ISSWSH - News

Join us March 5-7 for the virtual ISSWSH Annual Meeting!

Details: Created: Friday, 18 December 2020

ISSWSH 2021 Virtual Website Slider updated

Scientific Chair, Linda Vignozzi, MD (Italy) and Co-Chair, Paul Yong, MD, PhD, FRCSC (Canada) have assembled speakers from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the US to present a global perspective on a broad range of topics including:

Arousal dysfunction and chronic pain
Disorders of orgasm
Sexual medicine care and cultural sensitivity
Stress, sex and reproductive hormones
Sex and food
COVID, sex, and the internet
Surrogate partner therapy
And more!

New Nomination Policy – Call for Nominations

Details: Created: Wednesday, 18 November 2020

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!

Details: Created: Monday, 19 October 2020

virtual meeting logo 2021 white

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

Details: Created: Monday, 27 July 2020

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.

Submission for 2021 Grant Applications is now open

Details: Created: Wednesday, 08 July 2020

Mentees of ISSWSH members can now submit their applications for the 2021 ISSWSH Scholars in Women’s Sexual Health Research Grant Program. Application deadline is December 4, 2020, and the maximum award amount is $7,500. Additional information and link to submit can be found here: https://www.isswsh.org/grants

Please contact the ISSWSH Executive Office if you have any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ISSWSH Statement Counteracting Bias, Prejudice, and Inequality in Any Part of the World

Details: Created: Friday, 05 June 2020

As a multidisciplinary, professional society dedicated to women’s sexual health, The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) has recognized from its inception the need to counteract bias, prejudice, and inequality. Founded for the purpose of scholarly discourse, professional education and ethical standards, and dissemination of accurate information about women’s sexual health to the public, ISSWSH and its members have worked to advance the discussion and dispel myths about women’s sexuality, necessarily crossing over into cultural and societal issues such as gender equality and sexual violence. Thus, ISSWSH recognizes that socio-political issues can become intertwined with public health, ultimately impacting individuals. Continue reading full statement.

ISSWSH Releases Updated Position Statement on Sexual Activity and COVID-19

Details: Created: Monday, 11 May 2020

The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) promotes safe sex, but that may mean something completely different during the COVID-19 pandemic. In alignment with our purpose, to provide the public with accurate information about women's sexuality and sexual health, ISSWSH has released a Position Statement to compliment statements put out by other sexual medicine societies, namely the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM).

Read ISSWSH's Position Statement highlighting what is currently understood about the transmission of this virus, as well as the current strategies being encouraged as it relates to sexual activity.

New ISSWSH President Letter to Members Released

Details: Created: Thursday, 30 April 2020

Noel N. Kim, PhD, IF and President of ISSWSH releases letter to all members. Dr. Kim highlights how we are all being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, upcoming education opportunities and publications, prioritzing research in women's sexual health, and how we can all stay connected, even while spatial distancing. To read the full letter click here.

Call for ISSWSH Committee Volunteers

Details: Created: Wednesday, 15 April 2020

ISSWSH depends on its members to volunteer their time and expertise to carry out the mission of ISSWSH, and to promote and advance the field of Women’s Sexual Health. If you are looking for a new opportunity to become involved within ISSWSH and to contribute to the field of Women’s Sexual Health, serving on a committee is your chance! We are accepting applications for openings on the following committees:

Congratulations 2020 ISSWSH Research Grant Recipients!

Details: Created: Tuesday, 31 March 2020

The ISSWSH Scholars in Women’s Sexual Health Research Grant Program offers young investigators interested in research in women's sexual health the opportunity to obtain funding from ISSWSH to support their research. Please join us in recognizing the 2020 recipients.

ISSWSH Cancels Sexual Pain Course April 17-18, 2020 in Washington DC

Details: Created: Monday, 23 March 2020

ISSWSH has decided to cancel the ISSWSH Sexual Pain Course scheduled for April 17-18, 2020 in Washington D.C. in direct response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak which is now identified as a pandemic. ISSWSH is concerned for the health and safety of our faculty and attendees and recognizes that there are an increasing number of academic institutions restricting travel which affects people’s ability to attend. For more information on this cancellation and any questions you may have, please visit: https://www.isswshcourse.org/spring2020/covid-19/cancellation

ISSWSH Welcomes New President – Dr. Noel N. Kim

Details: Created: Friday, 20 March 2020

Noel Kim

At the 2020 Annual Business Meeting, ISSWSH welcomed Dr. Noel N. Kim, PhD, IF, Senior Investigator at the Institute for Sexual Medicine in San Diego and associate editor of Sexual Medicine Reviews (SMR), as its new president for a two-year term 2020-2022. He previously served as the Assistant Director of the Laboratory for Sexual Medicine Research at the Boston University School of Medicine and was a member of the editorial board of The Journal of Sexual Medicine for the first decade of the journal through 2014. From 2007, Dr. Kim served for 5 years as Chief Scientific Officer of Alagin Research, a biotechnology company devoted to developing therapeutics and diagnostics in sexual medicine. Dr. Kim continues to serve as a consultant to other companies developing therapies for sexual dysfunction. Dr. Kim most recently served as the society’s President-Elect, and Treasurer before that.

