Blogs

LSSN Mini Summit on Vulvovaginal Conditions

Sep

LSSN Mini Summit on Vulvovaginal Conditions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLPT8xf6F7U As we all know, education is foundational to health. If we don’t know about our bodies and vulvovaginal conditions, it’s difficult to take care of them. LSSN exists to empower people with LS through evidence-based information and support. And this year, we’re bringing you even more opportunities to access information and experts in the field. For the first time, LSSN is hosting a mini-summit! The LSSN Mini Summit: Vulvovaginal Conditions is a 3-day virtual event that will provide you with the information and support you need to take control of your vulvar health. It will take place Friday, September 29, through Sunday, October 1, 2023. You'll learn from leading experts about vulvovaginal conditions rarely discussed, including Lichen Sclerosus. Other conditions include: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Persistent Pelvic Nerve Pain Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Lichen Simplex Chronicus Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles. You'll also be able to connect with…

Underwear and Lichen Sclerosus: What Kind is Best

Sep

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Underwear and Lichen Sclerosus: What Kind is Best

Introduction Underwear and lichen sclerosus is a topic we get asked a lot about at Lichen Sclerosus Support Network. Folks have questions like: "What should I look for in underwear," "Are there certain kinds of underwear that aggravate lichen sclerosus symptoms" and "What is the best kind of underwear for lichen sclerosus?" These are lifestyle questions seldom addressed at the doctor's office, so today, we will chat about underwear and lichen sclerosus. In today's post, I will discuss how underwear can sometimes make lichen sclerosus worse, answer the question "What is the best type of underwear for lichen sclerosus," and then review different underwear options for you to explore. *I have no affiliate links in this post. Any brand I mention is either just one I like or one I have heard others recommend. I get no commission if you purchase from any of these links. How Underwear Can *Sometimes*…

Lichen Sclerosus and Hair Removal: Which Method is Best?

Sep

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

Lichen Sclerosus and Hair Removal: Which Method is Best?

Introduction Lichen scleorsus and hair removal is a hot topic in our community. Many folks have questions about if they should remove their hair, and, if so, what are LS-friendly ways to remove hair. We got you covered! In today's video, I share my story of what worked and what didn't work for me. I share some of the better ways to remove hair if you have lichen sclerosus and share some really important caveats about hair removal with LS. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. If this video was helpful to you, we’d love your support so we can continue providing important education like this. Make a donation today at https://lssupportnetwork.org/donate." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wII__nykpT8&t=177s Disclaimer This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan. Important Links from…

Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Versus Adjunct Therapy

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Versus Adjunct Therapy

Introduction We are switching gears a little for today. This post will discuss the difference between treatment and adjunct therapies and what this means for your lichen sclerosus journey. This is an opinion piece. You are welcome to share your thoughts in the comment section at the end. I learn so much from this beautiful community, and you never stop teaching me; I am grateful for that. Defining Treatment, Adjunct Therapy, and Cure First of all, let us define some key terms: Treatment: The definition of treatment is, "Medical treatment means the management and care of a patient to combat condition or disorder" (University of Wisconsin). Treatment can either manage a condition or cure the condition. Primary Treatment: A primary treatment is the main treatment used to manage or cure a condition. It is often the one that has the most scientific evidence behind it and the best success rate. Adjunct Therapy: According…

Sexual Health Resources for Lichen Sclerosus

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

Sexual Health Resources for Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction For today’s video, we are going to chat about sexual health resources for lichen sclerosus. I begin by reviewing what a sex therapist is and how to find and vet a sex therapist. After, I highlight a number of different sexual health resources for lichen sclerosus as not everyone is able to work with a sex therapist. Such resources include educational podcasts, key figures to follow on social media, books and practices, and events and workshops. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. If this video was helpful to you, we’d love your support so we can continue providing important education like this. Make a donation today at https://lssupportnetwork.org/donate. *Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCThBj6-ggo Free Vetting a Potential Sex Therapist…

A Look at Acceptance and Resilience. What Does It Mean?

