Is there a connection between varicose veins and constipation?

I am a 25-year-old female, and I have spider veins and visible reticular veins behind knees. My ultrasound is normal. I have had chronic constipation for 10 years. Could it be the reason?

Answers from doctors (14)


Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

Published on Dec 20, 2012

The constipation may have increased the development of the spider veins, but is not really the cause. Certainly, correcting the constipation is important for many reasons. The spider veins can always be treated as well.

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Answered by Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

The constipation may have increased the development of the spider veins, but is not really the cause. Certainly, correcting the constipation is important for many reasons. The spider veins can always be treated as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Oct 12, 2012

There is no direct link between constipation and spider veins. Sclerotherapy can be provided if you would like to close the spider and varicose veins.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

There is no direct link between constipation and spider veins. Sclerotherapy can be provided if you would like to close the spider and varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


North Shore Vein Center

Published on Oct 09, 2012

Anything that increases intra-abdominal pressure could cause more reflux in an already incompetent vein. Make sure that you had an ultrasound specifically looking for venous insufficiency and not a standard venous duplex scan that typically looks for clots.

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Answered by North Shore Vein Center

Anything that increases intra-abdominal pressure could cause more reflux in an already incompetent vein. Make sure that you had an ultrasound specifically looking for venous insufficiency and not a standard venous duplex scan that typically looks for clots.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Oct 04, 2012

There is no connection with varicose veins in legs with constipation.
However, if you have internal hemorrhoids, that could contribute to
constipation. I would advise you to discuss with your primary care
physician.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

There is no connection with varicose veins in legs with constipation.
However, if you have internal hemorrhoids, that could contribute to
constipation. I would advise you to discuss with your primary care
physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Oct 03, 2012

Did you have a pelvic ultrasound done? There could be vein congestion in the pelvis that might lead to pelvic pain and spider veins.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Did you have a pelvic ultrasound done? There could be vein congestion in the pelvis that might lead to pelvic pain and spider veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Most likely it is caused by genetics, gender, hormones, or lifestyle (on your feet a lot.) That being said, if you are straining to have a bowel movement, you are increasing the pressure in your vasculature and not helping the situation. A change in your diet may help the constipation and take that out of the equation.

Answered by North Country Thoracic & Vascular (View Profile)

Most likely it is caused by genetics, gender, hormones, or lifestyle (on your feet a lot.) That being said, if you are straining to have a bowel movement, you are increasing the pressure in your vasculature and not helping the situation. A change in your diet may help the constipation and take that out of the equation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 02, 2012

I doubt it, however, chronic straining may cause hemorrhoids.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

I doubt it, however, chronic straining may cause hemorrhoids.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Oct 02, 2012

Leg vein problems are inherited. While constipation could theoretically aggravate the condition, it can't cause it. So you have two very common human conditions.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Leg vein problems are inherited. While constipation could theoretically aggravate the condition, it can't cause it. So you have two very common human conditions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 02, 2012

If you have venous insufficiency and are bearing down a lot to have a movement, this will cause more pressure in the veins in the legs. If your ultrasound was normal, then constipation should have little to no effect. Get some Colace or Dulcolax tablets and find someone to perform injection sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

If you have venous insufficiency and are bearing down a lot to have a movement, this will cause more pressure in the veins in the legs. If your ultrasound was normal, then constipation should have little to no effect. Get some Colace or Dulcolax tablets and find someone to perform injection sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 02, 2012

There is no connection between spider/reticular veins on the lower legs. Try staying very well hydrated, eating more fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and, if needed, using a fiber product such a Citrucel.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

There is no connection between spider/reticular veins on the lower legs. Try staying very well hydrated, eating more fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and, if needed, using a fiber product such a Citrucel.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 02, 2012

I am not aware of any connection between the two conditions.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I am not aware of any connection between the two conditions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 02, 2012

No.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

No.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Oct 02, 2012

No.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

No.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 02, 2012

There is no connection between varicose veins, spider or reticular veins and constipation. There is a relationship between hemorrhoids and constipation.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There is no connection between varicose veins, spider or reticular veins and constipation. There is a relationship between hemorrhoids and constipation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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