During my second trimester, the discomfort became unbearable. “I feel an immense pressure,” I confided to my midwife during our appointment. “You know, down there.”
“Down there?” she echoed. “Are you referring to your perineum?”
I nodded vigorously. “It feels as if everything down there could just fall out! There’s so much pressure, and everything is so swollen. It feels like my entire lower region could easily shift to my knees.”
“Sounds like you’re dealing with vulvar varicosities,” she stated matter-of-factly.
Wait. Did she just say vulvar? The adolescent girl in me winced, “Eww!” Apparently, I had varicose veins in my vulva. My midwife explained that the varicosities were a result of increased blood flow and the pressure from my expanding uterus. It was akin to having hemorrhoids—just a different location.
Regrettably, there was no cure for vulvar varicosities. For some temporary relief, my midwife recommended a vulvar supporter—thick elastic bands designed to be worn over my underwear to help lift and support the perineum. I ordered one from a medical supply website (there was no way I was buying that in person). It resembled a modified jock strap with a hint of lace to indicate the front. As I slipped it on, I struggled to see beneath my growing baby bump.
Across the room, my husband muttered, “Real sexy.”
I shot him a glare that clearly conveyed, “If you ever want to have intimacy again, you’ll stop talking.”
While the supporter did provide some physical comfort, emotionally, I was a wreck. How was I supposed to respond when people asked about my pregnancy? “My vulvar varicosities are quite uncomfortable today, but thank goodness for my vulvar supporter. How about you?”
Surprisingly, my midwife had experienced vulvar varicosities during her own pregnancy. She understood my discomfort and embarrassment, reassuring me that I wasn’t alone in this struggle.
But who else was going through this? Aside from my midwife, I knew no one else with this issue. Pregnant women openly shared stories about nausea and cravings as if they were badges of honor, yet no one dared to discuss vulvar varicosities. Did celebrities like Angelina Jolie or Beyoncé experience this too? I felt isolated, lumbering around with those thick bands for the remainder of my pregnancy.
After my daughter arrived, the pressure finally eased. By my six-week postpartum checkup, my veins had returned to their pre-pregnancy state. The supporter quickly faded into a distant memory.
Yet sometimes, when I check in on a pregnant woman, her response is often just “Fine” or “Ugh, morning sickness.” I can’t help but wonder if she’s silently dealing with vulvar varicosities. I want to reach out and offer her support—or at least point her in the direction of a vulvar supporter.
If you want to know more about pregnancy challenges, feel free to check out this helpful resource or explore details about the at-home insemination kit. And if you have questions, you can always reach out to us through this link for further support.
Summary:
Navigating pregnancy can be filled with unexpected challenges, such as vulvar varicosities, which can lead to discomfort and emotional turmoil. Many women suffer in silence, feeling isolated despite the commonality of such issues. By sharing experiences and offering support, we can foster a more open dialogue about the less-discussed aspects of pregnancy.