Areas affecting Lichen Sclerosus

Vulvo Vaginal Lichen Sclerosis

This is a chronic skin condition affecting the vulva ( area around vaginal opening), labia, perianal area.

It affects women more than men. The exact cause for still remains unknown. Genetic predisposition is seen these cases. It is associated with Autoimmune disease (body cells for unexplaineable reasons destroys its own tissue), infection and trauma. It is not sexually transmitted disease.

    Symptoms :

  • Itching at the vaginal opening.

  • Easy tearing/bruising of vulva, thinning.

  • Narrowing of vaginal opening.

  • Painful sex/urination.

Signs:

Shiny appearace, skin discoloration from white to at times reddish appearance, narrowing of vaginal opening

Treatment

There is no permanent cure for this disease, it can be controlled with steroid medications. Once the symptoms recur it needs to be treated. Use of Energy based laser device is new treatment approach to treat the itching and dryness in vaginal lichensclerosis.

Vaginal lichensclerosis is clinical diagnosis but sometimes biopsy is performed to confirm. The earlier the treatment is started the better is the control on the disease process.

GSM

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a natural process of reduced availability of estrogen hormone in the vulvovaginal area. GSM affects approximately 50% of women population in their lifespan and hits their quality of life.

    Symptoms :

  • genital irritation, dryness, burning.

  • sexual discomfort.

  • urinary discomfort.

  • Physiological change in the vagina causes thinning of the vaginal linning, loss of vaginal rugae,change in secretions. There is poor blood flow and the vagina becomes more friable also there is loss of collagen and elasticity. Vaginal canal laxity over a period of time adds to the aesthetic concerns in a lady.

    Treatment is tailormade to take care of the vaginal health. Energy based treatment using Laser in combination with injectable biological products in multiple spaced out sessions helps ease out menopause journey. All these are day care procedures and need maintenance therapy as symptoms tend to reappear.

  • Energy based devices.

  • CO2 Laser.

  • Erbium Laser.

  • Diode Laser.

    Advantage of newer energy based treatment modalities being minimally invasive include:

  • Non Painful.

  • Day care procedure and a successful longterm use as an alternative treatment for genitourinary symptoms of menopause.

Post treatment care

Expect altered vaginal discharge and or spotting /bleeding is experienced for 3-4 days. After Laser treatment abstinence from sexual activity is advised for 4 days.