Embarrassing Illnesses

The system that controls your circulation is made up of arteries and veins. Your arteries carry blood from your heart to the organs and tissues in your body. Veins return the used blood back to your heart. In order to return the blood, your veins must work against gravity. Muscles in your leg contract, helping to pump the blood back towards your heart.

Weakened valves

Inside your veins, there are tiny one-way valves, which open to let the blood through, and then close to stop it from going backwards.

Sometimes, the walls of the veins start to stretch and lose their elasticity, causing the valves to become weakened. When the valves fail to function properly, it can cause your blood to leak and flow backwards. It then collects in your veins, causing them to become swollen and enlarged. 

It is not fully understood why the valves in your veins weaken. Some people develop the condition for no obvious or apparent reason. There are a number of risk factors which can increase the likelihood of getting varicose veins.

Gender

Women are more likely to be affected by varicose veins than men. Research suggests that this may be because female hormones tend to relax the walls of veins, making the valves more prone to leaking.

Genetics

You are more at risk of developing varicose veins if a close family member has it.

Age

As you get older, your veins start to lose their elasticity, and the valves within them stop working as well.

Being overweight

Being severely overweight puts extra pressure on your veins, which means that they have to work harder in order to send the blood back to your heart. This can put increased pressure on the valves, making them more prone to leaking.
 

Occupation

Some research suggests that jobs which require long periods of standing may increase your risk of getting varicose veins. This is because your blood does not flow as easily when you are standing for long periods of time.

Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, the amount of blood in your body increases to help support your growing baby. This puts an extra strain on your circulatory system. Increased hormone levels during pregnancy also cause the muscular walls of your blood vessels to relax. Both of these factors may increase your risk of developing varicose veins.

Varicose veins may also develop during pregnancy as your uterus (womb) starts to grow. Your expanding uterus puts pressure on the veins in your pelvic area, which can sometimes cause them to become varicose.

Although being pregnant may increase your risk of developing varicose veins, most women will find that their condition improves considerably after their pregnancy.