Lifestyle choices
Natural therapies
Lifestyle choices
There are a few strategies that other women have found helpful when dealing with their vulval varicosities. These can include:
Doing pelvic floor exercises. Many women find doing
pelvic floor exercises are beneficial. These can help the blood to circulate better in the area and strengthen the supporting tissues around the veins making them stronger.
Wearing supportive underwear. You may find that wearing underwear that feels supportive on the vulva but doesn't cut into the groin too much helps with the discomfort.
Avoiding squatting for prolonged periods. Many women find squatting can aggravate their vulval varicosities.
Resting as much as possible. Some women will elevate the foot of the bed a little or put a small pillow under their bottom when resting.
Avoiding straining. It may help if your take time to go to the toilet. Avoid putting off passing the motions to a later time (if you feel the urge) and try not to strain. Some women will put their feet on a low footstool while on the toilet. For women after the birth, placing some folded toilet paper or a pad in your hand and applying gentle counter-pressure to the vulva may help support the area when opening the bowels.
Natural therapies
Some women have found natural therapies are helpful when dealing with their vulval varicosities. Check with your caregiver or practitioner.
After the birth you can fill a latex rubber glove with water, tie off the fingers and freeze them to make small ice fingers for the area. These are also helpful for the initial swelling of the perineum, especially if stitches were required. (Only leave ice fingers on for short periods, 30 minutes to an hour at a time, and then have a break for an hour or two. Constant ice on the area can reduce blood flow needed for healing.)
Dietary supplements. Some naturopaths suggest taking Bioflavonoids, Garlic and
Vitamin C.