Lichen Sclerosus Podcast
by Kathy Ruiz-Carter
Our journal of learning about and living with Lichen Sclerosus from a patient's point of view. Bringing community and awareness to a disorder that hardly anyone knows about. Join me as I research Lichen Sclerosus from every angle and share my struggles living with it. My hope is to build a community of survivors so we can affect change in our lives and the research.
Episodes
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Entering Our Lichen Planus Era: Diagnostic Blurs, Hidden Triggers, and New Hope with Dr. Erin Foster
You are not doing the heavy lifting alone anymore. If you are living with symptoms that seem confusing, inconsistent, or flat-out exhausting, we have a vital surprise for you. For years, the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN) has been a dedicated sanctuary for the LS community. But we know...
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Finding Hope When the Road Isn't Straight
If you’ve disclosed your LS to someone and they brushed it off, that isn’t on you—it’s on them. Because when you share this, you are giving them a gift. In this crossover episode, Kathy joins Penny Petersson from the Pelvic Power Podcast for a conversation that goes far beyond medical facts. They...
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New Hope for Lichen Sclerosus: Insights from Silicone Treatment Studies
Episode Description: Welcome to the Lichen Sclerosus Podcast brought to you by the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network. I'm your host, Kathy, and today we’re excited to bring you a conversation with an amazing researcher, Leia Mitchell. If you’ve listened before, you might recognize her from past...
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The Future of LS Care: A Conversation with Dr. Jill Krapf
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jill Krapf, a leading expert in vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS), as we discuss the challenges and opportunities in LS care and introduce the Provider Continuous Education Program (PCEP). Why Provider Education Matters: LS is often misdiagnosed or...
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Break the Cycle of Suffering This 2024 GivingTuesday
Join us for a special Giving Tuesday episode where we discuss the importance of supporting the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN) and their mission to end the misdiagnosis and suffering caused by lichen sclerosus (LS). In this episode, you'll learn about: The challenges of living with LS and...
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Communication, Vulnerability, and Sex Positivity Transform an LS Relationship
If you're feeling the weight of unresolved issues in your intimate relationship, then you are not alone! Couples often struggle to communicate openly about sex and intimacy, leading to frustration and distance instead of connection. But what if there's a way to enhance your communication and...
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Live Lichen Sclerosus and Sexual Wellness Panel Replay
Bonus Alert until April 28: Check out the bonus 14 video replays from past summits that come with the Wholistic Healing Summit All-Access pass. https://lssupportnetwork.org/whs Join us for this informative panel discussion on lichen sclerosis and sexual health. Hosted by Kathy Ruiz-Carter, we…
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Rebuilding Relationships and Reconnecting with Lichen Sclerosus
Topics: What is the LSSN Wholistic Healing Summit? Importance of addressing relationships affected by Lichen Sclerosus (LS) Summit focus: Partners, Caregivers, and Disclosure Sessions for patients, partners, and caregivers Wellbeing activities for stress management Opportunities to connect with...
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Unraveling The Hormone And Microbiome Puzzle In Lichen Sclerosus
Hey friend! I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a true rockstar in the world of vulvar health research. She illuminated some fascinating new findings about the hormone and microbiome landscapes in lichen sclerosus. I walked away feeling so hopeful about how this work...
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Unlocking LS Wisdom: Exploring the Comprehensive Content of LSSN
Get ready for a heart-pounding year-end review of the Lichen Sclerosis Support Network's incredible work. From informative videos to virtual meetups, they're empowering LS warriors like me. But just when everything seems perfect, a shocking revelation threatens to unravel all their progress. Will...
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Why You Need to be at the LSSN Mini Summit
Have you heard about the LSSN Mini Summit: Vulvovaginal Conditions? It’s our 3-day, 100% virtual event presented by medical experts on rarely discussed conditions, such as lichen sclerosus. You may be saying, I already have LS. Why do I need to know about other conditions? Or I don’t want to know...
