Introduction
In today’s video, we discuss all things vulvar lichen sclerosus and urethral health with Dr. Rachel Rubin.
Dr. Rachel S. Rubin is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. She is one of only a handful of physicians with fellowship training in sexual medicine for all genders. Dr. Rubin is a clinician, researcher, and passionate educator. In addition to being the former education chair and current Director-at-Large for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), she serves as associate editor for the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. Dr. Rubin completed her medical education at Tufts University, her urology training at Georgetown University, and her sexual medicine fellowship training with Dr. Irwin Goldstein in San Diego. Be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more educational LS content.
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*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
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Timestamps on Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus and Urethral Health
0:00 – Introduction
2:19 – What motivates Dr. Rubin to work in the field of urology and sexual medicine
7:30 – What is the urethra, what’s the urethral opening, and what are their main functions
14:20 – Signs and symptoms of vulvar lichen sclerosus
16:59 – Advice on asking for vaginal estrogen & a discussion on the importance of hormones
23:20 – How common is urethral fusing
28:23 – Why does my stream of urine spray
31:00 – What we do and don’t know about the labia minora
36:01 – What to do if you suspect urethral stricture or urethral complications from VLS?
38:20 – Recommendations for overall urethral health with VLS
43:20 – Where to find Dr. Rubin & outro
Dr. Rachel Rubin’s Links
Reach Out To Me
Email: jaclyn@lostlabia.com & @thelostlabiachronicles on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok
Hi Jaclyn, I have lichen sclerosis and have had it 3 years every single day. I do use clobetasol every day as well. I had a medical induced menopause by way of full hysterectomy. The only difference is the intensity of the pain and itching. I am 68 years old and have many immune problems and diseases, including, PAH, A Stent of 4 years, CAD, Diabetes, Cervical and Lumbar Stenosis.
Does having LS for so long increase risks of Cancer. This bothers me. Your video was extremely helpful. Thank you in abundance!
Hi Janith! Thank you for your comment. So sorry you’ve been dealing with so many issues. Vulvar cancer mostly happens when people go undiagnosed or untreated for decades. The more concerning thing you said was that you have been using clobetasol every day for three years. You should not need this much medication. I encourage you to check out this resource and have a conversation with your provider about your treatment plan. How to use your Lichen Sclerosus steroid treatment with Dr. Jill Krapf – https://youtu.be/FdwECxBJIBI We also have it in blog form – lssupportnetwork.org/drjill 🥰🤗
Thank you Jaclyn, thank you Dr. Rachel Rubin. Could you two intelligent and kind women run for President/Vice President/Senator in Canada and U.S.! Hugs, Patricia Boutilier
Haha! Patricia! This totally made my morning. I will now start my day with a huge smile on my face thanks to you! With love,
Thank you Jaclyn and Rachel, I learned *so* much from this presentation. It gives me hope, especially for my daughter’s generation. You are doing such important work!
Thankyou so much for all the work you do. I’m in Australia and just watched interview with Dr Rachel Rubin. It was great. Made me realise the importance of patient advocacy.
Thank you! We definitely have to advocate for ourselves.
Thank you so much for this helpful piece ❤️
You’re so welcome!
Us too, we’re super grateful! Thank you, Jacklyn, for helping us understand so much more about our condition.
You are so welcome!