Veins are the blood vessels that transport blood from organs, muscles, and other body tissue back to the heart.
They have one-way valves that stop blood from flowing away from the heart in the other direction.
Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins that can develop in both men and women.
Varicose veins, which are mostly unharmful but might result in issues affecting circulation, are thought to affect 35 percent of the U.S. population.
The problematic veins are often removed or sealed off as part of the treatment, which may be carried out for medical or cosmetic reasons.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Men who are overweight or inactive are more likely than women to develop varicose veins.
✅ Although they can generate symptoms that can prompt a chat with a doctor, the majority of men’s varicose veins do not constitute a serious health danger.
✅ In addition to health issues, many people seek treatment for their varicose veins for cosmetic reasons.
✅ There are a few various ways to treat or eliminate varicose veins, all of which are often reliable, risk-free, and successful with little chance of adverse consequences.
What signs of male varicose veins are there?
Bulging veins, which are typically visible in the lower legs, are the main signs and symptoms of varicose veins in men. Varicose veins frequently don’t cause any additional symptoms outside their outward manifestation.
However, the following signs and symptoms might occasionally go along with varicose veins:
- fatigued legs
- feeling heavy in the feet and lower legs
- itching
- cramping at night
- swelling in the lower legs
What causes varicose veins in men?
When there is too much pressure in the veins, varicose veins develop. This can happen if the vein’s valves or other vein-related components deteriorate or sustain damage. Blood may begin to collect as a result, causing the veins to enlarge.
Men’s varicose veins risk factors
Your chance of getting varicose veins may increase due to a number of circumstances. These include growing older, having a family history of varicose veins, being overweight, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
Do varicose veins carry any hazards or repercussions for your health?
Many people seek treatment for varicose veins because of how they make their legs look. However, large or numerous varicose veins may also be harmful to your health. Here are a few of the most widespread health issues linked to varicose veins.
Deep vein thrombosis
Near-surface veins are frequently affected by varicose veins. Phlebitis is the medical term for when these veins become stiff and heated to the touch. When phlebitis causes a clot (also known as a thrombus) to form in a surface vein, there is typically no major health concern and the clot will resolve on its own.
Varicose vein blood clots differ from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot develops in a deeper vein in the leg. A DVT that escapes and travels to the lungs might cause a pulmonary embolism, which blocks pulmonary blood flow and limits the body’s ability to oxygenate the blood.
Leg Ulcers
Venous ulcer is another name for a leg ulcer brought on by a varicose vein. These ulcers are open sores that are difficult to heal because the enlarged veins interfere with proper blood flow in the legs. Leg ulcers frequently develop close to the ankle.
May-Thurner disorder
May-Thurner syndrome is a rare disorder where an artery in the pelvis compresses a vein, which can lead to life-threatening blood clot formation. One of the main signs of May-Thurner syndrome is swelling in the affected leg, along with varicose veins and venous ulcers.
In what ways are varicose veins managed?
There are three main ways to treat varicose veins. They are all generally safe, efficient, and quick to recover from.
Endovascular ablation
In this technique, the problematic vein is sealed off using laser or radiofrequency energy. With either local or general anesthesia, the procedure is performed as an outpatient. Following the surgery, some bruising and brief skin discoloration are typical. According to a 2019 study, surgery may not always be as safe and efficient as endovenous ablation.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a different method frequently used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. Additionally, it is an outpatient operation with a quick recovery period. With sclerotherapy, your doctor injects a solution into the varicose vein, which causes it to constrict and seal off. According to research, including a 2018 study, a foam solution may be more effective in shrinking varicose veins than a liquid (which is more frequently used for spider veins).
Surgery
Surgery to remove the impacted section of the blood artery may be the best option for larger or deeper varicose veins. Vein ligation and excision is a popular surgical procedure that involves cutting out the varicose vein’s source and part of the engorged vein.
This can be paired with a treatment called vein stripping, which the ablation method has now largely taken the place of. In a stab phlebectomy, the afflicted veins are cut out using a small incision.
When to seek medical advice from your doctor
There is no need to rush into seeing a doctor if you have varicose veins but no symptoms. Your primary care physician is the best person to talk to about this.
Contact your doctor or a vascular specialist, nevertheless, if you begin to experience pain, numbness, or other discomfort in the legs with varicose veins. Similarly, consult a doctor if you discover any lesions or sores on your skin that don’t go or heal on their own, or if your skin appears discolored.
Even while there might not be any significant health hazards, it is nevertheless important to have your varicose veins evaluated by a doctor to see if imaging or other procedures are necessary.
How are varicose veins prevented in men?
Even though varicose veins cannot always be avoided, maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk. Make an attempt to engage in greater physical activity to improve your blood flow and circulation.
Don’t spend too much time standing or sitting still. Make as many movements as you can. Additionally, raise your legs if you’re seated. It can also help to increase blood flow via your veins to have your feet higher than your heart.
Compression stockings may also be suggested by a doctor as a way to prevent varicose veins or to stop them from getting worse if they already exist.