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Find Your Power Through Pelvic Health with Wellness.By.Penny
In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the impact of holistic methods on pelvic health and wellness. Harness the strength of your pelvic area to alleviate pain. Foster a nurturing environment for individuals coping with pelvic pain. Unlock a fulfilling life through empowerment for those…
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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…
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Listen to This If You're Looking For Evidence-based Information and Community
When I started the podcast, I never imagined it would grow into something so much more - the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network and their annual (W)holistic Healing Summit. Now, every year, we strive to make a brighter tomorrow for those facing the same struggle I once did. But what does the future...
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How steroids affect lichen sclerosus patients with Dr. Jill Krapf
Join me in the second part of this conversation with Dr. Jill Krapf, LS specialist; researcher; author; and educator, about her research review, "Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: A Review of Pharmacokinetics and Recommended Dosing Frequencies." When evaluating...
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Do you want to Get Your Sexy Back? You need this program.
Has lichen sclerosus changed your sex life? Did you lose your self-confidence? Do you feel less at home in your body? Has your sexual identity been destroyed? Is your libido nonexistent? Like you have no desire for sex and intimacy? Here’s the thing. You are not alone! What if we had a way to…
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Demystifying steroid treatment for lichen sclerosus
Join me as I talk to Dr. Jill Krapf, LS specialist; researcher; author; and educator, about all things steroids. What does it do to the skin? Why do we need it? And she answers some frequently heard steroid concerns. If you’re on the fence about or want to learn more about steroids, this is the...
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Pain Relief Without Pills: Ashlie Crewe's Guide to Treating Persistent Pelvic Pain
Ashlie Crewe, a Physical Therapist with a Psychology degree, embarks on a journey to help patients manage their chronic pain using neuroscience, only to find her own trial by fire as she discovers a unique way to challenge a patient's overprotective nervous system. "The beautiful thing, good and...
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Dr. Rachel Rubin: Unlocking Clitoral Fusing Through Non-surgical Lysis
In this podcast episode, Dr. Rachel Rubin sheds light on the startling truth that 23% of all women suffer from Clitoral Adhesions and how her innovative stretching procedure has resulted in a 76% decrease in pain and a 64% increase in orgasm rate for these women. "We have so much work to do…
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Struggling with Stress and LS? You need to hear this!
Hey! Welcome! I'm on a bit of a hiatus with Podcast as I build out Lichen Sclerosus Support Network, but, when my girl Jaclyn from The Lost Labia Chronicles told me about her latest project, I was like, "girl, we need to make a podcast episode and let our community know". So here we are! If you...
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Is Somatic Sex Education for YOU?
Today we talk to Shauna Farabaugh, a somatic sex educator about how it can help us have a sexual rebirth. Shauna is one of our Holistic Healing Summit speakers. We hope you can join us. With over 30 sessions dedicated to approaching LS from a whole-body approach, there's something for every LS...
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Unravelling 9 Years of Managing LS Naturally Through AIP
Angie Alt, a social activist and researcher, takes on the challenge of managing her Lichen Sclerosus for 9 years through the Autoimmune Protocol, an ambitious goal that leads to a journey of self-discovery and healing. Here's what Angie Alt and I cover: 1. How Angie Alt transformed the Paleo Diet...
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How to apply your LS steroid treatment correctly with Dr. Jill Krapf
Were you given a steroid treatment for your LS but not told when or how to use it? Or were the directions unclear, but you're not sure where to turn to for information? Don't worry because we get answers to those questions in this episode and more with Dr. Jill Krapf, leading LS researcher and...
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Why are health goals important?
It's a new year and a perfect time to set goals. I'm not just talking about life goals, either. I'm talking about health goals! We set at least one life and one LS goal we want to work on inside our private membership. Every week we set mini-goals to get us to our big goals. And let me tell you,...
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Top 5 Episodes of 2021
Welcome. If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, I want to give you a shout-out and thank you for sticking with me this year. This was the year of transition, and because of that, there weren’t very many episodes published, but you kept coming back. I appreciate you so much! If…
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Pediatric Lichen Sclerosus with Dr. Sandy Flann
Today I am joined by the amazing dermatologist, Dr. Sandy Flann, who is an expert on pediatric Lichen Sclerosus. Yes, you heard that right, Pediatric Lichen Sclerosus! As we know, Lichen Sclerosus can affect anyone, of any age - children included. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research and...
