Welcome Message

The 2009 Annual Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is scheduled to take place February 12 – 15, 2009 at the Convitto della Calza, Florence, Italy. The theme for this meeting is “The Art and Science of Women’s Sexuality: Through the Lens of Italian Art History”. Representative masterful pieces of Italian art will provide an enchanting backdrop for integrating four comprehensive and stimulating symposia and state-of-the-art presentations. The highly esteemed roster of presenters at this year’s meeting is an excellent balance of international representation, medicine and social science, and research and practice. Reflecting the overall theme for the meeting, the introductory symposium will be “Imaging and Sexual Response” during which we will hear from Pierre Foldes, Cesare Battaglia, Claire Yang, and Justine Schober. Appreciating the growing diversity of our field and our techniques, the second symposium is “Alternative Approaches to Enhancing Women’s Sexual Response” during which Mark Moyad, Alex Tiberi, and Tinde van Andel will push the boundaries of our thinking in the treatment of women’s sexual difficulties. The third symposium is reflective of the fact that women’s sexuality often occurs within the couple dyad. It is entitled “Appreciating the Dyad in the Context of Women’s Sexuality” and will feature talks by Julia Heiman, Mario Maggi, Sari van Anders, and Heather Rupp. The final symposium is “Contraception, Sexual Function and Intimate Relationships” where we will hear recent data presented by Rosemary Basson, Ellen Laan, Cynthia Graham, and Dennis Fortenberry on the topic of hormones and contraception. I am also pleased to announce the roster of state-of-the-art presenters – Martha McClintock, Andrea Genazzani, Cindy Meston, and our esteemed president, Rossella Nappi. Interspersed between these titillating talks will be four Podium Paper Sessions and four Instructional Courses organized by the Education Committee and Sharon Parish.

The Scientific Program Committee and I are also excited about the social events planned during the meeting. Taking advantage of the scenic and historic city of Florence, we have built in time to take in all that this city has to offer. We have also scheduled what will promise to be a fascinating wine and cheese event while listening and learning about the role of sexuality in Italian art history, presented by professor Enio Martino. The 2009 ISSWSH meeting will not be one to miss. I can promise this will be an important, enjoyable, and worthwhile meeting. If you have any questions about the meeting, please contact myself or any member of the Scientific Program Committee, or vist the ISSWSH website (www.isswsh.org).

Lori A. Brotto, PhD
ISSWSH 2009 Scientific Program Chair