
Pressure or weakening of these valves allows blood to back up and pool in the veins. This causes them to enlarge and swell. Hemorrhoids result when rectal veins enlarge. Varicose veins occur when veins of the legs swell.
Why do varicose veins occur?
If one has a family history of varicose veins, they are more likely to have or develop the varicose condition. Being overweight or obese can also lead to varicose vein conditions. The extra weight adds extra pressure on the vein causing it to either weaken or get twisted.
Are hemorrhoids caused by varicose veins?
One result of this unrelieved pressure is varicose veins, the tortuous blue “worms” which detract so much from the appearance of a person’s legs, often causing pain, and, sometimes ulcers. Similar to varicose veins in causation if not location are hemorrhoids.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins in the rectum?
After years of straining at stool, when each time veins are filled beyond their normal capacity, stretching them like over-inflated balloons, they become permanently dilated and hang out of the rectum. Now they are persistent and painful bulges, with the further troublesome symptoms of bleeding and itching.
Do varicose veins cause pain?
For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more-serious problems. Treatment might involve self-care measures or procedures done by a health care provider to close or remove veins. Spider veins Varicose veins might not cause pain. Signs of varicose veins include:

What is rectal Varicosities?
Rectal varices are collaterals between the portal and systemic circulations that manifest as a dilation of the submucosal veins and constitute a pathway for portal venous flow between the superior rectal veins which branch from the inferior mesenteric system and the middle inferior rectal veins from the iliac system[8] ...
Are Varicosities of the rectal veins?
Both hemorrhoids and varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins. These veins are often in the legs, but when they form in the rectum, they're called hemorrhoids. Many normal changes in pregnancy can increase the risk for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
What problems are caused by varicose veins?
Varicose veins can cause ulcers (open sores), bleeding and skin discoloration if left untreated. Severe varicose veins may be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency. This condition affects your veins' ability to pump blood to your heart. People who have varicose veins may be more likely to develop blood clots.
What causes Varicosities?
Varicose veins may be caused by weakened valves (incompetent valves) within the veins that allow blood to pool in the veins instead of traveling to the heart. Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface (superficial) can become varicosed.
Are rectal varices and hemorrhoids same?
The terms rectal varices and haemorrhoids are often used interchangeably, but this is not correct. Haemorrhoids occur due to prolapse of the rectal venous plexus and are no more common in patients with portal hypertension than those without.
What varices mean?
Varices are veins that are enlarged or swollen. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?
Venous ulcers: Varicose veins left untreated can lead to the development of open wounds or sores on the legs or ankles. Venous ulcers may start off as a slow-healing break in the skin and get worse over time. The area can be tender, exude discharge, and become infected.
Are varicose veins life threatening?
A common question is “are painful varicose veins dangerous?” For the majority of people with varicose veins the answer is “no”, varicose veins are not dangerous. Although varicose veins can cause symptoms of pain, aching, tenderness, and itching these symptoms tend not to be life or limb-threatening.
Are varicose veins serious?
Varicose veins can happen anywhere in the body, but are more common in the legs. Varicose veins are not considered a serious medical condition. But, they can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious problems. And, because they may be very noticeable, they may cause people to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
What is a Varicosities in medical terms?
Medical Definition of varicosity 1 : the quality or state of being abnormally or markedly swollen or dilated.
Can varicose veins cause a stroke?
Yet “fewer studies have established an association between varicose veins and peripheral arterial disease,” he said. Inflammation has become “increasingly recognized as a key player in the development of vascular disease, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke and heart attack,” Piazza said.
What are the stages of varicose veins?
Sun City Vein Doctors Explain the Stages of Vein Disease, and Why You Want To Seek Early TreatmentStage one – spider veins. ... Stage two – enlarged, ropy varicose veins. ... Stage three – edema (swelling), but without skin changes. ... Stage four – skin changes and discoloration. ... Stage five – skin changes with healed ulceration.More items...•
What are rectal veins?
The rectal venous plexus (or hemorrhoidal plexus) surrounds the rectum, and communicates in front with the vesical venous plexus in the male, and the vaginal venous plexus in the female. Scheme of the anastomosis of the veins of the rectum. The veins of the right half of the male pelvis.
