TITLE:
Massive Unilateral Vulvar Varicosities and Successful Vaginal Delivery in a Primigravida: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Nsenga Bin Mussa, Alimasi Kabombya Junior, Djoutsa Jacques-Gerard, Bwama Botalatala Julien, Bwira Cikabakaba Augustin, Olivier Nyakio
KEYWORDS:
Vulvar Varices, Pregnancy, Vaginal Delivery, Postpartum, Democratic Republic of the Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.8,
August
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Vulvar varicosities are a rare manifestation of pelvic venous insufficiency, most often observed during pregnancy and typically bilateral. The occurrence of massive unilateral vulvar varicosities is exceptional and may pose a clinical challenge because of the potential risk of bleeding, pain, and functional impairment. We report the case of a 19-year-old primigravida at 39 weeks of gestation presenting with massive right-sided unilateral vulvar varicosities, who delivered vaginally under close monitoring. The postpartum course was favorable, with spontaneous regression of the vulvar swelling. To our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This case highlights the feasibility of vaginal delivery in such situations and helps expand the literature on this rare condition in the African context.