. Moreover, pregnant women are more susceptible to developing pelvic varicosities due to the pressure and weight exerted by the baby.
However, in most cases, the condition does go away after giving birth. Ideally, you should start feeling better within six to eight weeks from the delivery time. Unfortunately, in some women, the dilated veins do not recover independently and need medical intervention to help fix the condition and get you back to your normal self.
Most people understand that varicose veins can be found in the legs and feet. And while this is mostly true, they can also manifest in the vulva. This is generally why most women who develop from vulvar varicosities don’t notice it until the condition begins to worsen.
There are numerous veins supplying blood to and from the vulva. And since they all differ in size, there’s no sure way to tell if you’re developing pelvic varicosities. The impact may leave them moderately swollen from the varying size of the veins, especially in the smaller veins. Larger veins may get twisted and become painful over time. This further goes to assert the importance of consulting a healthcare professional if you’re uncertain.
What Causes Vulvar Varicosities?
- There is ongoing research concerning the causes and risk factors associated with pelvic congestion syndrome. However, the most commonly known cause of vulvar varicosities is pregnancy.
- Blood vessels such as veins contain valves whose task is to prevent blood from flowing back. Veins in the abdominal and lower parts of the body have to work against factors such as gravity to ensure smooth and uninterrupted blood flow.
However, pregnancy can lead to the dilation of veins. - Consequently, this means the valves have to work even harder to keep blood flowing in the proper direction. This dilation can go unnoticed in the initial stages, making pelvic congestion syndrome hard to detect in the early days.
- Other factors, such as the pregnancy’s pressure on the lower body and the increased blood flow to the genitalia, can alter valves’ normal working and efficiency, which then results in the development of varicose veins.
- Recent research also shows that pelvic congestion syndrome runs in the family. So, if a relative or someone genetically close to you has encountered a case of vulvar varicosities, you too may be at risk. To combat this situation, you can schedule regular checkups with your physician to ensure no signs of pelvic congestion syndrome.
- Pelvic tumors have also been identified as a causative and accelerant agent to labia varicose veins. If you’re worried you may have a pelvic tumor – or any other previously undiagnosed tumor, you should seek professional medical services immediately.

Labial Varicose Veins (Labia Varicosities)
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are harmless. Most people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. However, treatment will also alleviate the mild yet persistent discomfort labia varicosities sometimes causes.
What to Expect from Your Visit to Pedes
ULTRASOUND
ULTRASOUND
Your treatment will begin with an ultrasound examination of your veins, arteries, or both, in your legs to diagnose the presence and extent of the disease. Your test results will be immediately available to review with the doctor.
CONSULT
CONSULT
Once we review the results of your diagnostic tests, our physicians will help you develop a plan to provide you with the best treatment for your disease.
TREATMENT
TREATMENT
Depending on the extent of disease in your arteries or veins, our specialists may recommend minimally invasive intervention and/or prescribe medications to help your symptoms.
FOLLOW UP
FOLLOW UP
It is important to make sure that you return for every scheduled follow-up appointment to ensure that your disease is appropriately monitored. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please call or schedule a follow-up appointment with our staff.