Why Do Varicose Veins in Men Tend to Worsen Before Treatment?
Varicose veins are not just a women’s issue. While it is commonly believed that the ratio of female to male patients is about 7 to 3, there are still a significant number of male patients.
Unlike women, who often seek treatment early due to cosmetic concerns, many men wait until skin problems occur before visiting a doctor.
Why Do Men Delay Medical Attention Until Symptoms Worsen?
One key reason is that men generally don’t prioritize appearance. While women may seek treatment when they notice spider veins or other visible changes, men tend to focus more on functionality. As a result, they often ignore skin discoloration and other warning signs.
Another reason is that many men find visiting a clinic inconvenient or are too busy with work. Especially during the prime working years, it’s hard to make time for medical care. This often leads to postponing treatment until significant symptoms like inflammation or ulcers appear, prompting a sudden visit to the hospital.
Because of this pattern, men are much more likely to require surgery for varicose veins than women. In many cases, they first visit a clinic only after developing stasis dermatitis or skin ulcers. At this stage, the condition has already progressed significantly, and the skin may become inflamed, discolored, or even rupture.
At The Varocose Vein Clinic TOKYO, we see that only about 25% of female patients require surgery, while a striking 75% of male patients need surgical treatment at the time of their first visit.
The Risks of Ignoring Varicose Veins
When left untreated, varicose veins can lead to poor blood circulation, causing symptoms such as leg cramps, fatigue, swelling, and pain. These symptoms are particularly common among those who stand for long hours at work.
As the condition worsens, the skin may darken due to hyperpigmentation. Even with topical medications, eczema and itching may persist. The skin can become swollen, painful, and eventually harden (skin induration). If untreated, it can lead to the development of venous ulcers.
Early Treatment Is Essential: Prevention and Care Men Should Know
What we want to stress to male patients is the importance of seeking treatment before symptoms become severe.
For instance, wearing compression stockings can help slow the progression and alleviate symptoms. In addition, modern laser treatment options offer effective results with no visible scarring and minimal downtime.
Conclusion
Men can also develop varicose veins, but they are often left untreated until the condition becomes severe. That’s why early intervention is critical. If you stand for long periods at work, experience leg cramps, or notice discomfort, we strongly encourage you to seek medical advice as early as possible.
About The Varocose Vein Clinic TOKYO
The Varocose Vein Clinic TOKYO offers the latest treatments with no incisions, no stitches, and minimal pain.
We have held the record for the highest number of laser vein procedures in Japan for five consecutive years since 2020, with many patients visiting from across the country.
If you experience discomfort from standing jobs or leg-related symptoms, please feel free to consult us.
