TITLE:
The Effects of Lichen Sclerosus and Its Treatments on Sexuality: Case Report
AUTHORS:
Janete Vettorazzi, Edimárlei Gonsales Valério, Amanda Vilaverde Perez, Mariana Sbaraini, Luciana Segat, Daniela Vanessa Vetori, Fernanda Santos Grossi, Valentino Antonio Magno
KEYWORDS:
Lichen Sclerosus, Dyspareunia, Corticosteroids, Vulvectomy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.9 No.6,
May
31,
2019
ABSTRACT: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic and autoimmune dermatitis that develops in
the anogenital region. It is related to genital alterations with repercussions
in sexuality. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman who had several chronic
diseases and had been diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus for 20 years, with
no response to multiple treatments (topical corticosteroids, immunomodulators).
She was submitted to vulvectomy; however, it leads to
worsening of her condition, presenting obliterated and fibrosed clitoris,
atrophic vaginal lips, and anal and vulvar fissures. She remained with
dyspareunia, decreased sexual desire and difficulty in orgasm. She underwent
sexual therapy, adjustment of antidepressant medication and made intercalated
use of topical corticosteroids, topical testosterone and vaginal moisturizers,
with partial improvement. From this case we can conclude that, although
vulvectomy can be related to some degree of improvement in patients with lichen
sclerosus, serious complications can occur.