During my second trimester, the discomfort I was experiencing became unbearable. “I feel a significant amount of pressure,” I expressed to my midwife during a routine check-up. With a hint of drama, I added, “You know, down there.”
“Down there?” she echoed. “You mean your perineum?”
I nodded vigorously. “It feels like everything might just fall out! There’s so much pressure and swelling; it feels like that entire area could easily migrate to my knees.”
“It appears you have vulvar varicosities,” she stated with an air of professionalism.
Wait a minute. Did she just say “vulvar”? The 13-year-old girl within me reacted with a silent, “Eww!” Here I was, dealing with varicose veins in my vulva. My midwife explained that these varicosities were a result of increased blood flow and the pressure from my expanding uterus. The situation was akin to having hemorrhoids, but in a different location.
Regrettably, there was no definitive cure for vulvar varicosities. For temporary relief, my midwife recommended a vulvar supporter—essentially thick elastic bands designed to lift and provide support to my perineum. I promptly ordered one online from a medical supply store. (There was absolutely no way I was going to purchase that in person.) The item resembled a modified jock strap, complete with a bit of lace to indicate the front. I awkwardly stepped into it, attempting to see the supporter beneath my growing baby bump.
From across the room, my husband muttered, “Sexy.”
I shot him a glare that clearly conveyed the message: “If you ever want to have sex again, you will cease that commentary right now.”
While the supporter offered some physical relief, I was an emotional wreck over my situation. I was uncomfortable with having varicosities in such an intimate area. What was I supposed to say when people asked about my pregnancy? “My vulvar varicosities are quite bothersome today, but at least I have my vulvar supporter. What about you?”
As fate would have it, my midwife had also endured vulvar varicosities during her pregnancy. She understood my discomfort and embarrassment and reassured me that I was not alone; many other pregnant women experienced this as well.
But who were these other women? Other than my midwife and myself, I had no idea. Pregnant women freely discussed nausea and cravings, almost as if they were badges of honor, but vulvar varicosities were a taboo topic. Did celebrities like Angelina Jolie or Beyoncé go through this? I felt like I was navigating this experience in silence, with thick elastic bands between my legs for the remainder of my pregnancy.
Once my daughter was born, the pressure dissipated. By my six-week postpartum check-up, my veins had returned to their pre-pregnancy state, and the supporter quickly became a distant memory.
However, when I occasionally inquire about a pregnant woman’s well-being, the response is often a simple “Fine” or “Ugh, morning sickness.” I can’t help but wonder if perhaps, just perhaps, she might be struggling with vulvar varicosities. I wish I could offer her support—or at least direct her to where she can find a supporter. For those interested in more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent article on infertility here or learn more about the latest findings on paternal age and IVF success rates here.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a home insemination kit, you might want to explore our guide here.
Summary
Vulvar varicosities are a common yet rarely discussed issue during pregnancy, causing discomfort and emotional distress. While there is no cure, supportive garments can provide temporary relief. Many women suffer from this condition in silence, and it’s important to foster an open dialogue about such experiences.