Types of Varicose Veins: Veinous Insufficiency in Other Places

When we think of varicose veins, we usually think of those large unsightly veins on the leg that cause dull, throbbing pain. However, vein abnormalities can occur in other parts of the body as well. In addition to the common type of varicose vein that everyone knows (the one on the leg), vein abnormalities can also come in these forms:

Varicose Veins:

This commonly refers veinous insufficiency, or vein abnormality, in the legs and feet.

Hemorrhoids:

The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus and lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. They can be internal (around the anus) or external (under the skin around the anus). Hemorrhoids can cause no symptoms, but they can just as often cause bloody stools, severe pain, itching, and discomfort. What most people don't realize is that hemorrhoids are basically the same as varicose veins - a veinous insufficiency causing enlarged, bulging veins - just in a different place.

Varicocele of the Scrotum:

This is a common condition in which there is a bulging mass, like a pile of worms, in a man's scrotum. This is caused by the development of varicose veins along the man's spermatic cord, which supplies blood to the testes. A veinous insufficiency in the testicular veins cause increased pressure and twisting of the testes veins, which produces varicose veins on the scrotum. Varicocele of the scrotum is usually painless, although some men report a dull ache or heavy feeling in the area. It can sometimes cause a reduction in sperm production, though it doesn't generally affect fertility.

Varicose Veins of the Pelvis:

Varicose veins of the pelvis are basically a female form of the varicocele in men. They are common on the pelvis and reproductive organs of women. They are generally painless, but sometimes a painful condition called pelvic congestion syndrome can develop.

Spider Veins:

Spider veins are basically varicose veins in a less severe form. Instead of bulging above the surface of the skin, spider veins are highly visible branches or webs of veins closer to the surface of the skin. They can cover a very large or very small area of skin, usually on the legs and face, and they look sort of like tree branches or spider webs, hence the name spider veins. They are not painful and solely a cosmetic concern.