(191) A Systematic Review of Sexual Health Consequences among Women with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Abstract Introduction Lichen Sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that predominantly affects the vulva. This often leads to scarring involving clitoris, labia minora, vaginal introitus, and perineum, leading clitoral phimosis introital stenosis. Women with LS are less likely be sexually active than those without condition. Studies have shown high rate of sexual dysfunction in vulvar LS; however, effects still poorly acknowledged. Objective To identify health consequences lichen sclerosus among women through systematic review available literature. Methods A literature was conducted on sclerosus. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus were queried results screened using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies observational evaluating premenopausal or postmenopausal status clinical biopsy confirmed health, randomized controlled trials comparative utilizing validated function measure evaluate prior intervention same population. Manuscripts included must been written English from January 1991 April 2022. Selection done by three independent reviewers conflicts resolved discussion. Systemic reviews committee guidelines identified references review. Results The search produced 683 title abstract screening. Of these, 32 articles met criteria full-text After review, 20 inclusion evaluated. Three all had initial search. Eight publications yielded qualitative data regarding LS. negative impact reported 16-60% affected women, dyspareunia 22-56.7%. also associated decreased frequency satisfaction, romantic relationships, feelings inadequacy as partner. evaluated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), demonstrated central tendency 26.55 Four Distress Scale (FSDS), score greater 12 Two Genital Self-Image (FGSIS) scores LS, both found FGSIS compared controls. Dermatology Quality Life (DQLI), causing small very large quality life. subcategory greatest life difficulties. One publication Vulval (VQLI) sexuality second highest scoring subgroup. Conclusions include pain symptoms, facets female function, distress, genital self-image, relationships. experience significant life, particularly relation functioning. Disclosure No