Varicose Veins in Men — Why Men Ignore Them and Why That’s Dangerous

Varicose veins are often considered a women’s problem — but the research tells a different story. Approximately 40% of men over 50 have some degree of chronic venous insufficiency. The critical difference is that men seek treatment far later, often only after the disease has reached an advanced stage. That delay has real clinical consequences.

Why Men Delay Varicose Vein Treatment

Cultural and perceptual barriers lead many men to dismiss varicose veins as cosmetic — a “women’s issue” that doesn’t warrant a doctor’s visit. Studies consistently show that men wait roughly twice as long as women before seeking treatment for venous disease. By that point, the pathology is often considerably more advanced.

Male-Specific Risk Factors

Risk factors for venous insufficiency in men include:

• Prolonged standing: construction workers, chefs, surgeons, teachers — professions with high male representation
• Heavy lifting: high intra-abdominal pressure impairs venous return
• Abdominal obesity
• Genetics: family history of varicose veins
• Age: prevalence rises after 40

How Varicose Veins Appear Differently in Men

In men, varicose veins are often less visually prominent but more symptomatic. Common presentations:

• Leg heaviness and aching after a day on your feet
• Ankle swelling by evening
• Burning or pressure sensation in the calves
• Persistent leg fatigue after physical activity
• Discomfort that worsens in heat

Many men attribute these symptoms to work fatigue — not to venous insufficiency. This misattribution delays diagnosis by years.

The Risks of Untreated Venous Disease in Men

The belief that “it’s just cosmetic” can lead to serious medical consequences:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): elevated risk with untreated venous insufficiency
• Skin changes: brown, thickened, itchy skin around the ankle (lipodermatosclerosis) — CEAP C4
• Venous ulcers: open wounds that are difficult to heal — CEAP C6, the most advanced stage
• Phlebitis: painful superficial vein inflammation

Research shows that men present for treatment with a significantly higher average CEAP score than women — meaning more advanced disease at first presentation.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins in Men

Treatment is the same for men as for women — and requires no surgery:

• EVLA — Endovenous Laser Ablation: available via kupat holim tofes 17 at Shamir Medical Center
• VenaSeal — medical adhesive: no compression stockings, return to work the next day (₪15,000)
• RFA — radiofrequency ablation: at a private hospital through supplemental insurance
• Sclerotherapy: for small varicosities and spider veins

All procedures are performed under local anesthesia. No general anesthesia, no hospital stay — return to normal activity within 24 hours.

FAQ: Varicose Veins in Men

Do men get varicose veins as often as women?

More often than most people assume — approximately 40% of men over 50 have some degree of venous insufficiency. The gap between men and women is smaller than commonly believed; the major difference is how long men wait before seeking treatment.

Are varicose veins more dangerous in men?

Not inherently more dangerous, but often more advanced at the time of diagnosis — because men seek treatment later. Men present with a higher average CEAP score than women, indicating more progression of the underlying disease.

Will varicose vein treatment require time off work?

No. Minimally invasive treatments — EVLA, VenaSeal, RFA — are performed under local anesthesia and allow return to work the following day. VenaSeal is known for the fastest recovery with minimal restrictions.

Can varicose veins cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Untreated chronic venous insufficiency increases the risk of superficial and deep vein thrombosis. Sudden calf pain, warmth, and redness should prompt immediate medical evaluation.

Is treatment different for men than for women?

No. Treatment options, procedures, and recovery timelines are the same for men and women. The choice between EVLA, VenaSeal, RFA, and sclerotherapy is based on duplex findings and individual anatomy, not sex.

What is the first step if a man suspects he has varicose veins?

A consultation with an interventional radiologist including a venous duplex ultrasound. The scan is painless, takes 20–30 minutes, and provides an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan at the same visit.