Vaginal Varicose Veins

For the most part, pregnancy is a happy time, in spite of the variety of uncomfortable issues that often crop up. Morning sickness, back problems, water retention, moodiness and weight gain--all these are expected side effects. Less talked about are unsavory symptoms like hemorrhoids and the similar phenomenon of vaginal varicose veins.

Vaginal varicose veins pregnancy

Vaginal varicose veins can be an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy. Usually, if you're experiencing vaginal varicose veins, you'll also find you're suffering from varicose veins in your legs. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy often can trigger varicose veins, usually in the legs. The additional strain put on the body during pregnancy can cause other symptoms, as well.

Causes of vaginal varicose veins

While hormonal changes during pregnancy are usually a main culprit for the formation of varicose veins in the legs, vaginal varicose veins are more directly related to the stresses of pregnancy. Carrying extra weight, and the tendency to retain water, both can lead to vaginal varicose veins. In addition, the baby can put intense pressure on the abdominal area and cause veins to be strained or pinched off, which leads to vaginal varicose veins.

Vaginal varicose veins prevention

As with hemorrhoids and other varicose veins, exercise can help prevent vaginal varicose veins from forming. Exercise helps improve circulation, preventing the weakness in the veins that leads to varicose veins. Eating a high fiber diet can also be helpful, since this helps make elimination easier, reducing the need to strain.

Using witch hazel for vaginal varicose veins

Witch hazel has often been suggested as a remedy for varicose veins, particularly for hemorrhoids. While witch hazel does have anti-inflammatory properties, and can soothe some of the discomfort vaginal varicose veins might cause, it's not terribly effective as a topical treatment to reduce or eliminate them. Other available herbal remedies are more effective if your goal is to reduce or eliminate vaginal varicose veins.

Vaginal varicose veins treatment

As a general rule, vaginal varicose veins will disappear after you've given birth. However, if you're still pregnant and find them bothersome, there are some treatments available that can help. As with any prescription, over-the-counter or herbal remedy, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding be sure to consult with your doctor before using these treatments.

One remedy that's been used traditionally to treat hemorrhoids is horse chestnut. Horse chestnut works as an anti-inflammatory and also helps strengthen the veins and increase blood flow. Other useful ingredients for reducing or eliminating varicose veins include Diosmin, Hesperidin, and Butcher's Broom. A varicose vein herbal treatment that includes these ingredients can be a great help in dealing with this uncomfortable problem.