For the 3rd consecutive year, the ISSM Excellence in Research Award and the ISSM Rising Star Award are back to honor outstanding contributions to research in sexual medicine. ISSM members, it's your chance to nominate deserving candidates!
The awardees will be spotlighted in a special award ceremony during the 25th World Meeting on Sexual Medicine in Rio de Janeiro, scheduled from September 26 to 29, 2024 to celebrate remarkable achievements.
Support the ISSM member that deserves the award and nominate today!

The deadline for nominations is July 1, 2024.

Read more about the ISSM Rising Star Award

Read more about the ISSM Excellence in Research Award

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, encompasses anatomical and functional changes in vaginal tissue affecting 60-80% of postmenopausal women. It involves symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse, negatively impacting sexual well-being and quality of life. Traditional treatments for VVA include topical agents and hormone therapy.

Within the realm of sexual health, understanding the intricacies of genital anatomy and addressing issues that may arise is crucial. One such concern that often goes undiscussed is clitoral adhesions, a condition that can impact sexual pleasure and overall quality of life for individuals. The following will explore what clitoral adhesions are, their potential causes, their symptoms, and why they are significant in sexual health.

Sexual dysfunction, affecting 40%-45% of women, has significant negative impacts on physical and mental health, relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life. Despite its prevalence, it often goes untreated. Multiple factors contribute to sexual dysfunction, including pelvic floor muscle (PFM) issues.

Gender incongruence is not a mental disorder, but a condition related to sexual health. In this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, experts in the field discuss if gender incongruent persons need psychiatric assessment before treatment.

Sexual health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and social dimensions. However, it is not solely determined by biological factors; cultural and societal influences play a significant role in shaping attitudes, behaviors, and access to sexual health resources. As the world observes World Health Day on April 7, it is worthwhile to recognize the multifaceted ways in which cultural and societal factors impact sexual health outcomes.

The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to the personal perception and assessment of sensations experienced during orgasm on a psychological level. It is important in sexual relationships, and it is linked to satisfaction and sexual health.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs in midlife, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, although the timing can vary. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce lower levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to various physical and hormonal changes. These changes can include symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular menstrual cycles, ultimately resulting in the cessation of menstruation altogether.

Introduction

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a condition that involves plaques forming under the skin of the penis, causing penile abnormalities like indentations or curvature. While most often people with PD experience curvature that is upward or to one side, sometimes individuals have a ventral or downward curvature.

Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is characterized by extreme fear, disgust, and avoidance of sexual contact and activities. Despite no longer being classified as a separate disorder in recent medical guidelines, SAD remains common and can have significant negative impacts on individuals’ well-being and relationships. Traditional methods of assessing SAD, like interviews and self-report measures, have limitations such as subjectivity and difficulty in exploring sensitive sexual experiences.

In this video from International Society for Sexual Medicine, experts in the field of sexual health discuss what message that would like to get across to doctors treating gay men. 

For many people, kidney disease or kidney failure brings a wave of concerns, not the least of which is how it might impact their sexuality. It is essential to recognize that individuals with kidney failure can maintain healthy relationships and enjoy fulfilling sex lives. However, kidney disease can introduce changes that affect various aspects of sexuality, including physical function, emotional well-being, and intimacy.