The Vulvar Condition Nobody Talks About: Lichen Sclerosus with PT Susannah Stewart

Looking for support? Book women's health, pelvic floor, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, orthopedic, or active aging physiotherapy with Core Connection Mobile Physiotherapy: https://www.coreconnectionphysio.com Most people have never heard of lichen sclerosus until they're suddenly dealing with the itching, burning, tearing, pain, skin changes, or intimacy concerns themselves. In this episode of TMI Tuesdays, Lauren Sutherland is joined by pelvic health physiotherapist Susannah Stewart to break down what lichen sclerosus is, why it's so commonly missed or misdiagnosed, and how it can impact everything from exercise and daily activities to intimacy, body image, and mental health. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the vulva and can significantly impact quality of life. Unfortunately, many individuals spend years seeking answers before receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you're looking for evidence-based information about vulvar health, pelvic floor dysfunction, painful sex, chronic vulvar pain, or pelvic floor physiotherapy in Victoria, Vancouver, or elsewhere in British Columbia, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: • What lichen sclerosus is and how it affects vulvar tissues • Common signs and symptoms including itching, tearing, white patches, burning, pain, and vulvar irritation • Who tends to develop lichen sclerosus and why it often goes undiagnosed for years • How lichen sclerosus is diagnosed • Medical treatment options, including steroid creams and long-term management • The role of pelvic floor physiotherapy in managing secondary symptoms • Pelvic floor tension and overactivity • Painful penetration and intimacy concerns • Urinary symptoms and bladder health • Scar tissue, tissue sensitivity, and movement avoidance • The emotional and nervous system impact of chronic vulvar pain • When to seek help and which healthcare providers may be involved in treatment Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, a healthcare professional, or someone searching for answers about chronic vulvar symptoms, this conversation provides practical information and hope that effective management is possible. Looking for pelvic health support? Core Connection Mobile Physiotherapy provides in-home pelvic floor physiotherapy, women's health physiotherapy, pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation, menopause care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and active aging services throughout Greater Victoria, Langford, Saanich, Sidney, the Cowichan Valley, Vancouver, and North Vancouver British Columbia. Our team supports individuals experiencing: • Lichen sclerosus • Vulvodynia • Painful intercourse • Pelvic floor dysfunction • Urinary incontinence • Pelvic pain • Pregnancy and postpartum concerns • Menopause-related symptoms Book an appointment: https://www.coreconnectionphysio.com Resources: Lichen Sclerosus Support Network https://lssupportnetwork.org/ The Lost Labia Chronicles    • Welcome to The Lost Labia Chronicles: All ...   Topics discussed: Lichen sclerosus • Vulvar health • Vulvar pain • Chronic itching • Vulvar skin conditions • Pelvic floor physiotherapy • Women's health physiotherapy • Painful sex • Dyspareunia • Vulvodynia • Pelvic pain • Menopause • Pelvic floor dysfunction • Urinary symptoms • Vulvar irritation • Pelvic floor physiotherapy Victoria BC • Women's health physiotherapy Victoria BC • Pelvic floor physiotherapy Vancouver BC • Women's health British Columbia • Pelvic health education