Men and Venous Disease

Posted on October 5, 2021

Venous disease may be a condition that creeps in unexpectedly in the lives of men simply because varicose veins are often perceived as a women’s health issue. The common perception is that women may have vein problems after pregnancy or as they get older. Your grandma’s spider veins are not something that men are supposed to worry about.

Stereotypes about venous disease may lead women to be extra cautious about seeing the jagged, bluish veins appear on their legs and men to be relatively unconcerned. After all, many men already tend to downplay symptoms and delay going to the doctor. They talk about health problems and report minor issues less than women. Unfortunately, men tend to have a habit of ignoring symptoms until it becomes more serious before they visit a doctor. For varicose veins, it’s often women who have noticed something problematic in their husband’s legs or body and then persuaded them to get evaluated by a doctor.

The stereotype that women are the only ones who should be worried about vein problems couldn’t be further from the truth. By one estimate, 50% of men will develop abnormal leg veins in some form of another in their lifetime and 15% of all men will develop more serious varicose veins. Varicose veins are not simply a cosmetic issue, but a symptom of faulty valves in the veins that keep blood from being directed back up to the heart. They can even cause pain and swelling in the legs if left untreated.

Fortunately, treatment can often be a simple hour-long procedure that closes the faulty veins and redirects blood to the healthy veins. Early detection and early treatment are beneficial for everyone with this condition. Since venous disease is a progressive condition, ignoring the early symptoms could lead to more complicated issues later. For many men who come into a vein specialist for the first time, the symptoms have already caused them plenty of pain and discomfort. Not getting treatment early enough because they have been downplaying the symptoms may result in a more serious medical problem.

How do you know if you (or your husband, son, dad, brother, etc.) have venous disease?

• You see bluish, bulging veins on your legs
• Your legs are aching, itchy, or swelling
• You feel cramping and burning in the legs
• You have swollen ankles
• You have night cramps

You should be extra vigilant if you are more at risk for vein disease. Family history, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or work that requires long periods of standing or sitting can be risk factors.

If you see any of the signs of vein disease, it’s important to get evaluated right away and get the appropriate treatment. Don’t wait until the symptoms get worse—especially since there are extremely effective minimally invasive treatments available right now.

At Varicosity Vein Center, your experience and care are of the utmost importance to us, and we pledge to make your visit a pleasant, successful one. To schedule a consultation with our team of dedicated vein experts, please click here today.