.svg)
Are women more prone to varicose veins than men?
Are women really more prone to varicose veins than men? Usually yes, and pregnancy and hormones are a big reason. But lifestyle matters for everyone.
- Women are more often affected by varicose veins than men.
- One study found 29% of women affected versus 10% of men.
- Risk factors differ: obesity and pregnancy weigh more in women, smoking in men.
- Pregnancy is a major reason for the difference, rising with each birth.
- Lifestyle matters for both sexes, and treatment works without surgery.
Varicose veins are the twisted, visible blue lines many people notice along their legs. But they are more than a cosmetic issue: veins carry blood back to the heart, and varicose veins no longer do that properly. So are women really more affected than men?
How common are varicose veins?
Chronic venous disorders are among the most common conditions in Western countries. In one study of more than 3,000 people, 2% developed the disease within a single year, and existing cases often progressed to more severe forms.
Are varicose veins more common in women?
Most research finds varicose veins more often in women than in men. In one study the prevalence was 29% in women versus 10% in men, rising with age in both groups. Interestingly, the risk factors differ by sex:
| Risk factor | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity and high blood pressure | Strong factor | Less relevant |
| Smoking | Less relevant | Stronger factor |
| Pregnancy | Major factor | Not applicable |
| Standing at work, low activity | Yes | Yes |
Whoever is affected, a varicose vein can be treated without surgery: focused ultrasound (echotherapy) closes it with no incision.
Lifestyle also plays a big part
Not every study agrees: one from 1999 even found varicose veins in 40% of men and only 32% of women. That suggests lifestyle and a combination of factors, rather than sex alone, drive the disease in most people.
See how age adds to the picture.
Why women are at greater risk
There is no single answer, but pregnancy plays a major role. Pregnancies and childbirths are recognised triggers: while rates are similar in boys and girls when young, varicose disease becomes more common in women with age. About a third of women show signs after one pregnancy, rising to around half after several. Your genes matter too, for both sexes.
Wondering whether echotherapy is available near you? A growing network of centres is already equipped with the SONOVEIN.
Questions fréquentes
Are women more prone to varicose veins than men?
Usually yes. Most studies find varicose veins more common in women, with one putting the prevalence at 29% in women versus 10% in men.
Why are women more affected?
Pregnancy and hormonal changes are a big reason, and obesity and high blood pressure weigh more heavily on women's risk than men's.
Does pregnancy cause varicose veins?
It is a major factor. About a third of women show signs after one pregnancy, rising to around half after several.
What risk factors affect men more?
Smoking appears to be a more relevant risk factor in men, while standing at work and low activity affect both sexes.
Can women's varicose veins be treated?
Yes, without surgery; echotherapy uses focused ultrasound to close the vein with no incision.