New Nomination Policy – Call for Nominations

ISSWSH has adopted a new Nomination Policy which will be implemented immediately! This policy allows for an open “Call for Nominations” for any open position and includes both self-nomination and nomination of another person. Nominees will be vetted by the Nomination Committee to ensure that they have met the qualifications for the position in which they are nominated (see policy). Qualified candidates for each position will be then put forward on a ballot for election by the membership.

Nomination Period:
November 23, 2020 - December 20, 2020

Review and Confirmation Period:
December 21, 2020 - January 14, 2021

Electronic Voting Period:
February 5, 2021 - March 4, 2021

Open Positions for 2021

Treasurer (2-year term): The Treasurer is an Officer on the Executive Committee and shall be responsible for financial matters related to daily operations, including but not limited to, providing financial management and/or oversight, overseeing investments of the reserves, preparing and managing the annual budget, approving budgeted expenses, reviewing and ensuring required state and tax report filings, reviewing of and participating in audit process, and reporting to the board on key financial events and assessing organization's fiscal health.

Advocacy Chair (2-year term): Advocacy Committee shall be responsible for a continuing program to advocate for issues in support of the mission of ISSWSH, through planned activities, position statements, and other projects.

Fellowship Chair (2-year term): Fellowship Committee shall be responsible for reviewing all Fellowship applications and the development of the criteria and processes for acceptance as an ISSWSH Fellow. The Committee will accept Fellowship applications throughout the year and will vote on applications as they are completed.

Global Development Chair (2-year term): Global Development Committee shall be responsible for ISSWSH education programs that are not the responsibility of the Education Committee, including initiatives with outreach internationally and through associations/institutions.

Online Services Chair (2-year term): Online Services Committee shall be responsible for monitoring the ISSWSH website, review external requests for information to be displayed on the website, and track any online materials available for purchase on the website. They will monitor and maintain the ISSWSH Community Forum to ensure compliance to the standards and guidelines set forth on the Forum.

Director-at-Large (2-year term)

Scientific Program Co-Chair (1-year term): Will serve alongside the Scientific Meeting Chair and ascend to Chair position at conclusion of term. The Scientific Program Committee shall be responsible for planning and oversight of the Annual Meeting and is responsible for ensuring the highest possible scientific quality. The committee will be responsible for approval of all the abstracts and invited speakers.

Each position below is a voting member of the ISSWSH Board of Directors. For further information please review the ISSWSH Bylaws.

Nomination Process:

Step 1: Review the open positions and qualifications

Step 2: Nominate yourself or another person, (Nominations will be accepted through Sunday, December 20, 2020)

• To nominate yourself, complete the Nomination Form
• To nominate another person, email their name to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nominees that meet the qualifications stated in the Nomination Policy will be contacted to complete the Nomination Form.

Step 3: Mark your calendars for the electronic voting period (February 5 – March 4, 2021)

ISSWSH 2021 Annual Meeting Will be Virtual!

The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) would like to announce the decision to move its Annual Meeting, scheduled in March in Dallas, to a Virtual Annual Meeting in 2021! This will truly be an “International” meeting with our Scientific Meeting Chair, Dr. Linda Vignozzi (Italy) and Co-Chair, Dr. Paul Yong (Canada) who have put together an incredible program with invited speakers from Australia, Canada, Italy, Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. It will also include perspectives from across disciplines including clinical scientists, neuroscientists, obstetricians/gynecologists, physical therapists, psychologists, researchers, sexologists, sexual medicine professionals, sex therapists, urologists, and others passionate about the sexual health of women. Organizing this as a virtual meeting eliminates the barriers of travel and expense by allowing everyone to connect to and learn from a global network of sexual health professionals from the comfort of their own home or workplace!

Comprised of symposia, state of the art lectures, and the latest in research through dynamic abstract presentations, the program will take a look at the role of inflammation in arousal dysfunction and chronic pain; managing disorders of orgasm; and sexual medicine care and cultural sensitivity. Other topics explored include stress, sex and reproductive hormones, sex and food, pelvic pain, and surrogate partner therapy.

Stay tuned for more details on the dates and times for the 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting and join us for this meeting, which will certainly showcase the I (International) in ISSWSH!

ISSWSH Call for Speaker Proposals

New ISSWSH Virtual Course: Fundamentals in Women's Sexual Health

As part of the ISSWSH Virtual Course: Fundamentals in Women’s Sexual Health we will be showcasing a series of 20-minute TED Talk style lectures. The goal is to inspire and educate those practicing in or wishing to practice in women’s sexual health.

What are we looking for in a speaker?
Authentic, dynamic speakers, and members of ISSWSH, with a desire to inspire and empower others. A great talk is typically one that is evidence based, simple, clear, original, and relevant.

What are we NOT looking for in a speaker?
A speaker that is self-promoting and/or reading from a slide deck. If you are including science, as a professional medical society, we will be looking for accurate, evidence-based information, so No Bad Science.

To submit a proposal please provide the following:

• CV
• Brief description of your proposed talk and what you hope to achieve by giving the talk
• 30-second to 1-minute video showcasing your talk (If selected these may also be used to promote the Course)

The submission due date is August 2nd! Submit via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line "Course Speaker Submission"

The ISSWSH Virtual Course: Fundamentals in Women’s Sexual Health will be held on three consecutive Friday’s, November 6, 13, and 20. Though the final program is not yet finalized, we have tentatively scheduled these talks to be given on Friday, November 20.