- Lichen Sclerosus
- Interviews
Emma's interview
How did all start?
I visited my GP when I was 22 years old after being unable to have intercourse due to pain.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was referred to gynaecology at me local hospital where my consultant took a biopsy, this confirmed a diagnosis of Lichen Sclerosus. The diagnosis was made within a few weeks.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I was given steroid cream called Dermovate to apply, this has been very effective. I also had skin grafts from my groin and lower abdomen, the skin grafts where attached to various parts of my vulva. This was also effective for a few years.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Dialators treatment to widen my vaginal opening has been the most useful thing I've used along with the steroid.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Having intercourse has been especially difficult anti had to have a c section when I had my daughter.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I've had some support from friends. My family never spoke about it, asked me about it and thought it was in my head, that it wasn't real.
What things have you stopped doing?
I've now stopped having intercourse and stay away from relationships. I don't use soap products to wash with as this causes a flare up of symptoms.
What do you think about the future?
I have my daughter and that's what's important to me. I can't see me having a relationship because sex is too painful still. I also worry about Vulval Cancer developing but I know the symptoms to look out for.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The best year was 2012-2013 when I was pregnant with my daughter, it's something I had always dreamed of but never thought would happen.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Have a relationship and a 'Normal sex life that is enjoyable and pain free.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Its had it good and bad times, I've dealt with depression and post natal depression and I've had my daughter, I have good friends and great support.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
If you have symptoms of LS then seek medical help and push for a referral to gynaecology or dermatology. LS is a hard condition to come to terms with and you have to go with the flow, but joining support groups and speaking with others who understand is essential especially in those dark times when giving up seems the nest option, it will get better, it just takes time.