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Don't Let Lichen Sclerosus Take Control Of Your Life
Hey, welcome. In this episode, I decided to take a little break from the interviews, and speak from the heart. This is something I felt compelled to speak on. I want to talk about not letting Lichen Sclerosus control your life; not letting it rob you of the vibrant and wondrous person you are. I...
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What's the best lubricant for Lichen Sclerosus?
Hey! Welcome! Have you ever wondered what lube is best for Lichen Sclerosus? Perhaps you felt overwhelmed by the massive selection of lube options online and had no clue what to buy? Have you ever wondered what you should look for and avoid in a lube? If yes, this is the episode for you! Today I…
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LS Grooming Best Practices with Dr. Cynthia Wesley
Today, I am here with Dr. Cynthia Wesley (aka Dr. Cyn), a board-certified OBGYN with over 16 years of experience and a vulvar skin expert. Dr. Cyn is passionate about vulvar care, hygiene, and grooming. She will share her tips on how to take care of your vulva when you have Lichen Sclerosus. We...
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How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps Lichen Sclerosus with Ashley Stump
Hey welcome! This week I'm so excited to finally publish this episode with Ashley Stump. She's a pelvic floor physical therapist who knows all about Lichen Sclerosus. I learned so much during this episode, we talked about what pelvic floor physical therapy is, why women with Lichen Sclerosus need...
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Covid Update
If you're seeing two of these or getting this episode really late, apologies. I realized half of my listeners didn't get the episode because I released it in video format versus audio. 🤦🏽♀️ Either way everyone should have at least one version of the episode. Thanks for understanding. Heeeyyy!...
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Covid Update
Heeeyyy! Longtime no see. lol Life has been busy and a bit hectic and I'm ready to let you in on everything that's been going on. And the most exciting news. You'll be getting new episodes starting Nov 5! First off we have incorporated Lichen Sclerosus Support Network and we are an official...
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Lichen Sclerosus Provider Directory and an LS Nonprofit?
Hey!!! Welcome! I'm so happy you're here. I've got some AMAZING news. We have released the searchable provider directory! It's ready for you to explore. It's brand new so we have to work out all the kinks as we grow it but it's better than nothing....
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Acceptance and Resilience: A Round Table Discussion
Hey! Welcome! I’m so glad you are here with us today! We are going to shake this up a bit and have a live round table discussion about the concepts of acceptance and resilience with some members of the LS Warriors membership. The concepts of acceptance and resilience are critical to living with a...
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How to Find Peace After Stress Triggers Your LS, Jennifer's Story
I’m so glad you are here with us today. In today’s episode, we are joined by Jen, one of the LS Warriors! She is here to share the amazing story of her journey with Lichen Sclerosus. Jen’s journey involves a traumatic birth and a lot of stress to her vulva and vagina. She discusses what this...
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Unraveling the Diet- Lichen Sclerosus Connection with Erica Eberl
Uncover the potential connection between your diet and long-term health with this groundbreaking research on Diet and LS. Erica Eberl is a 23-year-old dietitian and LS warrior who was diagnosed less than a year ago. She has used her skills and resources to research LS and diet and shares her...
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Heather Cooan: Healing Lichen Sclerosus with Nutrition Therapy
Unearth the root cause of your Lichen Sclerosus and transform your life with Heather Cooan's real talk about nutrition and lifestyle changes. "But she didn't let that hold her down, and she advocated for herself and was able to heal her cancer and her Lichen Sclerosus support Network through the...
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How Self-Advocating Actually Helped Beat Vulvar Cancer
Today we are joined (again) by therapeutic nutrition consultant, LS warrior, and cancer survivor, Heather Cooan. Last episode we heard her diagnosis story. Unfortunately, Heather went undiagnosed for over 25 years, allowing her Lichen Sclerosus to develop into vulvar cancer. This was a gross...
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How The System Failed Heather Cooan.
