fusing Archives

Kintsugi: How I Learned to Love my Vulva Again

Jul

Kintsugi: How I Learned to Love my Vulva Again

Introduction Lichen sclerosus can cause architectural changes. I explain what this means in detail here, but briefly, architectural changes are changes that occur to the vulva that physically change the way it looks. For example, some folks lose some or all of their labia minora. These changes can cause a lot of distress. You may feel like part of your identity has been removed. You may feel less 'feminine' than you did before the changes. Some folks (myself included) feel broken because of how our vulvas look. If this resonates with you, you are not alone. In today's post, we are stepping away from evidence-based information and science to have a heartfelt post about architectural changes and a beautiful philosophy and art - Kintsugi - that helped me move from feeling broken and ugly to feeling beautiful and worthy. I hope it creates a healing and transformative shift in you, as it did…

Lichen Sclerosus & Surgery: What Does the Science Say?

Apr

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Lichen Sclerosus & Surgery: What Does the Science Say?

Introduction Topical corticosteroids are the gold standard treatment; read about it here and here. While steroids are effective in reducing inflammation, slowing the progression of the condition, getting patients into remission, and reducing the likelihood of developing vulvar cancer, they cannot reverse existing vulvar fusing/scarring. Fusing and scarring, however, can affect the functioning of your vulva. If your fusing and scarring are causing functional issues, you *may* be a candidate for surgery. In this post, I will review the surgery for clitoral fusing and recurrent tearing. Further, I will share important information you should know before booking surgery. *This post is evidence-based. I draw on the medical literature to share what you need to know about surgery and lichen sclerosus. Importantly, what I share is my interpretation of the science and data. Surgery for Clitoral Fusing If you read my post on architectural changes, you are familiar with the term clitoral…

Architectural Changes & Lichen Sclerosus

Feb

By Jaclyn Lanthier

Jaclyn Blog

Architectural Changes & Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction When I say architecture, what comes to mind? Many of us conjure up images of gothic cathedrals, the Doric or Ionic columns from Archaic and Classical Greek architecture, or perhaps a building you often pass by on your walks. Suffice it to say, you probably think about some building or other. What probably doesn’t pop into your mind is a vulva. Yet, when you begin to engage with the lichen sclerosus community and the LS literature, you may often hear folks referring to something called ‘architectural changes’. What on earth are architectural changes and what does that have to do with lichen sclerosus? Great questions! I am here to help answer them. It can be really overwhelming in the beginning to wrap your head around all of the medical jargon and terms out there, which is why I like to break down what each term means so you can be more…