During my second trimester, I reached a point where the discomfort became unbearable. “I feel an intense pressure,” I confided to my midwife at my appointment. “You know, down there.”
“Down there?” my midwife echoed. “Are you referring to your perineum?”
I nodded, dramatically exaggerating, “It feels like everything down there might just fall out! There’s so much pressure, and everything is swollen. I swear, it could easily relocate to my knees.”
“It sounds like you have vulvar varicosities,” she stated calmly.
Wait—did she just say vulvar? The inner teenager within me shrieked, “Eww!” Great, I had varicose veins in my vulva. My midwife explained that these varicosities were a result of increased blood flow in that area, compounded by the pressure from my expanding uterus. It was akin to having hemorrhoids during pregnancy—just in a different location.
Sadly, there’s no cure for vulvar varicosities. For temporary relief, my midwife suggested a vulvar supporter—thick elastic bands designed to provide lift and support to the perineum. I decided to order one online, as the thought of purchasing it in person was too embarrassing. The product resembled a modified jock strap, adorned with a bit of lace to indicate the front. I stepped into it, trying to position it beneath my growing baby bump.
From across the room, my husband muttered, “Very sexy.” I shot him a look that clearly conveyed, “If you ever want to have sex again, you’d better zip it!”
The supporter did offer some physical relief, but emotionally, I was a wreck. I wasn’t thrilled about having varicose veins in such an intimate area. What was I supposed to say when asked about my pregnancy? “My vulvar varicosities are quite uncomfortable today, but thankfully, I have my vulvar supporter. How about you?”
Interestingly, my midwife revealed she had experienced vulvar varicosities during her own pregnancy. She understood my discomfort and embarrassment, assuring me that I was not alone—many other pregnant women faced the same issue.
But who were these other women? Aside from my midwife, I knew no one else grappling with this problem. While pregnant women openly discussed nausea and cravings as if they were badges of honor, vulvar varicosities were seldom mentioned. Did celebrities like Angelina Jolie or Beyoncé ever experience this? Crickets. For the duration of my pregnancy, I trudged on in silence, thick elastic bands in place.
After the birth of my daughter, the pressure subsided, and by my six-week postpartum checkup, my veins had returned to their pre-pregnancy state. The supporter faded into memory—except for those moments when I would casually ask a fellow pregnant woman how she was doing. The typical responses were “Fine” or “Ugh, morning sickness.” Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was perhaps suffering from vulvar varicosities. If only I could offer her support—or at least direct her to where she could purchase a supporter.
For more insights into navigating pregnancy challenges, including other topics like home insemination kits, check out our blog post on artificial insemination kits. It’s a valuable resource for those exploring pregnancy options. Additionally, if you have concerns related to the pandemic, you can find expert advice at Intracervical Insemination. For comprehensive guidance on donor insemination, visit American Pregnancy.
In summary, vulvar varicosities can be an uncomfortable and often unspoken aspect of pregnancy, but recognizing that you’re not alone can provide some solace during this unique time.