Vulvar Varicose Veins Pregnancy and Crossing Legs Varicose Veins: Myth or Fact?

Sharifa McFarlane

'Vulvar varicose veins pregnancy' and 'Crossing legs varicose veins'-are these facts or are they just sayings that have no foundation? Many people have purple veins or spider veins crossing the backs of their knees or other parts of their body. Are those caused by crossing legs while sitting? Can varicose veins appear in more intimate areas of the body?

The affected blood vessels are often a source of discomfort for women. They are found in both women and men. They are superficial to the skin and are found in persons in occupations where they have to do many hours of standing each day. Production line workers, hospitality workers, bank staff and train drivers all have a higher incidence of health problems caused by their job.

These persons are not only at a higher risk for developing varicose veins. They are also at a higher risk for joint damage and other foot problems. They have circulatory problems and difficulties with pregnancy.

Spider veins, or varicose veins can cause itching and ulcers and many people would prefer not to have them. The condition is linked to an increase in estrogen. This increase in the female sex hormone weakens veins walls. This is why varicose veins may occur during pregnancy. Some women are also predisposed to developing varicose veins because of their genes.

Weight gain, lack of exercise, prolonged sitting, standing for long periods and other activities that place pressure on the veins can cause varicose veins to form. Many studies have examined the link between crossing legs and varicose veins. However there is no concrete evidence that crossing legs causes varicose veins.

Vulvar varicose veins pregnancy is fact. These veins usually appear during pregnancy. They may occur in the vulva or vagina. They become less prominent after the child is born.

Sources:

Abc.net, "Does Crossing Your Legs Give You Varicose Veins?", http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2009/10/08/2708318.htm

Veindirectory.org, "Varicose veins in Pregnancy", http://www.veindirectory.org/content/vaginal-varicose-veins.asp#b

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.