What if your pain, irritation, or sexual discomfort was being dismissed because no one ever taught your doctor how to look for the real cause?

There’s a reason vulvar conditions like lichen sclerosus are often missed or misdiagnosed—and it’s not because they’re rare. It's because most doctors aren't trained to recognize the signs. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jill Krapf, a dedicated gynecologist and vulvar skin expert, to unpack the truth about vulvar dermatoses, why it takes so long to get diagnosed, and what can be done when scarring, pain, and sexual dysfunction start taking over your life.

We don’t just skim the surface—we go deep into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) symptoms, the stories of people who were told nothing was wrong when something clearly was, and what really works when managing chronic vulvar skin conditions. Jill also shares insights about how women of color are even more likely to be overlooked and misdiagnosed because of gaps in training and representation in medical education.

If you’ve ever been told “it’s just in your head,” or if you’ve silently dealt with vulvar discomfort, pain with sex, or itching that won’t go away—this episode is a must. There is real hope and effective care available. You just need to know where to look—and what to ask.

💡 Highlights:

• Why vulvar conditions are so often missed in both OB-GYN and dermatology settings
• The different types of lichen (and why not all itching is the same)
• Scarring, fissures, and sexual pain: when to ask about surgical options
• How patients of color face even more barriers to diagnosis and care
• What to know about emerging treatments like JAK inhibitors and lasers

Dr. Krapf’s Bio:

Dr. Jill Krapf is a board-certified Obstetrician Gynecologist specializing in female sexual pain disorders and Director of the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders Florida in Tampa, Florida, USA. She is active in research and has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles on vulvodynia and vulvar lichen sclerosus.

She is Associate Editor for the medical journal Sexual Medicine, as well as for the textbook Female Sexual Pain Disorders, 2 nd Edition. She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) and a Fellow and Board Member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), serving on the Education Committee and the Social Media Committee. Dr. Krapf is a co-author on the trade book “When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain.” She shares educational content on social media @jillkrapfmd.

If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you language to advocate for your health, don’t keep it to yourself. Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on women’s health.

Get in Touch with Dr Jill Krapf:

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Get in Touch with Dr. Rahman:

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