Heredity is the most significant risk factor in developing significant venous insufficiency and varicose veins. The second most important risk factor is the history of full term pregnancy. The more full term pregnancies a woman experiences, the higher the risk of vein related problems. Other conditions that may contribute to the development of varicose veins and venous insufficiency include morbid obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, focal trauma to a vein (sports injury) and deep vein thrombosis. Varicose veins are more common in females due to their childbearing status as well as the presence of estrogen. Despite this fact, males account for approximately 20-30% of patients who present for evaluation of varicose veins or other complications of venous insufficiency.