The Challenges of Research with Sophie Rees

In this podcast, Sophie Reese, an English researcher, discusses her work on the project Living with Vulva LS, a Mixed Method Study. She mentions the development of a checklist of diagnostic criteria to help health professionals diagnose LS accurately and quickly. Sophie highlights the challenges in recruiting participants for research studies, particularly ethical issues, and the responsibility of researchers to publish their findings to create real-world changes. The interviewee emphasizes the need for inclusivity in medical research, communicating with different groups, and improving research involvement among patients. She invites patients to reach out to providers or patient groups to learn about research opportunities and get involved in research organizations. In this episode, you will be able to: Delve into the challenges faced in Lichen Sclerosus research and the consequences for affected individuals. Realize the value of spreading awareness about vulval and vaginal conditions to empower women. Grasp the essential role education and accurate diagnosis play in successfully treating Lichen Sclerosus. Investigate the impact of diverse and inclusive language in Lichen Sclerosus research on patient well-being. Recognize the importance of increasing healthcare access and improving treatments for Lichen Sclerosus patients. Connect with Sophie Rees on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vulva_resea... Core outcome domains for lichen sclerosus: a CORALS initiative consensus statement (https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/...) Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lichenscler... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@lich... Website: https://lssupportnetwork.org/ Loved this episode? Make sure to subscribe. Mentioned in this episode:Finally Get Clear Answers About LS, Menopause, and Your TreatmentIf you’ve ever found yourself listening to this podcast searching for answers… trying to figure out why your body feels different… why your treatment isn’t working… or whether this is menopause, lichen sclerosus, or something else entirely… You’re not alone. And more importantly— you’re not the problem. Most people with LS are left trying to piece together a care plan from short appointments, conflicting advice, and hours of searching like this. That’s exactly why we created the Wholistic Healing Summit. This free, live event (May 11–15, 2026) brings together 12+ leading specialists to help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms, your treatment, and your next steps. Inside the summit, you’ll get answers to questions like: Why does my treatment stop working? Is this LS progression… or hormonal change? What order should I actually be using my medications? How do I navigate intimacy, pain, and changing skin? And if you choose to upgrade, you’ll also get access to exclusive Q&A sessions, where you can hear real questions from people just like you… and get expert answers you’d normally wait months (and pay hundreds) for. This is where the guessing stops. 👉 Register here: https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs If you’re tired of second-guessing your care… this is your next step. P.S. If you’ve ever wished you had more time with a specialist or left an appointment with unanswered questions, the All-Access Pass gives you direct access to expert Q&As you can revisit anytime.