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Venous disease is commonly thought of and advertised as a disease that occurs predominantly in women. This overlooks the dramatic impact that venous disease has in men. Although not as common, the vein problems that men present with are typically more severe. It is important for men to understand the benefit of taking proper care of their vein health. Although many men are not as concerned about the cosmetic side of varicose veins, bulging, varicose or spider veins often indicate a deep underlying circulatory problem that if left untreated can have serious consequences.
Of the 20 to 30 million Americans with varicose veins, approximately 45% are men. However, varicose veins represent only one stage of chronic venous disease, a condition that affects up to 35% of U.S. adults and can progress to swelling, skin changes, and venous ulcers if left untreated.
Many people are surprised to learn just how common vein disease is. While varicose veins affect an estimated 20% to 30% of adults, they are only one part of a broader condition known as chronic venous disease (CVD). CVD includes a spectrum of vein problems ranging from spider veins and varicose veins to leg swelling, skin changes, and venous ulcers.
Studies estimate that up to 35% of U.S. adults have clinically significant chronic venous disease, which translates to approximately 80 to 90 million Americans. Despite being one of the most common chronic medical conditions in the country, it remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Men are especially likely to delay seeking treatment, often waiting until symptoms become painful or more advanced. As a result, many men present with later-stage disease, including significant swelling, skin discoloration, or even venous ulcers.
| Condition | Estimated Prevalence |
| Spider veins (C1) | 50–80% of adults |
| Varicose veins (C2) | 20–30% of adults |
| Chronic venous disease (C1–C6) | Up to 35–40% of adults |
| Chronic venous insufficiency (C3–C6) | 10–20% of adults |
| Advanced disease (C4–C6) | 4–6% of adults |
| Active venous ulcers (C6) | 0.1–0.3% of adults |
The venous circulation in the legs carries blood from the muscles, bones, and connective tissues back to the heart. The venous circulation is a passive system, meaning there is no direct pump pushing the circulation, as the heart does in the arterial circulation. In a passive system, one-way check valves are required to create blood flow in one direction out of the leg back to the heart. When the valves are weakened, as in venous insufficiency, the blood is not propelled forward in a coordinated way, as blood is allowed to “leak” backwards, creating an oscillatory or back-and-forth flow that leads to blood pooling in the legs.
This occurrence is problematic in the lower leg, where veins work extra hard to push blood upward against gravity. If veins aren’t strong enough, blood will pool in the lower leg, creating a varicose vein. These veins are often dark blue and appear to bulge just under the skin’s surface.
Typically, men have physically strenuous lives. Jobs that require heavy lifting, working out lifting heavy weights, or generally carrying an unhealthy body weight. Frequently, men have jobs that require prolonged standing or sitting. Genetics plays a significant role; 40-50% risk with one parent affected and as high as 70-90% if both parents are affected. Men are taller than women and the additional gravity effect on the legs increases the lower extremity vein pressures. All of the risk factors overwhelm the vein valves, causing rupture, weakness, and pooling of blood in the legs.
Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern. They can cause legs to feel painful, heavy, restless or itchy. And they can worsen over time, increasing men’s risk of developing venous ulcers or a blood clot.
Because men typically wait longer than women to seek help, their varicose veins are much more advanced when they present. This can easily lead to more involvement of the vascular system, complications that may not be reversible with treatment, and longer recovery times.
Everyone could possibly develop varicose veins in their lifetime, despite efforts to avoid them, such as taking daily walks to strengthen the veins. The risk factors of varicose veins are not gender exclusive as well — some of the factors that affect women’s likelihood of venous insufficiency affect men as well. These factors include:
Managing some of the risks can help lessen your chances of developing vein problems. Try to keep some activity in your life to strengthen your veins, and keep an eye on any sudden weight gains. Keeping your veins strong and healthy is crucial to helping your veins circulate blood properly.
Spider veins and varicose veins are basically caused by the same problem — venous insufficiency — that occurs in different-sized veins. Spider veins are small, generally painless, but can cause stinging, burning, and itching. They usually branch out in a fan-like pattern with an underlying feeder vein. They can occur in all areas of the leg. Spider veins may form from excessive sitting or standing, genetics, aging, obesity, hormone imbalances, damage to veins, blood clots or sun damage. While you cannot control some of these risk factors, you can develop a plan to incorporate healthier habits into your daily routine. Some helpful tips include:
The treatment plan for men with varicose veins is identical to a woman’s treatment plan as long as the man visits his vascular specialist early. Delayed treatment leads to more pronounced problems and a longer recovery.
Early treatment may involve wearing compression stockings or implementing lifestyle changes, while later treatment often includes inpatient, minimally invasive surgical procedures. Laser and radiofrequency ablation are two standard procedures that shut off varicose veins to reroute blood to healthier veins.
There are also outpatient surgical procedures available. An example includes ambulatory phlebectomy, where the medical professional makes a few small incisions to remove the affected vein. The blood will then reroute to healthier veins and function as usual.
If you are interested in exploring treatment options, Central Florida Vein and Vascular is your Orlando vascular center for information on men’s health and well-being. Contact our team today — we look forward to helping in any way we can!