Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle in which one of the ovaries releases a mature egg (or ovum) into the fallopian tube so that it is available to be fertilized by sperm. It usually occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, or two weeks before the start of the menstrual period, assuming a 28-day menstrual cycle.

Functional anorectal pain (FARP) is a condition in which people feel pain in their anus or lower rectum. An estimated 2-5% of people have chronic anal pain, and 8% experience sudden rectal pain. However, many people with FARP don’t tell doctors about it, so the actual number might be higher.

With heavy hearts, ISSM remembers the loss of a renowned expert and colleague in the field of Sexual Medicine, Klaus Peter Juenemann, who sadly passed away from a sudden heart attack on August 29, 2023. We hold his contributions dear and send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time.

Klaus Peter wasn't just a pioneer in Sexual Medicine; he was a passionate professional who pushed the boundaries of knowledge. He made significant research contributions during the early years in the eighties of the last century when he was working together with Tom Lue in San Francisco investigating the effects of papaverine and phentolamine in animals and was also the lead investigator for the prospective (papaverine/phentolamine) self-injection trial in Germany during the 1980s.

His key publication at this time was: Juenemann KP, Alken P. Pharmacotherapy of erectile dysfunction: a review. Int J Impotence Res 1989; 1: 71-93

His legacy, from groundbreaking research to advances in urology and incontinence therapy, will continue to inspire us.

Introduction

Gender-affirming surgeries like metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are important for transgender or gender nonbinary people assigned female at birth who wish to achieve gender identity congruence.

Anxiety, low self-esteem, negative thoughts, and stress can all interfere with a person’s sex life. Fortunately, mindfulness can help.

Listen to the latest ISSM Podcast. Sue Goldstein, the current President of the International Society of the Study of Sexual Health (ISSWSH), joins ISSM Podcast host Sameena Rahman to discuss "What is new in female sexual medicine? Tune in for expert advice from a leading authority in Female Sexual Medicine. #WSHD2023

This ISSM Podcast is a production of the ISSM Podcast Team with Cobi Reisman, Shelly Varod, Sameena Rahman and Karl Pang.

Capacity to love refers to a person’s ability to form strong emotional connections and care deeply for others. It involves empathy, understanding, and a willingness to invest time and effort into nurturing relationships. This capacity varies among individuals and can be influenced by upbringing, experiences, and personal traits.

What are some common misunderstandings regarding persons with gender incongruence? Find out in the latest #AskISSM video. 

The testicles (testes) are two small, egg-shaped organs that produce sperm and testosterone and are located in the thin pouch of skin called the scrotum behind the penis. Testicular pain can have a number of different causes. Sometimes, the pain originates in the testicles themselves, but other times it comes from the abdomen, groin, or another part of the pelvic region. The following are some of the most common causes of testicular pain:

For more than 30 years, the medical procedure LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), including LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone), has been used to treat cervical problems that might lead to cancer.

Contraception, also known as birth control, is the use of medications, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. Some examples of contraception are condoms, birth control pills, diaphragms, hormonal vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, birth control patches, spermicide products, contraceptive injections, and surgical sterilization (i.e., vasectomies for people with penises or tubal ligations for people with vulvas).