Lichen Sclerosus is an inflammatory Skin condition which primarily affects the Vulva in Females and the Foreskin/Penis in Men. It can also affect other parts of the body such as the Anus, Breasts and Torso.
There has been very little research into what causes Lichen Sclerosus however factors such as Auto immune (over active immune system attacking healthy skin cells), hormones and genetics cannot be ruled out.
It has not yet been confirmed if Lichen Sclerosus is hereditary however some research shows that it does run in families.
Lichen Sclerosus is also widely believed to be post menopause however, a recent study by myself and members of my group showed that out of 267 sufferers 164 sufferers were below the average UK age for menopause which is currently 51 years old. In fact, children as young as 2 years old are being diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus of the Vulva.
A majority of sufferers report an inability to have sexual intercourse with their partners due to tearing, splitting, bleeding and extreme burning sensations during intercourse. This is because the skin on the vulva and around the vagina becomes thin and the vagina opening shrinks due to atrophy and scarring.
Many ladies report that they lose their Labia Minora (inner Lips) and their clitoris becomes buried under skin resulting in tearing and splitting in this area during intercourse and when wiping themselves after urination.
Lichen Sclerosus also comes with a risk of developing Vulva Cancer. The risk is estimated at 5%, however this number could be significantly higher due to a lack of knowledge from medical professionals who misdiagnose the symptoms presented to them as thrush. Once patients are left untreated for years this risk automatically becomes higher due to lack of the steroid treatment which has been proven in a study in Australia to prevent cancer developing.
This is why it is so important to seek medical advice when you know something isn't right with your vulva. There is no need to be embarrassed about speaking to a medical professional about your Vulva, yours won't be the first they've seen and certainly won't be the last.
There has been very little research into what causes Lichen Sclerosus however factors such as Auto immune (over active immune system attacking healthy skin cells), hormones and genetics cannot be ruled out.
It has not yet been confirmed if Lichen Sclerosus is hereditary however some research shows that it does run in families.
Lichen Sclerosus is also widely believed to be post menopause however, a recent study by myself and members of my group showed that out of 267 sufferers 164 sufferers were below the average UK age for menopause which is currently 51 years old. In fact, children as young as 2 years old are being diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus of the Vulva.
A majority of sufferers report an inability to have sexual intercourse with their partners due to tearing, splitting, bleeding and extreme burning sensations during intercourse. This is because the skin on the vulva and around the vagina becomes thin and the vagina opening shrinks due to atrophy and scarring.
Many ladies report that they lose their Labia Minora (inner Lips) and their clitoris becomes buried under skin resulting in tearing and splitting in this area during intercourse and when wiping themselves after urination.
Lichen Sclerosus also comes with a risk of developing Vulva Cancer. The risk is estimated at 5%, however this number could be significantly higher due to a lack of knowledge from medical professionals who misdiagnose the symptoms presented to them as thrush. Once patients are left untreated for years this risk automatically becomes higher due to lack of the steroid treatment which has been proven in a study in Australia to prevent cancer developing.
This is why it is so important to seek medical advice when you know something isn't right with your vulva. There is no need to be embarrassed about speaking to a medical professional about your Vulva, yours won't be the first they've seen and certainly won't be the last.