Today we are joined by therapeutic nutrition consultant, LS warrior, and cancer survivor, Heather Cooan. Heather’s journey from how the medical system let her down to self-advocacy and taking control of her health and body is nothing short of incredible. Her story will be told in two parts.…
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Jaclyn's Lost Labia Journey: Finding Community
Hey! Welcome. I'm excited to bring you the second part of my conversation with my LS sister, Jaclyn. In this episode, she shares what it took to go from suffering so bad she had to stop having sex with her new husband to having multi-orgasm sex multiple times a week. I hope this story inspires…
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Jaclyn's Lost Labia Journey: Surviving Alone
Hey! Welcome to the Lichen Sclerosus Podcast. I have a very special LS Warrior with us today, Jaclyn, who is going to share the story of her journey with Lichen Sclerosus. Her progression from feeling alone and hopeless to empowered and thriving is captivating! Jaclyn is truly a beacon of light…
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How to Snap Out of Appointment Anxiety
This week we talk about an awful drive I recently had to the doctor's office. I was overtaken by negative thoughts and emotions of what the future might bring. Eventually, I pulled myself out of those negative thoughts and emotions so I could do what I needed to do. I want to share with you my...
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Carrie Bock’s LS Journey: From Pain To Love
Does Lichen Sclerosus make penetrative sex painful for you? Has LS been a factor in a relationship breakup? Are you single and wonder if you'll ever be in a healthy relationship again? These are all questions this week's guest had to confront. After the demise of her 10-year marriage, she was...
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How are reproductive age women and steroids similar with Dr. Jill Krapf
Welcome to season 2 of Lichen Sclerosus Podcast. For our first episode, the esteemed Dr. Jill Krapf and I discuss new research into women of reproductive age with LS. This under-studied group is often misdiagnosed or turned away being told ridiculous things. If you're between 18 and 50 and want…
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How GRATITUDE can top FEAR and ANXIETY when you have LICHEN SCLEROSUS
I woke up this Thanksgiving with a message of gratitude on my heart. Please don't let the fear and anxiety of Lichen Sclerosus pull you from the joy and happiness in your life. Find and focus on the pockets of gratitude and positivity. Make sure you sign up for next months virtual meetup at...
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Is Lichen Sclerosus Lowering Your Sex Drive?
Fresh off the first Lichen Sclerosus Podcast Virtual Meetup I'm excited to bring fresh insights. As I'm sure you know because you live it Lichen Sclerosus does terrible things to our sex life. Sometimes stopping it completely. This week we look at how our libido is impacted by LS and how we can…
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My Diagnosis Story: Kathy
I'm so excited to bring back one of my favorite guests. Lou! If you don't know who Lou is go back and listen to the episode "Lou's Diagnosis Story". She is so much fun and I could not wait to speak with her again. We go in-depth on my story and discuss some of the decisions I made. My hope is…
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Lichen Sclerosus Diagnosis Stories: You Are Not Alone
This week four Lichen Sclerosus Warriors share their diagnosis stories with us. Although each of their stories is individualized they all have similarities to our own. LS can be such a lonely disease but by sharing our stories we realize there are thousands of women feeling and going through what...
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How to still have a great relationship despite Lichen Sclerosus
Have you ever thought about how LS will or has affected your relationship? How it has or will affect your partner? This week I was inspired by a DM I received on Instagram from a young man looking to support his companion. The love and care he expressed sent me looking for actionable tips for how...
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7 Ways To Stop Vulvar Itch From Lichen Sclerosus
Do you have the itch? You know the one I'm talking about. The one that makes your vulva feel like ants are crawling all over it. That unforgiving desire to scratch. Yeah, that one. This week we discuss why we itch when we do and I give you seven ways ladies combat the itch. As always don't forget...
About this show
Our journal of learning about and living with Lichen Sclerosus from a patient's point of view. Bringing community and awareness to a disorder that hardly anyone knows about. Join me as I research Lichen Sclerosus from every angle and share my struggles living with it. My hope is to build a community of survivors so we can affect change in our lives and the research.
Hosted by
Kathy Ruiz-Carter