Varicose veins aren’t exclusively a female issue. While three-fourths of females suffer from varicose veins, millions of men are living with the same discomfort. At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, about 45% of our patient base is male—and the disease severity is similar amongst both genders.

What Causes Male Varicose Veins?

Don’t let the stigma of varicose veins bring you down—they’re much more common than you think. Even Dr. Gilvydis knows what it’s like to live with varicose veins—after all, he suffered from the condition for many years. 

 

The American Vein and Lymphatic Society states that more than 40 million adults live with varicose veins. In fact, over half of all varicose vein patients have a family history of varicose veins. 

 

While vein disease is undoubtedly hereditary, we’ll take a look at four leading causes of varicose veins in men:

 

• Age — Men over 50 have a greater risk of developing varicose veins.
• Obesity — You are more likely to develop varicose veins if you are overweight due to additional pressure on your blood.
• Prolonged Sitting or Standing — Jobs that require you to sit or stand for long periods can negatively impact your circulation.
• Smoking — The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the structure and function of your veins, which hinders circulation and increases your risk.

How Can I Treat My Varicose Veins?

You can take several steps to reduce the effects of varicose veins. First, it’s good to familiarize yourself with what a varicose vein looks like. 

Recognizing the Symptoms

Varicose veins often look like bulging, twisting blue “cords” that protrude near the surface of your skin. These veins primarily make an appearance on the legs and feet. They are caused by weakened and damaged valves that restrict blood flow. Symptoms include: 

 

• Swelling
• Itching
• Aching
• Skin tenderness

Risk Factors & Prevention

Many jobs can be the culprit of varicose veins. If your employer requires prolonged sitting or standing, you are at a greater risk of developing varicose veins. Office clerks and medical workers alike can both develop painful varicose veins over time due to the nature of their work. 

 

You can reduce the effects of varicose veins outside of the clinic by:

 

• Moving  more
• Prioritizing a healthy diet
• Exercising more to improve circulation
• Quitting smoking or tobacco use

Varicose Vein Treatment at Gilvydis Vein Clinic

Many primary care physicians suggest patients wear compression stockings—which are great as the first line of defense—but eliminating varicose veins has never been easier. 

 

Thanks to today’s innovative technology, Dr. Gilvydis and his team of experienced vein specialists use minimally invasive laser treatments to tackle your varicose veins—so you can get back to enjoying the everyday joys of life. We provide the following outpatient vein treatments here at Gilvydis Vein Clinic:

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Vein treatment shouldn’t have to hurt—and it won’t with endovenous laser ablation. EVLA is a minimally invasive lasering technique used to minimize and shut down varicose veins without the need for open surgery. Most EVLA patients can return to their normal daily activities within a day.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy helps close smaller varicose veins by injecting foam or liquid agents under the guidance of light or ultrasound. 

Request a Free Vein Screening in Illinois

Are painful varicose veins keeping you from doing the things you love? Men, don’t hesitate to seek help. If you or a loved one has been suffering from varicose veins, then waiting another second is too long. At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we have a passionate team of vein specialists to help get you back on your feet.

Give us a call at (815) 827-1098 or sign up for your free vein screening today and get your quality of life back.