If I get the EVLA procedure, will my varicose veins get worse after I become pregnant?

I've had varicose veins since the age of 12. I am now 28 years old with an insufficient sapheno-femoral valve. If I get the EVLA procedure, will the veins get worse after I become pregnant?

Answers from doctors (13)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Apr 30, 2013

Yes, pregnancy will affect the veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Yes, pregnancy will affect the veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 12, 2013

Varicose veins are usually exacerbated by pregnancy, so untreated veins will become worse and new veins may appear. The ablated vein should not reoccur.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Varicose veins are usually exacerbated by pregnancy, so untreated veins will become worse and new veins may appear. The ablated vein should not reoccur.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Mar 05, 2013

Having varicose veins since the age of 12 is most unusual. I'd recommend a thorough evaluation by an experienced physician. Usually, having an EVLA would minimize any deterioration in the veins after pregnancy.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/632_1504890617.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Having varicose veins since the age of 12 is most unusual. I'd recommend a thorough evaluation by an experienced physician. Usually, having an EVLA would minimize any deterioration in the veins after pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 05, 2013

In our clinic, we have treated many young women with saphenous incompetence of long standing duration. It is important that you receive a thorough evaluation and ultrasound exam by an experienced surgeon who specializes in venous disease to establish you have a normal functioning deep venous system before proceeding further. Then, I would recommend endovenous ablation of the saphenous vein and removing the superficial varicose vein ( microphlebectomy). I would advise this be done before pregnancy to reduce your risk of blood clots (either superficial or deep). This is a minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime. When performed correctly, these veins will not recur. But, during pregnancy the veins dilate to carry extra blood. This could lead to other superficial varicose veins developing. You are genetically predisposed to these and the problem can be chronic in nature. We highly recommend our patients wear prescription support stockings to improve their circulation and make the legs feel better.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

In our clinic, we have treated many young women with saphenous incompetence of long standing duration. It is important that you receive a thorough evaluation and ultrasound exam by an experienced surgeon who specializes in venous disease to establish you have a normal functioning deep venous system before proceeding further. Then, I would recommend endovenous ablation of the saphenous vein and removing the superficial varicose vein ( microphlebectomy). I would advise this be done before pregnancy to reduce your risk of blood clots (either superficial or deep). This is a minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime. When performed correctly, these veins will not recur. But, during pregnancy the veins dilate to carry extra blood. This could lead to other superficial varicose veins developing. You are genetically predisposed to these and the problem can be chronic in nature. We highly recommend our patients wear prescription support stockings to improve their circulation and make the legs feel better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Treating it now should reduce the chances of further vein trouble during pregnancy. You should still wear compression hose during the pregnancy.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Treating it now should reduce the chances of further vein trouble during pregnancy. You should still wear compression hose during the pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on Mar 04, 2013

No. There is no reason to wait to have your abnormal veins treated. In the "old days" surgeons advised patients to wait until after they had all their babies before undergoing vein stripping surgery. Perhaps because recurrent, sometimes pregnancy-induced, varicose veins were so common after surgery. These days, the technical success of EVLA approaches 99 percent, and when a patient is properly treated recurrence rates are very low. Why suffer with varicose vein-related pain and swelling during pregnancy when pre-pregnancy treatment is so effective?

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1449_1408044096.jpg
Answered by Vein 911

No. There is no reason to wait to have your abnormal veins treated. In the "old days" surgeons advised patients to wait until after they had all their babies before undergoing vein stripping surgery. Perhaps because recurrent, sometimes pregnancy-induced, varicose veins were so common after surgery. These days, the technical success of EVLA approaches 99 percent, and when a patient is properly treated recurrence rates are very low. Why suffer with varicose vein-related pain and swelling during pregnancy when pre-pregnancy treatment is so effective?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Pregnancy may cause varicose veins to worsen but if treated prior to becoming pregnant, they should not return.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Pregnancy may cause varicose veins to worsen but if treated prior to becoming pregnant, they should not return.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 04, 2013