Are there veins in the rectum?
The upper and middle thirds of the rectum drain primarily into the superior rectal vein and finally empty into the liver via the inferior mesenteric vein and portal vein. However, the lower third of the rectum drains into the middle rectal vein.
Are hemorrhoids arterial or venous?
Hemorrhoids are present in utero and persist through normal adult life. Evidence indicates that hemorrhoidal bleeding is arterial and not venous. This evidence is supported by the bright red color and arterial pH of the blood.
What vein drains the rectum?
The IMV drains the descending colon through the left colic, the sigmoid through the sigmoid vein, and the rectum through the superior rectal vein.
Why do my veins hang out of my rectum?
After years of straining at stool, when each time veins are filled beyond their normal capacity, stretching them like over-inflated balloons, they become permanently dilated and hang out of the rectum. Now they are persistent and painful bulges, with the further troublesome symptoms of bleeding and itching.
Why do veins in legs hurt?
Veins in your legs are damaged by the straining created by the muscular activity needed for a difficult bowel movement. Valves are located at frequent intervals along the course of the leg veins; they help the blood to rise to the heart, in a stepladder fashion, against the forces of gravity.
What are the nutrients that are needed for bowel movement?
Fibers are the prime requirement for healthy bowel function. Plant foods contain fibers, a variety of non-digestible complex carbohydrates. After all the soluble components derived from digested fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, along with the vitamins and minerals are absorbed from the small intestine, then non-digestible fibers remain (along with a huge number of friendly microorganisms) to form the bulk of the remnant stool. These fibers have the capacity to hold water, thereby increasing the stool volume further. Also, the more foods and beverages that are consumed, the greater will be the intestinal content, and therefore the frequency and amount of the bowel movement.
What causes pain in the legs?
One result of this unrelieved pressure is varicose veins, the tortuous blue “worms” which detract so much from the appearance of a person’s legs, often causing pain, and, sometimes ulcers. Similar to varicose veins in causation if not location are hemorrhoids. All kinds of myths are associated with these painful nuisances.
What is the best way to cure constipation?
Also, the more foods and beverages that are consumed, the greater will be the intestinal content, and therefore the frequency and amount of the bowel movement. A starch-based diet along with vegetables and fruits is a sure cure for constipation.
What foods make feces?
If you eat mostly fiber-free foods, such as animal products (e.g. fish, pork, beef, chicken, lobster, cheese, milk, etc.), visible fats (e.g. butter and corn oil), alcohol, and grains that are highly refined (e.g. white bread and white rice), then little will be left to make feces with adequate bul k.
Is constipation a consequence of an emotional disorder?
Constipation is not a consequence of an emotional disorder, at least not initially.
What causes dilated veins in the anus?
Dilated veins in the anus caused by portal hypertension that may lead to haemorrhage. Medical condition. Anorectal varices. Specialty. Gastroenterology, Hematology. Symptoms.
What is anorectal varices?
Anorectal varices are the dilation of collateral submucosal vessels due to backflow in the veins of the rectum. Typically this occurs due to portal hypertension which shunts venous blood from the portal system through the portosystemic anastomosis present at this site into the systemic venous system. This can also occur in the esophagus, causing ...
Why do haemorrhoids occur?
Haemorrhoids occur due to prolapse of the rectal venous plexus and are no more common in patients with portal hypertension than those without. Rectal varices, however, are only found in patients with portal hypertension and are common in conditions such as cirrhosis.
Where is blood drained from the rectum?
Blood from the middle and inferior portions of the rectum is drained via the middle and inferior rectal veins. In portal hypertension, venous resistance is increased within the portal venous system; when the pressure in the portal venous system increases above that of the systemic, blood is shunted through the portosystemic anastomoses.
Does portal hypertension reduce varices?
Successful treatment of portal hypertension that subsequently reduces anorectal varices provides a confirmation of the initial diagnosis, allowing for a distinction between varices and hemorrhoids, which would not have been alleviated by reduction of portal hypertension.
Can a rectal varices cause bleeding?
