Living with Vulval Lichen Sclerosss
The experiences shared in this animation were based on the real words of people living with Vulval Lichen Sclerosus (VLS); interviewed as part of the 'Living with Vulval Lichen Sclerosus' study at the University of Bristol and University of Warwick, UK, conducted by Dr Sophie Rees.
We wanted to stir the viewer with almost palpable images, that might cause them to feel an element of discomfort in their own bodies – aiming to invoke a feeling of empathy for the pain, discomfort, shame, loss of sexual pleasure and much more experienced by those living with this condition.
By choosing to depict the vulva in different mediums, and creating six visual metaphors for the experiences shared during the interviews - we were aiming to strike a balance between creating a visceral experience for the viewer and presenting images of the vulva in all of its many, beautiful forms.
The piece is primarily aimed at healthcare professionals, particularly in primary care, to not only improve awareness and increase understanding of VLS and the needs of those living with the condition, but also break down the stigma, and improve education around vulval disorders more widely.
Content warning: depictions of vulva and blood, themes of distress, some viewers with VLS (or without) may find this upsetting.
ANIMATION CREDITS
Directors Jess Harvey & Isolde Godfrey
Artist & Animator Jess Harvey
Character Design Ada Jusic
Voiceover Artists Sue Avison, Tonia Daley-Campbell & Gemma Evans
Research team Dr Sophie Rees (University of Bristol), Dr Susanne Arnold (University of Warwick)
Involvement Group Dr Sarah Hillman (University of Warwick), Dr Caroline Owen (East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust),
Clare Baumhauer and Emma Norman - www.lsvcukawareness.co.uk
Special thanks to the women who shared their stories and the British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council
If you’re keen to find out more, you can access the clinical practice article in the British Journal of General Practice here, and follow the lead researcher - Dr Sophie Rees - over on Instagram @vulva_researcher.
The BSSVD also provides useful resources for patients and practitioners
You can also share any feedback (anonymously) on the film as part of the ongoing study here.
“Woven Ink are fantastic to work with. They really connected with, and cared about the research findings we were using to create the short film. Their creativity and commitment to doing the words justice made it an absolute pleasure to see it evolve.
Jess put her heart into the video, and the imagery ended up as powerful as the words.
Thank you, Jess and Isolde!”