Aug

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

A Look at Acceptance and Resilience. What Does It Mean?

Listen to the podcast here: Introduction And Excited Announcements Hey, and welcome! I’m so glad you are here to join a round table discussion about the concepts of acceptance and resilience we had live with some members of the LSSN membership. The concepts of acceptance and resilience are critical to living with a condition such as Lichen Sclerosus. In this discussion, I asked our participants a series of questions relating to these concepts and Lichen Sclerosus. If you want to join future discussions? Click the button below. Sign Up What is your definition of acceptance and resilience? What do those words mean to you, specifically concerning your Lichen Sclerosus? Jen: I think of the concept of acceptance as being able to admit that you have a condition/disease without simultaneously giving up/throwing in the towel. Acceptance for me means my Lichen Sclerosus is a part of me, but it is not…

Lichen Planus or Lichen Sclerosus? Can You Have Both?

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Lichen Planus or Lichen Sclerosus? Can You Have Both?

Introduction We have a series of posts looking at lichen sclerosus and other vulvovaginal conditions. For example, we have lichen sclerosus and menopause and lichen sclerosus, and lichen simplex chronicus. We do these posts to promote vulvovaginal education and because some folks have lichen sclerosus and other conditions. Further, many folks find the overlap of symptoms confusing and hard to navigate. In this post, we continue this series and will look at lichen planus and lichen sclerosus. If you are curious about the difference between lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, want to know what to look out for, and wonder if you can have both lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, this post is for you! *This post is evidence-based; I draw on the medical literature to share what you need to know about lichen planus and lichen sclerosus. Importantly, what I share is my interpretation of the science and data. Always…

How Sex Therapy can Help with Lichen Sclerosus

Aug

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Video

How Sex Therapy can Help with Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction For today’s video, I share my journey with lichen sclerosus and sexual health. Specifically, I discuss how my sexual health was impacted by lichen sclerosus. I share what prompted me to find a sexy therapist and how sex therapy can help with lichen sclerosus. This video is very personal and vulnerable. In our next video, we will approach this topic from a more practical lens by sharing how to find a sex therapist. There will also be free and paid sexual health resources discussed in that video as well. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content. *Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your medical provider before making any changes to your health plan. If this video was helpful to you, we’d love your support so we can continue providing important education like this.…

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Those with Lichen Sclerosus

Aug

By Kathy

Kathy Blog

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Those with Lichen Sclerosus

The muscles at the base of your pelvic floor are like any other muscle in your body. They can weaken, hold tension and affect how your body works. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help those with Lichen Sclerosus keep their pelvic floor muscles healthy. That’s where experts like Ashley Stump, PFPT, come in. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, she helps people with various problems, including painful sex, urinary and bowel issues, pelvic pain, and pain from LS. I spoke with Ashley to learn more about what she does as pelvic floor PT and how it benefits those with LS. How does Lichen Sclerosus affect your pelvic floor muscles? If you have LS, you already know the condition affects various parts of your life. It also involves multiple parts of your body, including your pelvic floor. Just like people can hold tension in their neck muscles, they can also have…

Lichen Sclerosus & Menopause: What’s the Difference?

Jul

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Lichen Sclerosus & Menopause: What’s the Difference?

Introduction A common question we hear at Lichen Sclerosus Support Network is, “What is menopause/genitourinary syndrome of menopause (aka GSM), and how do I know if that is causing my symptoms or changes to my vulva or if it’s lichen sclerosus? And this is an important question. Unfortunately, most conditions that affect the vulva have overlapping symptoms. For example, if you Google “symptoms of GSM,” “symptoms of lichen simplex chronicus,” “symptoms of yeast (candidiasis),” etc., they will all come back with itch and pain as primary symptoms. In this post, I will discuss what menopause is, what GSM is, and the changes that can occur to the vulva from GSM. I will highlight some differences between GSM and lichen sclerosus *This post is evidence-based; I draw on the medical literature to share what you need to know about menopause, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and lichen sclerosus. Importantly, what I share is…