Lichen Sclerosus and Its Common Consequence "Sexual Dysfunction"
Ayse Deliktas (TR), Ruveyda Aydin (TR), Oznur Korukcu (TR), Kamile Kukulu (TR)
[Deliktas] Akdeniz University, [aydin] , [Korukcu] , [Kukulu]
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory dermatitis that may cause significant vulvar changes. These anatomical changes may result in sexual dysfunction (Simonart et al., 2008). However, there is very little research investigating the effects of vulvar LS on sexual dysfunction. Methods: This study is aimed to show effect of lichen sclerosus on sexual function with review method. The search process was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCOHOST and Google Scholar using apropriate key words. Our inclusion criteria are that articles must be English between 2000 and 2015 years.Results: The skin lesions of LS are often located on intimate places. This may cause shame, fear, embarrassment or insecurity, especially with regard to sexual relations (Jensen et al., 2003). Sexual difficulties in patients with LS may be attributed to three main causes for dyspareunia. The skin is sensitive and delicate, which easily tears and may cause superficial dyspareunia. The fear for pain lowers arousal, decreases lubrication and causes the pelvic muscles to contract, which indeed results in dyspareunia. The majority of female patients with LS refer loss of interest in sexual activity, and, finally, they therefore prefer to avoid sexual intimacy, with consequent dyspareunia (Pinelli et al., 2013). Vulvar scarring can negatively affect a woman’s body image, as well as cause dyspareunia and decreased clitoral sensation. Conclusions: Lichen sclerosus causes sexual dysfunction. Therefore, all of health care professionals try to create a confidential relationship with patients. This relationship should include that patient should express their doubt about sexual function without restraint.