Lichen Sclerosus Research Is Changing: New Treatments & What I Learned at ISSVD 2026
25
Aug
By Jaclyn Lanthier
Jaclyn Video, Videos

Lichen Sclerosus Research Is Changing: New Treatments & What I Learned at ISSVD 2026

Introduction If you’re not familiar with ISSVD, it’s the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, and this Congress brings together some of the clinicians and researchers working at the forefront of vulvar and vaginal health. And there was so much presented at ISSVD 2026 that I wanted to bring some of it back to you—but without making you sit through hours of scientific presentations or decipher research jargon. So in this video, I’m breaking down some of the research and conversations that stood out to me most as a patient advocate, in normal-person language, and focusing on what I think actually matters to patients. Some Important Notes Before We Dive In And yes, before we get started: this is a long one! If you've followed my work for any length of time, you probably know how passionate I am about vulvar-health research. After spending several days surrounded by…
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What I Learned at the 2026 ISSVD World Congress
23
Aug
By Jaclyn Lanthier
Blogs, Jaclyn Blog

What I Learned at the 2026 ISSVD World Congress

Introduction Hello, hello, happy August! I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. Last month, I (Jaclyn) had the privilege and honor of attending the 2026 International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) World Congress in Halifax, Canada. For those unfamiliar with the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), it is an international, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing knowledge about vulvar and vaginal diseases. The ISSVD brings together healthcare professionals and researchers from many disciplines. Its goal is to improve our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of vulvovaginal conditions. One of the things that makes the ISSVD particularly special is this multidisciplinary approach. Vulvovaginal health does not neatly belong to one medical specialty, and the World Congress reflects that. The meeting brings together clinicians, researchers, pathologists, gynecologists, dermatologists, pelvic-health professionals, sexual-health experts, and others working in vulvovaginal disease. For a patient advocate like me,…
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I Didn’t Expect Another Diagnosis… Living with Hashimoto’s + Lichen Sclerosus
21
Mar
By Jaclyn Lanthier
Jaclyn Video, Videos

I Didn’t Expect Another Diagnosis… Living with Hashimoto’s + Lichen Sclerosus

Introduction - Returning to My Roots: A Raw and Honest Conversation Today, I’m going back to my roots, sharing openly, honestly, and vulnerably about a recent shift in my health. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid, and it’s changed the way I understand my body, my symptoms, and my journey with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). This isn’t just another diagnosis. It’s a piece of a much bigger picture. I hope sharing my story (once again) will help more people. Watch the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAHQWywATRo Understanding Hashimoto’s in the Context of Autoimmune Disease Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can impact energy levels, metabolism, weight, mood, and overall well-being. But what’s important (and often not talked about enough) is that autoimmune diseases don’t tend to exist in isolation. If you have one autoimmune condition, like vulvar lichen…
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Is There a Root Cause for Lichen Sclerosus?
23
Jan
By Jaclyn Lanthier
Jaclyn Video, Videos

Is There a Root Cause for Lichen Sclerosus?

Introduction to Root Cause Contributors and Lichen Sclerosus If you’ve ever Googled ‘What is the root cause of lichen sclerosus?’ and walked away more confused than when you started—this video is for you. Today, Heather Cooan and I are addressing a question we hear frequently: Is there a true root cause of lichen sclerosus, or are we actually referring to root cause contributors? We’ll unpack what science currently tells us, what it doesn’t, and why this distinction matters so much for treatment, expectations, and long-term care—without the fear-based or oversimplified explanations you see online. About Heather Heather Cooan is a double-board-certified integrative metabolic oncology nutrition consultant, functional medicine practitioner, transformational coach, and lived-experience mentor. She supports individuals navigating cancer, autoimmunity, and complex chronic illness with evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies rooted in nutrition, lifestyle, nervous system regulation, daily habit change, and environmental design. Informed by her own healing journey—including vulvar cancer, Hashimoto’s,…
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Free Masterclass on Vulvar LS with Dr. Jill Krapf
15
Jan
By Jaclyn Lanthier
Jaclyn Blog

Free Masterclass on Vulvar LS with Dr. Jill Krapf

Introduction Happy New Year to all of our beautiful LS warriors! We wish you a year filled with answers, healing, and empowerment. January 17 is almost here, and you know what that means: Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus Awareness Day. This global day highlights the condition and works to break the stigma around it. To mark the occasion, we’re starting 2026 with something deeply needed: open, evidence-based, and empowering education about vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). We’re hosting a free live screening of a Masterclass on Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, led by Dr. Jill Krapf, one of the field’s leading experts, followed by a live Q&A. Register here. This event is free because everyone deserves access to high-quality medical education. VLS already creates enough barriers, and cost should not be one of them. Register or donate here. Replays are only available to registered users! Why a Masterclass with Dr. Jill Krapf? Dr. Krapf is…
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How to Sleep Better with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Nighttime Relief Guide
23
Sep
By Jaclyn Lanthier
Jaclyn Blog

How to Sleep Better with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Nighttime Relief Guide

Introduction Living with vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) can be tough enough during the day—but when symptoms keep you from sleeping at night, it can feel especially overwhelming. You’re not alone if you’ve ever tossed and turned, woken up scratching, or dreaded bedtime because of discomfort. In this post, we’ll explore why nighttime can feel more challenging for many people with VLS and share practical tips and tricks to help you get more restful, healing sleep. Think of this as your gentle nighttime guide: part science, part soothing ritual, and part reminder that you deserve comfort and rest. Disclaimers *This post is evidence-based; I draw on the medical literature to share what you need to know about vulvar lichen sclerosus and sleep. Importantly, what I share is my interpretation of the science and data. **The information contained in this blog post is up-to-date at the time of publication. ***If this post…
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