No vagina is the same. Like the complaints you down under can have. In Grazia three women share which rare vaginal condition they have, to break the taboo about it. Lisette (35) found out in 2021 that she has Lichen Sclerosus. A skin condition that can cause intense itching, thin skin and the risk of deformity in your vulva.
Visit to the gynaecologist
“Four years ago I was going to the toilet when it suddenly seemed like something was coming out of my vagina. A year and a half before I had given birth to my daughter and in panic I immediately thought of a prolapse, because I had heard about it. I immediately called the doctor, after which I was referred to the gynaecologist. She indicated that I had minimal prolapse, which meant it was nothing serious. She did see a white discoloration around my vagina and anus. According to the gynecologist, this meant that I Lichen Sclerosus had. A chronic non-contagious inflammation of the skin. The skin near the labia and around the vagina and anus loses its elasticity and can become tighter, less flexible and thinner. A vulva can also look very different. For example, the labia can stick together and the clitoris can become encapsulated.”
“The gynecologist did not explain exactly what the situation was with me. All she said was that I should read the brochure and that I should continue to apply hormone ointment for the rest of my life. Oh, and that I had an increased risk of labia cancer. Even if it was only a very small chance. Ten minutes later I was out again.”
Clitoris completely gone
Confused, I tried to comprehend it. At home I looked at my vagina with a mirror. I was shocked. My inner labia were glued together and my clitoris was covered by a piece of skin. How could I have never noticed this? Okay, I used to itch regularly and during sex I also often had pain, because I usually tore something. But I always thought this was part of it. Also I was wondering why no one had seen this before? I had laid my legs wide apart so many times in front of different professionals. I had given birth twice, had an abscess underneath and then also had an IUD fitted. Maybe I didn’t have it then?”
“During a follow-up appointment with another gynaecologist, I asked all these questions. Luckily she took all the time for me. I was told that I could not cure Lichen Sclerosus, but that by applying good lubrication with a hormone ointment and greasy ointment, I could reduce the itching and pain. I could still have sex with my husband, as long as I used the ointments and lubricant properly before and during sex. My husband was very sweet and understanding. He had never noticed anything wrong with my labia and clitoris and found it especially annoying for me. Since the diagnosis we are a lot more careful during sex. Spontaneity is not always there, because before we start, I have to lubricate well. I also prefer not to do certain positions such as doggy style, because I’m afraid I’ll tear again. When we make love, I also often hear myself say ‘careful’. Of course that’s not really fun. My clitoris may be encapsulated, but luckily I can still enjoy sex.”
Contact with peers
“What really helped me is the contact with fellow sufferers. Lichen Sclerosus mainly occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 60, but there are also people in their 20s and 30s who have it. It’s a comfort to me to know I’m not alone. I also advise women to regularly check their vagina with a mirror. The sooner you know, the sooner you can do something about it. Hopefully lubricating with ointment won’t make it worse. Because there is a chance that I will develop labia or vulvar cancer due to the Lichen Sclerosus, I have a check-up with the gynecologist twice a year. Together we will then see what my situation is like. I find that reassuring. Suppose something develops, then we will at least catch up in time.”
Knowing more? Visit www.lsnederland.nl.
Text: Renée Brouwer | Image: Martijn Senders @ studiomartinenders
2023-07-22 14:00:40
#Lisette #shit #disease #shocked #looked #mirror
