During my second trimester, the discomfort became overwhelming. At my latest appointment, I expressed to my midwife, “I’m experiencing significant pressure,” gesturing to the area below. “You know, down there.”
“Down there?” my midwife echoed, “You mean your perineum?”
I nodded vigorously. “It feels like everything down there might just fall out! The pressure is intense, and everything seems swollen. It feels as if that entire area could easily relocate to my knees.”
“Sounds like you are dealing with vulvar varicosities,” she explained with a calm demeanor.
Wait, did she really say vulvar? The adolescent part of me cringed at the thought. Here I was, diagnosed with varicose veins in my vulva. My midwife clarified that these varicosities were a result of increased blood flow in the area coupled with the pressure from my expanding uterus. It was analogous to experiencing hemorrhoids during pregnancy—just in a different location.
Regrettably, there is no definitive cure for vulvar varicosities. For temporary relief, my midwife recommended a vulvar supporter, an elastic band designed to lift and support the perineum. I ordered one from a medical supply store online—no way was I purchasing that in person. The item resembled a modified jock strap with a hint of lace to indicate the front. As I tried to maneuver into it beneath my growing baby bump, my husband mumbled, “Looks sexy.”
I shot him a glare that said, “If you ever want to have intimacy again, I suggest you stop talking.”
While the supporter did provide some physical relief, I was emotionally grappling with my situation. What was I supposed to say if someone asked how my pregnancy was progressing? “My vulvar varicosities are acting up today, but thankfully I have my vulvar supporter. How about you?”
Interestingly, my midwife revealed that she had also experienced vulvar varicosities during her pregnancy. She understood my discomfort and embarrassment, reassuring me that I was not alone; many other pregnant women face similar issues.
But who were these other women? Aside from my midwife, I wasn’t aware of anyone else grappling with this condition. Pregnant women freely discussed their nausea and cravings, but vulvar varicosities seemed to be a taboo topic. Did celebrities like Angelina Jolie or Beyoncé experience this? I felt isolated, navigating my pregnancy with thick elastic bands between my legs.
After my daughter was born, the pressure diminished, and by my 6-week postpartum checkup, my veins had returned to their pre-pregnancy state. The supporter became a distant memory.
Occasionally, I would ask a pregnant woman how she was doing, and her response was often “Fine” or “Ugh, morning sickness.” I often wondered if, beneath the surface, she might also be dealing with vulvar varicosities. I wanted to offer support—or at least share where to find a supporter.
For more insightful discussions on pregnancy and related topics, consider exploring our other articles (like this one on home insemination). You may also find valuable information at Make A Mom, which specializes in home insemination kits. For comprehensive resources about pregnancy, visit the World Health Organization.
In summary, vulvar varicosities can be an uncomfortable and often unspoken aspect of pregnancy. While they may cause significant discomfort, support options are available, and it’s crucial for expectant mothers to know they are not alone in their experiences.