I have varicose veins in my labia from pregnancy. my vascular dr said that i need a ctbefore he can treat. would an mri be possible to avoid radiation?

No: Vulvar varicosities do not have to be treated at all. Certainly there is no complicated work up required.

Vulvar varicosities: Varicose veins on the labia or general vicinity result from pelvic vein venous insufficiency. Common post pregnency, they can be irritating with tight clothing or result in pain post intercourse (pelvic congestion syndrome). A ct scan does expose to radiation but best identifies the cause. The labial varicosities do respond to sclerotherapy injections quite well. Discuss w/ vein specialist or gyn.

Vulvar varicosities: You might not need an MRI or ct at all. It all depends on what symptoms you have. If you have labial varicose veins that don't bother you, then nothing needs to be done. If, on the other hand, they give you trouble but yourdon't have symptoms of pelvic congestion, then nothing more than a venous ultrasound needs to be done. If you have pelvic congestion symptoms, then an MRI or ct is recommended.

Labial Veins : If your labial veins are causing you alot of symptoms, or if you are having alot of associated pelvic pain, then it would be reasonable to do a workup & treatment. Alot of labial veins are not symptomatic & do not necessarily need treatment. Some can be associated with pelvic congestion syndrome, which can be treated if significant symptoms occur. An MRI (mr venogram) is a reasonable way to test.