Just a heads up that in this episode we are going to be talking openly about genital body parts that you may not want your kiddos to hear. If needed, feel free to put in your earbuds for this one or save it for a time when you can listen in private.
After 10 years of experiencing painful symptoms without answers, I was diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus. Multiple doctors had missed the diagnosis and couldn’t provide a reason for my pain.
What do you do when you have a condition that doctors can’t figure out? How can you advocate for your own health? Where can you turn to learn about your diagnosis and find answers?
Joining me for this important conversation is Jaclyn Lanthier. Jaclyn has a Ph.D. in philosophy of neuroscience, is on the board of the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network and the steering committee of Core Outcomes for Research in Lichen Sclerosus (CORALS), and is the founder of The Lost Labia Chronicles, which is a content hub for lichen sclerosus information and support.
Jaclyn had a similar journey as me and decided to use what she went through to help others. She shares openly about this topic online and I found her posts extremely helpful after my own diagnosis.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How to educate yourself about lichen sclerosus and lichen planus
- Tips for advocating for your own health
- Why a gynecologist may not always be the best option for diagnosis
- And so much more!
Jaclyn has been such an encouragement to me both through our conversation and her online content. I hope this has been helpful for you and your health journey!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- [BOOK] When Sex Hurts: A Woman’s Guide to Banishing Sexual Pain
- Connect with Jaclyn on her website, Facebook, or Instagram
- As a thank you for listening, get your 3 free eBooks.
My Key Takeaways:
1) Get to know your anatomy. Many times we use general terms that are not the most accurate. When it comes to helping direct doctors to our pain, it’s important we use the correct terms for our anatomy, not nicknames or the general area. It’s also important to educate yourself on the different types of pain. In many cases, all doctors have to go on is our descriptions of what we feel.
2) A gynecologist is not always the best option for diagnosis. Your regular doctor or even gynecologist may not have the expertise to identify or give you a diagnosis. In many cases, they have limited knowledge of vulvar issues and causes of pain. It may be in your best interest to seek out a vulvar specialist but be prepared to potentially pay out-of-pocket.
3) Talk with your partner about your pain. Whether you have lichen sclerosus or a similar diagnosis, it may mean that you need to abstain from intercourse for a period of time or until you are able to uncover your diagnosis and treatment. It’s important that they understand your pain and what it feels like so you can remain connected and know how to support you through this journey.
About Jaclyn:
Jaclyn Lanthier is the founder and CEO of The Lost Labia Chronicles, a content hub for lichen sclerosus information and support. She also has a Ph.D. in philosophy of neuroscience, is on the board of Lichen Sclerosus Support Network, and is on the steering committee of Core Outcomes for Research in Lichen Sclerosus (CORALS). Jaclyn lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada, and loves writing, fitness, and is on a mission to find the best latte in town.
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