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TLLC Blog Posts

TLLC's blog is moving!

In January, 2023, TLLC partnered with Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN). This means my new 2023 blog posts will be published on LSSN’s page. For full details on what the partnership entails, watch this video.

Click for my new content
Image of a person with pale skin in a white shirt sitting on a white toilet with white underwear between their legs.

Urinary Issues & Lichen Sclerosus: What You Need to Know

Hey, beautiful soul. Let me ask you something. Does it burn when you urinate with lichen sclerosus? Do you dread going to the bathroom in anticipation of the stinging pain? If so, you are not alone. I used to struggle with this and I know many folks with vulvar lichen sclerosus who do as well. In this post, I will be discussing urinary issues with lichen sclerosus. Specifically, I will address why it can burn/string when you urinate and I will share some helpful tips to help manage the pain when urinating.

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Jaclyn November 21, 2022
Image of a doctor administering a patch test on the back of a patient with pale skin and blonde hair.

Why are Patch Tests so Important for Lichen Sclerosus?

Have you ever used a product on your vulva and ended up having a bad reaction to the product? Maybe you experienced new redness, pain, and itch after using a new emollient the internet was raving about? If so, you are not alone. Many vulvar products can cause an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. In this post, I discuss the types of vulvar products you may use if you have lichen sclerosus, what a patch test is, the importance of patch tests, and why they are so important.

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Jaclyn November 8, 2022
Image of a person with tan skin and short brown hair sitting on a couch looking emotional with a sex therapist sitting across from them.

How to Find a Sex Therapist for Lichen Sclerosus

Living with lichen sclerosus can impact your sexual health. Its impact may be mild to severe. In my last post, I discussed the myriad of ways my sexual health suffered from lichen sclerosus and how working with a sex therapist helped. Many folks haven’t heard of sex therapy before and have asked me for advice on finding one. In this post, I’m going to share what a sex therapist is, how to find one, the importance of vetting your sex therapist and starting therapy.

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Jaclyn October 10, 2022
Image of a person with shoulder length brown hair, a white top, and jeans, sitting on a brown chair. Across from this person is another person with brown skin, a grey shirt, sitting on a blue couch with a potted plant next to it. This image represents a patient and a sex therapist discussing sexual health and lichen sclerosus.

LS, Sexual Health, & the Importance of Sex Therapy

Do you feel like your sexual identity took a massive hit after being diagnosed with LS? Perhaps you struggle with low-self confidence because of anatomical changes to your body. If so, you are not alone. I felt all of this and more in the first year of my lichen sclerosus journey. In this post, I discuss what motivated me to get a sex therapist after being diagnosed with lichen sclerosus. Then, I share how working with a sex therapist helped my physical and mental health.

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Jaclyn September 26, 2022
Image of two people hugging each other, bonding over living with ls and trauma and knowing how hard it can be.

Guest Post: How are Trauma and Lichen Sclerosus Connected?

In this guest post, Jen shares her story about living with lichen sclerosus and trauma. It is a reflective piece on the nature of trauma and how it impacts lichen sclerosus. If it feels safe and supportive to your journey, take a couple of minutes to read through this powerful and moving piece.

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Jaclyn August 29, 2022
Image of a wood table with a stethoscope and the words 'yeast infection' are spelled out in colorful block letters.

Yeast Infection and Lichen Sclerosus: How to Know Which is Which?

Have you ever sat there wondering, “is my itchy vulva due to a yeast infection or lichen sclerosus”? Perhaps you thought, “maybe I’ll head over to the pharmacy and get some OTC yeast cream”? If so, you are not alone. I’ve wondered this countless times. In today’s blost post, I’m going to be discussing yeast infections and lichen sclerosus.

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Jaclyn August 15, 2022
Image of A transgender woman meeting her doctor in the waiting room of doctor's office with a purple background.

Lichen Sclerosus Signs and Symptoms: Does the Difference Matter?

Did you know there is a difference between signs and symptoms? I sure didn’t. For the longest time, I called everything a lichen sclerosus symptom. Unbeknownst to me, I was using the wrong terminology for quite some time. However, once I learned the difference, I realized this is an important distinction that folks with lichen sclerosus should understand. In this post, I will explain what differentiates a sign and a symptom. I will highlight lichen sclerosus signs and lichen sclerosus symptoms. Finally, I will explain why, in my opinion, this difference matters.

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Jaclyn August 1, 2022
Image of a notepad with 'tips and tricks' written with a bold, black market. Next to the book is a cup of coffee, a pen, and office supplies.

How to Get Through Your Vulvar Biopsy: Key Tips and Tricks

Do you have an upcoming vulvar biopsy scheduled? Are you worried about what the biopsy will involve and how you will recover? Do you want some tips and tricks to help set you up for success? If so, you have come to the right place. In today’s post, I’m sharing tips for before, during, and after your vulvar biopsy.

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Jaclyn July 18, 2022

I am often surprised that she captures what has been on my mind.”

Jaclyn manages to put into words many of the thoughts, feelings, fears (oh, so many fears), and questions, that come with a diagnosis of LS. She captures both the physical and often more importantly the mental health aspects of learning to live with LS. Her generosity in sharing her personal journey and speaking truthfully about LS provides much needed hope and perspective
Joanne

Reading her blogs has helped me deal with LS in every way – physically, emotionally, and mentally. -Maria

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