Lichen Sclerosus, Up Close and Personal
What happens when you go from being dismissed by doctors to becoming a voice for thousands? In this episode of Labia Logic, our hosts interview two awesome women who are changing the game for people living with lichen sclerosis and lichen planus. If you’ve ever felt like no one’s talking about what you’re going through—these guests are here to say, “We see you. We are you.”
Kathy Ruiz-Carter and Jaclyn Lanthier join Drs. Fuller and McClure on Labia Logic for a glimpse into the real world of getting diagnosed and getting treated with these two vulvar skin conditions. Kathy and Jaclyn are two advocates who know firsthand how confusing, isolating, and frustrating life with these conditions can be.
Kathy shares her journey from a confusing diagnosis to creating the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network, where she empowers patients through education, community, and yes, some much-needed validation.
Jaclyn, founder of The Lost Labia Chronicles, gets real about the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis and how becoming an advocate helped her take back control—not just of her health, but her voice.
Guest Takeaways:
Trust your experience: Both Kathy and Jaclyn emphasize that you are the expert on your own body—and that it's okay to seek second, third, or fourth opinions until you're heard.
Community matters: Support networks like Kathy’s nonprofit help patients feel less alone and more empowered in navigating chronic conditions.
Advocacy is powerful: Sharing your story can be healing, and it can spark systemic change in medical education and public awareness.
Hope is real: With the right care team, treatment, and support, you can manage these conditions and reclaim quality of life—one conversation at a time.
Learn more about the Lichen Sclerosis Support Network: lssupportnetwork.org. Explore The Lost Labia Chronicles at lostlabia.com.
Additional Links:
Connect with the Lichen Sclerosis Support Network @lichensclerosussupportnetowrk
on Facebook | on Instagram | on YouTube | @lssn on LinkedIn
More about the hosts of Labia Logic:
Dr. Ashley Fuller is a Sexual Medicine Gynecologist and Vulvar Specialist in Seattle, WA.
Dr. Meredith McClure is a Menopause Specialist Sexual Medicine Gynecologist and Vulvar Specialist in Dallas, TX.
Follow the show on Instagram @labia_logic
