Do I have Lichen Sclerosus?

 Do I have Lichen Sclerosus?

Although labeled online as a rare/uncommon disease, it may simply be because it is not being properly diagnosed. In order to see if you have LS, doctors will do a punch biopsy of your vulva or will diagnose you by sight. Often times, they will give patients a steroid cream for treatment. This steroid is for relief and maintenance of the skin, and will not cure the disease (remember this disease is incurable <3). One doctor has made huge progress in the LS community. He believes it is a disease you can somewhat easily diagnose by sight... No more glorious biopsies necessary... could you imagine? Many doctors agree, but the issue is that a lot of doctors do not know what to look for. Often resulting in no diagnosis at all, or the famous we will see how it does in a few months approach. The issue with LS is some women may have the disease, and not have any symptoms. Some women may have visual skin changes, but no itching or tearing so they don’t even know to look. Even if that is the case, it still needs to be treated. Leaving LS untreated is what puts women in danger of gynecological cancers. 
Some women with LS experience itching, easy tearing, burning, thinning of the skin, painful sex, and/or white patches on the vulva. 
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or even have the slightest question about anything, do not hesitate to call your OBGYN ASAP! You know your body better than anyone!! Do your research, and be prepared before you go. If your doctor is not highly educated on the topic or gives you a treatment plan you are not comfortable with, do not be discouraged. There are many other doctors out there you can go to, and a vulvastrong family you can lean on! 

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