Varicose Veins in Penis

Veins are basically the blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood from the outer parts of the body back to the lungs and heart. When veins turn out to be abnormally thick, filled with twists and turns, or enlarged, they are called as varicose veins. Normally, the veins in the thighs and legs have a propensity to become varicosed.

• The dilated, thickened or twisted parts of the vein are called as varicosities.
• Varicose veins can form in any parts of the body, but they are often situated in the legs.
• In US alone, around 19 percent of men and 36 percent of women have varicose veins.
• Varicose veins are likely to be inherited and become more severe as the person ages.

In very few cases individuals might develop small varicose veins on the penis. This is more obvious on the erect penis. In a few cases, the varicose vein might be seen when the penis is loose. The vein may feel lumpy but is generally not tender.

The vein is usually puffed-up with blood and coagulates with time. A corresponding condition which is seen in the female is called as Mondor’s disease, which is a thick varicose vein usually seen on the breast. The condition has no severe health effects. The varicose vein on the penis does not need any treatment. It may get damaged during sexual intercourse and thus wearing of a condom is recommended.

The cause of varicose veins on the penis is not yet known but most likely associated with a small blood clot in one of the superficial veins of the penis. This causes the thickening of the vein and eventual fibrosis. The condition is not associated with sexual or masturbation activity.

In some cases direct strain to the penis may be a reason of injury to the superficial veins.

The analysis of a varicose vein on the penis is difficult because there is another condition which may imitate it. This isolated condition also known as lymphangisclerosis is because of the thickening of a lymphatic vessel. It also feels lumpy and hard. It is not blue in color, but it is white. It can be seen on both the erect and loose penis.

In either case, use of lubricants is suggested during sexual intercourse or during masturbation to avoid bruising the vein. No other treatment is necessary.

There are no ointments, herbs or creams to treat the varicose veins on the penis.