I suddenly have reticular and varicose veins, could it be due to chronic constipation and straining?

In the last year, I had chronic constipation and have strained a lot. I've noticed green reticular & varicose veins on my rt upper inner groin area. It seems as though they appeared overnight. Could constipation be causing them? Would ELA be the appropriate treatment?

Answers from doctors (7)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jul 02, 2014

Usually you don't treat reticular veins, because they are too deep to pull out, but if you inject them they will probably stain. Bulging varicose veins on the legs are pulled out using ambulatory phlebectomy. Varicose veins are usually genetic, but pregnancy is a major factor. Constipation is not a factor in their cause.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Usually you don't treat reticular veins, because they are too deep to pull out, but if you inject them they will probably stain. Bulging varicose veins on the legs are pulled out using ambulatory phlebectomy. Varicose veins are usually genetic, but pregnancy is a major factor. Constipation is not a factor in their cause.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 01, 2014

Probably not constipation. Phlebectomy may be needed.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Probably not constipation. Phlebectomy may be needed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 01, 2014

You may be developing some vulvar veins and it is possible that this MAY be related to constipation and straining in addition to hemorrhoids. My advice is to drink plenty of water, take a stool softener and increase fiber in your diet until the constipation resolves. Laser ablation isn't typically indicated for this if there isn't underlying symptomatic saphenous incompetence. If you try all conservative measures and any underlying causes for your constipation are ruled out, patients have had relief from foam sclerotherapy. You should be thoroughly evaluated with ultrasound prior to this and it should be performed by an experienced vascular surgery with training in this area.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You may be developing some vulvar veins and it is possible that this MAY be related to constipation and straining in addition to hemorrhoids. My advice is to drink plenty of water, take a stool softener and increase fiber in your diet until the constipation resolves. Laser ablation isn't typically indicated for this if there isn't underlying symptomatic saphenous incompetence. If you try all conservative measures and any underlying causes for your constipation are ruled out, patients have had relief from foam sclerotherapy. You should be thoroughly evaluated with ultrasound prior to this and it should be performed by an experienced vascular surgery with training in this area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jun 30, 2014

You most likely are suffering from underlying chronic venous insufficiency and your other issues are contributing to the problem. In other words, you did not cause the varicose veins but have been adding 'extra' pressure to the system that is already abnormally high in pressure. Therefore, varicose veins become more obvious. Hope that helps.

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Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

You most likely are suffering from underlying chronic venous insufficiency and your other issues are contributing to the problem. In other words, you did not cause the varicose veins but have been adding 'extra' pressure to the system that is already abnormally high in pressure. Therefore, varicose veins become more obvious. Hope that helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Straining could have worsened the veins but they were most likely damaged to begin with. You would require a venous reflux ultrasound to see which technique should be used to treat them. The main ways of treatment are Laser or RF ablation, phlebectomy and sclerotherapy and are usually used together.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

Straining could have worsened the veins but they were most likely damaged to begin with. You would require a venous reflux ultrasound to see which technique should be used to treat them. The main ways of treatment are Laser or RF ablation, phlebectomy and sclerotherapy and are usually used together.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jun 29, 2014

Most likely you have some degree of venous insufficiency (reflux). The straining might have contributed to put them manifest more prominently.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Most likely you have some degree of venous insufficiency (reflux). The straining might have contributed to put them manifest more prominently.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 27, 2014

Straining can increase the venous pressure and lead to vein formation. Whether or not this is the cause of your new veins is unclear. You should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation including a venous ultrasound.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Straining can increase the venous pressure and lead to vein formation. Whether or not this is the cause of your new veins is unclear. You should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation including a venous ultrasound.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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