Conditions · Who gets varicose veins
Varicose Veins in Men
Quick answer: Men develop varicose veins too, often from family history, long hours standing or sitting at work, heavy physical labor, excess weight and ageing. Because many men put off seeing a doctor, their veins are more often found at a later stage, with swelling or skin changes. Treatment at LEDAS uses local anesthesia only, with same-day return home.
Key facts at a glance
- Men are not immune: varicose veins affect men as well as women, though women are diagnosed more often.
- Family risk: LEDAS figures give a son about a 25% chance if one parent is affected, and over 90% if both parents are.
- Common male risk factors: standing or sitting jobs, heavy lifting, obesity, smoking, alcohol, ageing.
- Often found late: men frequently wait until swelling, skin darkening or pain appear.
- Hair can hide veins: leg hair can mask early spider and reticular veins.
- At LEDAS: EVLT and sclerotherapy, local anesthesia only, no incision, same-day discharge.
Do men really get varicose veins?
Yes. Varicose veins are often thought of as a women's problem, partly because hormones and pregnancy add to women's risk. But the basic cause, failing valves in the leg veins that let blood flow backward, affects men too. Many men live with symptoms for years, assuming tired, heavy legs are simply part of hard work or getting older.
In everyday clinical practice, it is common for men to arrive at a later stage of disease than women: with ankle swelling, brown skin, eczema or a painful, hardened vein rather than only visible veins. Earlier assessment usually means simpler treatment.
Why do men develop varicose veins?
Family history
Heredity is one of the strongest factors. According to figures published by LEDAS, if one parent has varicose veins, a son has about a 25% chance of developing them; if both parents do, the chance exceeds 90%. See are varicose veins hereditary?
Work and posture
Jobs that keep you on your feet all day, such as chefs, factory and construction workers, security staff, hairdressers and retail staff, let blood pool in the legs. Long hours driving or at a desk do the same, because the calf muscle pump is idle. Read more in varicose veins and standing jobs .
Heavy lifting and straining
Repeated heavy lifting raises pressure in the abdomen, which is transmitted down into the leg veins and can stress valves over time.
Lifestyle
LEDAS lists lack of activity, alcohol, smoking, high-fat or high-salt food and frequent saunas as habits that disturb venous circulation. Excess body weight also increases pressure on leg veins; see weight, obesity and varicose veins .
Age and injury
Veins lose elasticity with age, and weaker calf muscles pump less effectively. Past leg injuries or a previous DVT can also damage valves.
What symptoms should men watch for?
- Heavy, tired or aching legs by the end of the day
- Swollen ankles or sock marks in the evening
- Cramps at night
- Itching or dry, flaky skin around the ankles
- Brown or darkened skin on the lower legs
- Twisted, bulging veins, which may be partly hidden by hair
- A painful, hard, red vein (possible thrombophlebitis )
Sudden swelling and pain in one leg needs same-day medical care. Chest pain or sudden breathlessness means calling emergency services (119 in Korea).
Why shouldn't men wait?
Varicose veins do not go away on their own. LEDAS describes a progression from spider veins to bulging veins, swelling, skin discoloration and finally ulcers. Each stage tends to need more treatment and longer care. Men who wait until their skin changes or a wound appears often face more sessions than if they had come in when symptoms were mild.
Practical concerns keep many men away: time off work, fear of surgery, or worry about pain. Modern treatment answers most of these.
How does LEDAS treat varicose veins in men?
- Diagnosis. A standing duplex ultrasound on Philips EPIQ Elite equipment maps all refluxing veins in about 15–20 minutes.
- Treatment. EVLT with a 1940nm diode laser closes the main leaking vein from the inside; duplex-guided sclerotherapy closes hidden branches. Local anesthesia only, no incision.
- Same-day discharge. You walk out after monitoring and can return to most daily activities soon after. Heavy lifting and intense exercise usually wait a little longer; see when can I exercise again?
- Follow-up. Ultrasound every one to two years to catch new reflux early.
The first visit, with consultation and leg ultrasound, costs 180,000 KRW. Treatment averages about 5,500,000 KRW per leg depending on stage; you receive an exact quote after the ultrasound.
Common concerns men raise, and the facts
| Concern | At LEDAS |
|---|---|
| "I can't take time off work." | Same-day admission and discharge; most people return to daily life quickly |
| "I don't want general anesthesia." | Local anesthesia only; no general or spinal anesthesia |
| "I don't want scars." | No incision; treatment is through needle punctures |
| "It's just tired legs." | A 15–20 minute ultrasound shows whether reflux is the cause |
| "They'll come back anyway." | Relapse prevention program with ultrasound every 1–2 years |
Varicose veins in men – frequently asked questions
Are varicose veins less common in men?
Women are diagnosed more often, partly because of pregnancy and hormones, and partly because they seek help earlier. Men still develop varicose veins frequently, especially with a family history or a standing job, and are more likely to be diagnosed late.
Can weightlifting cause varicose veins?
Heavy straining raises abdominal pressure, which can add stress to leg vein valves, particularly if you already have a family tendency. Strength training is not forbidden; balanced exercise that includes walking or cycling helps the calf pump. See sports, running and your veins.
How soon can I go back to physical work after treatment?
Walking starts immediately and light daily activity resumes the same day. Heavy lifting and strenuous labor usually wait for a short period, which your doctor sets based on the treatment you had. Pulling discomfort for one to two weeks after laser is common.
Do varicose veins affect erectile function?
Leg varicose veins do not cause erectile problems. A separate condition, varicocele, involves enlarged veins in the scrotum and is assessed by a urologist. If you have concerns about both, mention them to your doctor so you are referred appropriately.
About this page
Clinical information:
LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic, led by
Dr. Kim Byoung Joon , thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, founding member of the Korean Society for Phlebology.
Medical reviewer:
Dr. Kim Byoung Joon ·
Review status:
Pending ·
Last updated:
October 2026
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is decided only after an in-person examination. Read our
editorial policy .
Related: Standing jobs · Weight and obesity · Are varicose veins hereditary? · Older adults · Sports and your veins
Don't wait for skin changes. Get your legs checked now
English consultation available · +82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com