However, in some cases, rectal varices can result in severe bleeding.
What is the term for the inflamation of the deep veins?
Inflammation of either deep veins (DVT) or superficial veins (SVT) with the formation of one or more blood clots.
What causes localized dilation of an artery?
Localized dilation of an artery caused by a congenital or acquired weakness in the wall of the vessel.
What is the name of the inflammation of the blood vessels?
Inflammation of the blood vessels. Aka angiitis.
How are varicose veins linked to PCS?
Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves inside your veins stop working properly and allow your blood to flow backwards , causing your blood to pool and stretch out your vein walls. There are multiple potential causes related to PCS and pregnancy.
What other conditions can mimic pelvic venous congestion syndrome?
Diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome can be difficult because the symptoms can be attributed to other conditions. Other disorders that may have the same symptoms as PCS include:
What is pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition that affects women that causes chronic, dull pelvic pain and a feeling of pressure and heaviness in the groin. PCS is oftentimes linked with varicose veins in the lower abdomen, groin, and ovaries.
What are the most common symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pain of varying severity is the most common symptom. The pain is typically dull and not cyclical. The pain is usually worse:
What is the pain in the pelvis called?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), also known as ovarian vein reflux, or pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PVCS), is a common, yet often misunderstood condition in women that causes chronic pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen. The pain associated with PCS can be debilitating, and a clear diagnosis of PCS can sometimes be difficult because there are many different possible symptoms.
Overview
Vulvar varicosities are varicose veins that appear on your vulva. They usually show up during pregnancy, when the changes in your body that support a growing fetus cause your veins to become stressed and swollen. These veins can look unsightly and feel uncomfortable.
Symptoms and Causes
You may not notice any symptoms with vulvar varicosities. Or, you may notice that your vulva looks and feels different than it has in the past.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam to see if you have vulvar varicosities. As part of the exam, your provider may take a closer look at your vulva while you’re lying down and while you’re standing.
Management and Treatment
Treatment depends on whether or not you’re pregnant and if the varicose veins in your vulva are associated with swollen veins in other parts of your body, too. If you’re pregnant, chances are that your vulvar varicosities will go away eventually without treatment.
Prevention
You can’t prevent vulvar varicosities. But, you can do things to improve your circulation overall so that blood flows better throughout your entire body:
Living With
Let your provider know about any issues you’re having with your circulation, including vulvar varicosities. Also, your provider can help you manage symptoms and offer treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all of them hurt, but some do. Vulvar varicosities don’t feel the same way for every person. Your veins may feel mildly uncomfortable, or the pain may be severe. Whether your veins feel painful or not, it’s a good idea to let your provider know about them.

Overview
Symptoms
- Varicose veins might not cause pain. Signs of varicose veins include: 1. Veins that are dark purple or blue 2. Veins that appear twisted and bulging, often appearing like cords on the legs When painful signs and symptoms of varicose veins occur, they might include: 1. An achy or heavy feeling in the legs 2. Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs 3. Wors…
Causes
- Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Veins return blood from the rest of the body to the heart. To return blood to the heart, the veins in the legs must work against gravity. Muscle contractions in the lower legs act as pumps, and elastic vein walls help blood return to the heart. Tiny valves in the veins open as blo…
Risk Factors
- The following can increase the risk of developing varicose veins: 1. Age.Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in the veins that help control blood flow. Eventually, that wear causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into the veins, where it collects. 2. Sex.Women are more likely to develop the condition. Hormonal changes before a menstrual period or during pregnancy or men…
Complications
- Complications of varicose veins, although rare, can include: 1. Ulcers.Painful ulcers can form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles. A discolored spot on the skin usually begins before an ulcer forms. See your health care provider immediately if you think you've developed a leg ulcer. 2. Blood clots.Occasionally, veins deep...
Prevention
- Improving blood flow and muscle tone might reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. The same measures that treat the discomfort from varicose veins can help prevent them. Try the following: 1. Avoiding high heels and tight hosiery 2. Changing your sitting or standing position regularly 3. Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet 4. Exercising 5. Raising your legs when sitting or lyin…