In this ISSM Podcast episode, Tanginika S. Cuascud continues her conversation with Rachel Rubin, focusing on hormone therapy and its impact on women’s health. They examine the long-lasting effects of the Women’s Health Initiative and how fear-driven messaging has influenced both patients and clinicians for decades. Dr. Rubin discusses recent changes in regulatory guidance and the challenges of reversing deeply ingrained misconceptions in medical practice. The discussion also addresses the role of testosterone in women, common barriers to prescribing it, and the broader need for education, advocacy, and accessible care to better support women navigating midlife health changes.

In this ISSM Podcast episode, Tanginika S. Cuascud concludes her conversation with Rachel Rubin by focusing on patient empowerment and access to care. They discuss the challenges many women face when seeking help for menopause and sexual health concerns, including misinformation, dismissal, and gaps in clinical training. Dr. Rubin emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and encourages women to take an active role in finding knowledgeable providers. The episode also explores practical pathways to care, including the role of telemedicine and specialized clinicians, while highlighting the ongoing need for education and systemic change to better support women’s health worldwide.

In this podcast episode, hosts Estela Citrin and Shelly Varod speak with James Simon, a leading expert in menopause and women’s sexual health, about hormone therapy and its role in women’s lives. Together, they explore what hormone therapy is, why it may be needed, and address common fears, particularly around safety and breast cancer risk. Dr. Simon explains how hormonal changes after menopause affect the body, the benefits of treatment, and why individualized care is essential. The conversation also highlights the importance of evidence-based medicine, helping patients distinguish between scientifically proven treatments and misleading alternatives. This episode offers clear, practical insights for anyone seeking to better understand hormone therapy and make informed decisions about their health.

Background

Peri-orgasmic fluid (POF) encompasses vaginal lubrication, squirting, female ejaculation (FE), and urine from coital incontinence (CI). These all occur naturally but have different biochemical compositions.

Applications Now Open: 2026 ISSM Global Outreach Grant

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 ISSM Global Outreach Grant.

As part of ISSM’s mission to make sexual medicine education and care accessible worldwide, this grant supports initiatives that enhance awareness and knowledge of sexual health issues, particularly in regions where access to educational and clinical resources is limited.

ISSM members around the world are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in sexual health education and care in the regions that need it most.

Applications are open from March 16 to May 1, 2026.

To learn more about the Global Outreach Grant and apply visit: https://www.issm.info/grants/issm-global-outreach-grant/

ISSM is alerting members to a recent increase in emails soliciting submissions to potential predatory journals. In several cases, these journals have used titles that closely resemble The Journal of Sexual Medicine (JSM), ISSM’s official publication, which may cause confusion among researchers.

Predatory journals operate with the primary goal of profit rather than the advancement of high-quality scientific research. They often publish large volumes of articles with little to no peer review, compromising academic integrity. This type of publishing has grown rapidly in recent years, alongside other misleading practices such as fraudulent conferences and deceptive editorial invitations.

Insights from ISSM’s webinar on publication ethics highlight that predatory publishing is part of a broader challenge within scientific research. Increasing pressure to publish has created an environment in which researchers may be more vulnerable to unethical or misleading opportunities. At the same time, the expanding volume of journals has made it more difficult to distinguish between legitimate and questionable outlets.

Members are reminded that these solicitations are not affiliated with ISSM or its official journals, despite any similarities in name or branding. Researchers are strongly encouraged to verify journal credentials, review editorial processes, and remain cautious of unsolicited invitations to submit their work.

Maintaining high standards in publication ethics is essential to preserving the integrity and credibility of scientific research. ISSM continues to advocate for awareness, vigilance, and best practices in academic publishing.

Colorectal cancer is among the most prevalent cancers globally, affecting the rectum and colon (large intestine). Approximately 1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While most of these cases consist of adults 50 years old and older, cases in younger people are rising by 1-2% every year.

In this ISSM Podcast episode, Estela Cirtin interviews Alan Shindel about the causes, consequences, and treatment of delayed ejaculation. Dr. Shindel explains how biological factors, relationship dynamics, cultural beliefs, pornography use, and performance anxiety can all contribute to difficulties reaching climax, and discusses how this can affect partners emotionally and physically. He emphasizes open communication, behavioral strategies, and carefully selected medical options, while reassuring listeners that sexual patterns can be relearned and that compassionate, individualized care can significantly improve sexual wellbeing.

In this ISSM Podcast episode, Tanginika S. Cuascud speaks with Rachel Rubin about the growing field of women’s sexual health and the challenges it faces within modern medicine. Dr. Rubin shares her journey into sexual medicine and discusses why women’s sexual health has historically been underserved in medical research, education, and clinical practice. The conversation explores how stigma, lack of training, and systemic gaps in healthcare have contributed to the neglect of women’s sexual wellbeing. Dr. Rubin highlights the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance the field and improve care for patients worldwide. Interview by Tanginika S. Cuascud.

The 21^st century has a higher population of older adults than any other century. With medical and quality-of-life advancements, humans now have the opportunity to live long, healthy, and happy lives. Many people see older adults as a fountain of wisdom, and that extends beyond life advice – it includes insights into sexuality and sexual health.

The ISSM is pleased to announce the recipients of the Travel Stipends for the 27th World Meeting on Sexual Medicine in Porto, Portugal. Selected for their exceptional potential and dedication to the field, these individuals will receive support to attend this important global scientific event.

The ISSM is pleased to announce the recipients of the Travel Stipends for the 27th World Meeting on Sexual Medicine in Porto, Portugal. Selected for their exceptional potential and dedication to the field, these individuals will receive support to attend this important global scientific event.