The specific causes of vein problems are undetermined and will vary according to the individual. Contributary factors may include –
Hereditary: there is a known relationship between hereditary factors and the development of varicose veins in the general population
Age: the development of varicose veins may occur at any age but will usually start between the ages of 18 and 35, with peaks between 50 and 60.
Gender: females are assumed to be affected more than males but this is more likely to be due to the fact that females seek medical treatment more readily than men. In fact research has shown that the incidence of varicose veins occurring in both men and women is similar.
Pregnancy: circulating hormones can weaken the vein walls. An enlarged uterus can compress veins causing higher vein pressure and dilated veins. Varicose veins that form during pregnancy can spontaneously improve and often disappear within a few months of childbirth. Research has shown that women who have developed valve problems (which are directly related to varicose veins) prior to pregnancy go on to develop varicose veins during or after the pregnancy. So pregnancy in itself does not cause varicose veins in the majority of people and varicose veins would have developed in any event at some point in the future.
The above is true for about 98% of pregnant women with associated varicose veins. The remaining 2% of women do get varicose veins because of pregnancy. These women suffer from ‘ovarian’ or ‘pelvic’ vein reflux which can typically cause vulval varicose veins or varicose veins of the upper inner thigh.
Lifestyle: standing and sitting for long periods; tight clothing; obesity; heat; sedentary lifestyle; excessive alcohol intake and smoking, high heeled shoes; ‘the pill’ and, number of pregnancies are all associated but not a cause of varicose veins.