The varicose veins probably will not get worse, but they can recur after a pregnancy. Also, there is the possibility that new varicose veins will appear. Wear stockings during your pregnancy to try to minimize the risk of recurrent/new veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

The varicose veins probably will not get worse, but they can recur after a pregnancy. Also, there is the possibility that new varicose veins will appear. Wear stockings during your pregnancy to try to minimize the risk of recurrent/new veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 04, 2013

You should wait until after your pregnancy to have the procedure.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You should wait until after your pregnancy to have the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Your varicose veins shouldn't get worse if it is closed by EVLT and all of the reflux is from that vein.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Your varicose veins shouldn't get worse if it is closed by EVLT and all of the reflux is from that vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

It is likely that you will have increased pain in your legs and pelvis when you are pregnant simply because of your long-ranging vein complications. If the venous reflux in bad enough, many physicians would recommend having a procedure done before you become pregnant. Due to the increase of blood during pregnancy, the veins will possibly become larger, and other veins might develop. Find an interventional radiologist to consult about treatment.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It is likely that you will have increased pain in your legs and pelvis when you are pregnant simply because of your long-ranging vein complications. If the venous reflux in bad enough, many physicians would recommend having a procedure done before you become pregnant. Due to the increase of blood during pregnancy, the veins will possibly become larger, and other veins might develop. Find an interventional radiologist to consult about treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

If you have ablation of the greater saphenous vein before pregnancy, your varicose veins should not worsen after pregnancy, unless these veins are due to other incompetent valves from other veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

If you have ablation of the greater saphenous vein before pregnancy, your varicose veins should not worsen after pregnancy, unless these veins are due to other incompetent valves from other veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

No, they will not. You might get some increase in small varicose veins, but it will depend on how complete the job was done. Success, in this case, would mean that the EVLA has eliminated not only the reflux on the large trunks (great saphenous veins), but also on the secondary trunks. Certainly if your vein problem is so severe that it began when you were 12 years old, your pregnancy would be very difficult unless you do something with your veins before becoming pregnant. Make sure that the person that does your evaluation and your treatments is someone who understands blood circulation problems and has board certification in Phlebology (Vein Diseases).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

No, they will not. You might get some increase in small varicose veins, but it will depend on how complete the job was done. Success, in this case, would mean that the EVLA has eliminated not only the reflux on the large trunks (great saphenous veins), but also on the secondary trunks. Certainly if your vein problem is so severe that it began when you were 12 years old, your pregnancy would be very difficult unless you do something with your veins before becoming pregnant. Make sure that the person that does your evaluation and your treatments is someone who understands blood circulation problems and has board certification in Phlebology (Vein Diseases).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I had EVLT about 10 days ago , now I have a big knot on my inner thigh and when I touch it, it still hurts , I had a lot of pain the day after the surgery and I couldn't bend my leg. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
It has been a week since my EVLT procedure, and I am wondering if I should continue wearing the compression stocking?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -11 answers
I had swelling in my left foot and my doctor confirmed that the valves in two of my veins were not working properly. I had these veins closed with endovenous laser ablation, but four weeks later I still have swelling in my foot that doesn't go away. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I have burning pain at my incision site 3 weeks after endovenous laser ablation. It isn't constant, just when it is touched or rubbed. Could this be nerve damage or a hair follicle that is irritated from the incision?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy performed on both the greater and lessor saphenous veins of my legs. It was done on the same day. After a couple of weeks I started feeling numbness and tingling in my legs, mostly below the knee and through my feet. Will the feelings ever go away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -13 answers
I had my GSV ablation done 13 days ago and still have intense pain in a segment on the inner thigh just above the knee. Is this level of pain normal and, if so, for how long? I have to take Advil for relief, but my stomach is sensitive to NSAIDS.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
I've heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis. Is this true, and how common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -7 answers
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -4 answers
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -12 answers
Does this procedure hurt?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR