HealthBBCI have a condition people are too embarrassed to talk about
Women are sharing their experiences of lichen sclerosus, a painful inflammatory condition affecting the genitals that is often misdiagnosed and rarely talked about.
Women share their experience of lichen sclerosus.
Women are speaking out about lichen sclerosus, a lifelong inflammatory condition affecting the genitals that causes itching, soreness, white patches and tearing.
One woman was examined 28 times in six months before getting a biopsy, and was incorrectly given medication for herpes before her correct diagnosis.
Researchers say the condition is almost certainly underdiagnosed, with many people going their entire lives without knowing they have it, and more research is badly needed.
Lichen sclerosus carries a small risk of vulval cancer, so if you have persistent genital itching, soreness or white patches, ask your GP about a biopsy rather than assuming it is thrush.
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