Jill Krapf MD

10/29/2025

10/20/2025

Lack of funding in women’s health is real and affects you. Sad to see this very important NIH meeting postponed.

10/18/2025

October 18 is World Menopause Day. This year’s theme is lifestyle medicine in menopausal health. Read the White Paper here (linked in story): https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2025/resources/

10/12/2025

The LSSN Global Craft Auction: “Art for Empowerment” is officially open for bids!

For the next seven days, you have the chance to browse and bid on unique, handcrafted treasures from talented artisans around the world.

Every stunning quilt, piece of jewelry, and work of art you see helps us continue our vital mission to empower the Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus community.

Ready to Find Your Treasure?

If you registered earlier this week, you’re all set! If you haven’t yet, it’s quick and easy:

Register: Head to the link below and create your free bidder account.

Explore: Browse the full catalog of incredible items.

Bid: Find a piece you love and place your first bid!

Visit for more information!

Link here and in stories: https://givebutter.com/c/phh7nq/auction

10/11/2025

Great information from my good friend and colleague Dr Selk Down There

10/02/2025

“We are in serious discussions now about what to do about the black box warning, and I think you’ll hear something on it very soon,” Makary told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta in the “Chasing Life” podcast.

08/09/2025

This retrospective web-based study was conducted to understand the association between the diagnosis of vulvodynia/vestibulodynia and oral contraceptive (OC) use. Over 2100 women completed a questionnaire regarding OC use and potential side effects. There was a purposeful over-sampling of women with vulvodynia or vestibulodynia (over a quarter of the sample, 582 women). Three side effect groupings were evaluated: ge***al-specific changes (pain/dryness), psychological changes (desire, affect), and non-ge***al physical pain (cramps/back pain).



About 50% of participants reported vulvar or vaginal pain and 27% reported a diagnosis of vulvodynia or vestibulodynia. A diagnosis of vulvodynia/vestibulodynia was 5 times more likely in women who took combined oral contraceptives and almost 3 times more likely with progestin only contraceptives. Vaginal dryness was 2.5-3 times more likely in both groups. Affective and non-ge***al pain was not significantly associated with a diagnosis of vulvodynia/vestibulodynia in OC users. This study was not designed to determine causation as this would require a randomized controlled trial; however, it does highlight the importance of identifying and monitoring potential ge***al side effects with these wide-spread medications.

The findings are in line with what I see clinically as a vulvar pain specialist. Oral contraceptives are very useful medications, but like other medications, there are always benefits and side effects. It is important to match the patient with a medication that increases benefits and limits side effects and consider alternatives when side effects become disruptive to function. This is essential in our consultation with patients and informed consent as clinicians.

08/06/2025

Unlock a new level of confidence in your Lichen Sclerosus care. Our detailed 2025 guide breaks down everything you need to know about using topical steroids effectively, from application techniques to personalized regimens. Watch now to take control of your treatment journey!

Head over to our YouTube channel or check stories for a direct link sent to your inbox

08/06/2025

Contributed to health on this article sparked by a study showing sexual activity (both partnered and solo) helps with menopausal symptoms. Although there are physiological reasons for this, there are also barriers to enjoyable sexual activity in this time as well, so it’s important not to simply the message to “use it or lose it.” This article provides great perspectives and options to promote sexual health in Link in stories and here: https://health.yahoo.com/your-body/womens-health/menopause/article/sex-menopause-remedy-151731300.html