So did I mention that I am pregnant?
About 6-8 weeks in, I started to experience a pretty intense pain in my pelvic region unlike any I'd ever experienced before. At first I ignored it, but pretty soon sex became almost unbearable, and if I didn't do something about it my husband was because he has a very lively sex drive and is not the type to just wait around for things to heal when it's his wife's jay-jay that's hurting.
I made an appointment with my OB, and she diagnosed the problem as a condition called "vulvar varicosities". For those of you unfamiliar (I know I was), vulvar varicosities is a not-too uncommon condition occurring in women who are pregnant.
It's not pleasant, believe me. The good news is it's not all that serious either.
While it took a couple of weeks before I was able (willing) to have sex again, the condition did get better, and thankfully no medications were needed. I'm unusually anal about not taking ANYTHING while pregnant, and having to choose between taking a medicine and enduring the pain would have been a really tough decision.
I had to get a crotch pad called a V2 supporter, which I have to wear to bed every night (husband less than thrilled but still supportive), and I'm told that it'll barely be noticeable by the time the baby comes (another 5 months give or take).
All I can say is let's just hope so...
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I had them with my first pregnancy around 17-20 weeks. This pregnancy they started at 12 weeks. I loved the V2 supporter last time and I'm about to buy a second one since my pain and heaviness is worse while running.
July 10, 2014 - 8:34pmThis Comment
Hello. Did you continue to run after finding out about the v veins? I have them and just bought the V2 and am worried that I might have to stop working out/running.
January 6, 2015 - 3:37pmThis Comment
I just shared my story/experience with vulvar varicosities. Mine started at age 17 (not due to pregnancy). Unfortunately mine did not go away on their own and in the 23 years since I've had 2 partial vulvectomies to remove the veins. I'm now quite disfigured 'down there' which has really caused a blow to my self confidence. I've been searching for groups of women who have experienced the same thing but haven't had much luck with that.
May 6, 2014 - 10:25amAnyway, hope everything turned out great for you!
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The compression stockings do help when the veins extend all the way down the legs. Juzo is my preferred brand for compression hose.
As for the vulvar varicosities and maternity supports in general, I've never found BabyBellyBand products to be effective in relieving any sort of pain associated with pregnancy. To be totally honest, I think they're overpriced and use cheap materials that don't work.
I was very pleased with the V2 though.
April 15, 2013 - 7:18pmThis Comment
I also had vulvar Varicosities during pregnancy. sooo painful! I don't like using meds either and found a cool ( refrigerator coo)) packs at night really helped reduce swelling. Also compression support is a must. I used the Babybellyband products with groin support and found it supportive and easy to put on. I could not lift my leg w/ o pain and this product does not require stepping into. Nice to have options. One last thought, never let anyone tell you there is nothing you can do as my Doc did. I wonder sometimes if some have heard of the Internet. I do not like no for an answer so researched on my own products to help this condition. The two listed on this blog are the best, I just preferred the versatility of the Babybellyband. The hopeful news is that once my pregnancy ended so did the Vulvar Varicosities. I will hope the same for you:)
March 6, 2013 - 10:52amThis Comment
For the record, I resent Lydi's attempt to commercialize a very personal story I shared with other women in the EmpowHer community in hopes that some reading the above article would not wait weeks not knowing what was wrong or what could be done about it, declining to see a doctor about it until the pain got to be unbearable. That some company would try to take advantage of me opening myself up about an unfortunate condition in the most private of places by sending someone to comment under the guise of having experienced vulvar varicosities, when the entire motive underlying the comment is to plug a bunch of products --- all from the same company mind you --- is reprehensible and beyond disgusting.
April 13, 2013 - 2:20amThis Comment
Thank you for sharing your story as your story will help other women in the same situation. I hope that you can update us about the condition once the baby is born and congratulations also.
Best in health,
Missie
June 10, 2012 - 4:44amThis Comment
Thank you for the kind words. This is the first time I've shared this with anyone outside of my immediate family. I've been to a couple of other communities similar to EmpowHer, but this is the first one I've felt totally comfortable sharing such a private ordeal.
June 18, 2012 - 10:45amLooking forward to connecting with other moms as I embark on this new chapter of life!
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