Can Lichen Sclerosus affect your family and relationships?

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Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (VLS) is a disease that affects not only the physical health, but also the emotional health of those who suffer from it. This vulvar dermatological disease can have a significant impact on your closest circle. In this article, we will explore how Lichen Sclerosus can affect your family and partner relationships.

 

Why can VLS impact your relationships?

VLS can have a profound emotional impact on sufferers, which in turn can directly affect personal relationships. This is due to the symptoms presented by the condition:

 

  1. Pain and Discomfortr: Intense itching, pain during intercourse and constant irritation can lead to decreased sexual desire and avoidance of intimacy. This can create tension in couple relationships. This discomfort can also be reflected in your mood, affecting the people closest to you.

 

  1. Changes in self-esteem: Changes in the appearance of the vulva, such as discoloration or thinning of the skin, can affect the sufferer’s self-esteem, which can influence the relationship with a partner.

 

  1. Anxiety and StressConstant worry about symptoms and anxiety can lead to stress. Emotional stress can lead to conflict and communication difficulties, which can lead to bonds with your loved ones that can break down.

 

Tips for Addressing the Emotional Impact of VLS

Despite the emotional challenges that VLS can present in relationships, there are effective strategies to address this situation:

 

  1. Open Communication

Open and honest communication is essential. Talk to your partner and family about your feelings and needs. Explain how you feel and how the VLS affects you. Mutual understanding can strengthen the relationship.

 

  1. Joint Education

Learning about VLS together can help you understand the condition and how it affects those who suffer from it. Education can reduce stigma and discomfort. If you want to learn more about Lichen Sclerosus, we recommend the Book: I have Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus, what do I do now?

 

  1. Patience and Understanding

For both the person suffering from Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus and their loved ones, patience and understanding are essential. The process of managing VLS can take time, but with mutual support, emotional hurdles can be overcome.

 

  1. Use of natural products

The use of natural products such as
Dermnix Natural Oil
can help to reduce symptoms. This will help improve your mood.

 

Remember that there is
Liquenia Treatment
which improves the symptoms of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus using stem cells from your own body.

About the author

Dr. Patricia Gutiérrez Ontalvilla (MD PhD)
Plastic Surgeon
Medical Researcher
Scientific Director at Derm Nix Lab®
President of Nixarian Foundation