Forty-eight-year-old Isabel lives with the genital skin condition called lichen sclerosus, being diagnosed post menopause, and it’s not an easy new life-style, reported NetDoctor.
Lichen sclerosus is a rare genital skin condition that starts with intense itchiness and cosmetically changes the affected area. Not only does one start itching in the affected area, but the genital area begins to shrink and thin. Most women affected by the condition experience the onset at the menopausal age, yet there are a few younger girls who experience it prior to puberty. While less common, men are recorded to suffer from the disease as well. To learn more about lichen sclerosus click here.
No one still knows the true causes to lichen sclerosus, but researchers are still looking to find out. Some people think it’s related to hormonal changes, physical trauma or possibly chemical absorbance over the years. Some even believe that it could be caused by a bacterial or viral infection of sorts, or even the stress from taking consistent cycling classes. The theories are plentiful, but unfortunately nothing has been deemed the cause. When Isabel did a self check she instantly could see something was wrong and she quickly went to a doctor.
Isabel noticed that her vagina looked completely different — the vaginal structure and the appearance of spotty white patches. She could no longer see her clitoris, and her labia was reduced in size and completely sealed over. She shared it felt like, “my vagina was bring reabsorbed by my own body”. It was indeed scary for Isabel.
After her diagnosis, life changed. While it is not a life-threatening condition, the maintenance is time-consuming and inconvenient. Isabel did a full on detox from all beauty and healthy products. She resorted to only organic and scent free products. She applied creams and oils to the affected area, and avoided any stress induced physical activity, as well as emotional. While the doctor did give her cream that successfully reduced the itching, the upkeep still remained. She has to be very careful with everything she does. She has to continually apply her steroid cream and try her best to keep the area as moist as possible. Her clitoris still has not resurfaced and might not ever. Isabel also shared that her sex life is completely different, she can still engage in intercourse but it’s not as enjoyable. Something she will have to live with for now.
Isabel wants people to know from her experience is that it could have possibly been avoided if she did regular self-checks. She encourages others to do so and to take action if something doesn’t look or feel right.