ISSWSH ISSUES IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR HSDD THERAPIES

Details: Created: Tuesday, 05 November 2019

ISSWSH is pleased to provide the following updates related to therapies for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or HSDD. The FDA has updated prescribing information for flibanserin, removed the REMS certification requirement for prescribers and pharmacists, and updated safety information related to the alcohol contraindication. In addition, bremelanotide has now been approved for treatment of HSDD. Please see the attached news release related to these two therapies for more specific information and references.

News Release

ISSWSH Executive Committee responds to CNN Health Article

Details: Created: Saturday, 11 May 2019

A recently published health report on HSDD treatments was poorly researched, contained elements of bias, and perpetuated inaccuracies about the condition.

We, the Executive Committee of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (www.isswsh.org) write this response to an article published on May 8, 2019 on CNN Health entitled “Drug Campaign Touts 'Female Viagra' in the Name of Equality” by Rachel Bluth of Kaiser Health News (https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/08/health/women-libido-addyi-partner/index.html). As a scientific and medical society dedicated to supporting research, education, and clinical care for women’s sexual health, ISSWSH encourages informed discussion on disease states impacting sexual health. We also understand that there may be valid critiques of how some pharmaceutical companies conduct their marketing campaigns. Nevertheless, we found the article in question to be poorly researched and especially biased.

In Memoriam - Marcel D. Waldinger, MD, PhD

Details: Created: Tuesday, 07 May 2019

It is with great sadness we announce the loss of one of our sexual medicine colleagues, Marcel Waldinger, on May 1. Dr. Waldinger was a long time member of ISSWSH, most recently serving on the consensus panel for Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD). His landmark work in this area, caring for patients and examining the retaionship between PGAD and Restless Leg Syndrome will be included in the consensus document from this panel. Thus his work will continue posthumously. Dr. Waldinger will also be remembered for his work in the area of premature ejaculation, helping to develop the content of measuring intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) used in premature ejaculation clinical trials. He was passionate about his work and about helping his patients, working cooperatively to further knowledge in the field.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings Publishes ISSWSH's Process of Care for the Identification of Sexual Concerns and Problems in Women

Details: Created: Thursday, 18 April 2019

Sexual problems are common in women of all ages. Despite their frequency and impact, female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs) are often unrecognized and untreated in clinical settings. This POC describes core and advanced competencies in FSD for clinicians who are not sexual medicine specialists and serve as caregivers of women and, therefore, is useful for clinicians with any level of competence in sexual medicine. The goal of the POC is to provide guidance to clinicians regarding screening, education, management, and referral for women with sexual problems.

ISSWSH CME Forum at ACOG

Details: Created: Friday, 05 April 2019

ISSWSH CME Forum at the ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Who, What, When, Where and Why?
Join us on Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 6:15 - 7:45 am in Room 101 BC - Music City Center in Nashville, TN to learn how to diagnose and treat women with HSDD. Breakfast will be available.

In Memoriam - Fernand Labrie, MD, PhD (1937-2019)

Details: Created: Friday, 18 January 2019

The field of women’s sexual health has lost another crusader. Fernand Labrie, born in Laurierville, Quebec on June 28, 1937 and one of the greatest scientists in Canada’s history, died on Wednesday of an infection at age 81.

In Memoriam – Gina Ogden (1935-2018)

Details: Created: Friday, 16 November 2018

Gina Ogden – feminist, teacher, scholar, mother, grandmother, lover, and lifelong Red Sox fan – has died at age 83.

ICD-11 Includes New Chapter on Conditions Related to Sexual Health

Details: Created: Thursday, 26 July 2018

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the official publication of a new version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) which includes a new chapter on Conditions Related to Sexual Health, bringing together conditions that were previously categorized in other ways and mostly under mental disorders.

Management of GSM in Women with a High Risk for Cancer: Consensus Recommendation

Details: Created: Friday, 18 May 2018

ISSWSH in collaboration with the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is publishing consensus recommendations for the management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in women with or at high risk for breast cancer. The consensus recommendations will assist healthcare providers in managing GSM with a goal of improving the care and quality of life for these women. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is more prevalent in survivors of breast cancer, is commonly undiagnosed and untreated, and may have early onset because of cancer treatments or risk-reducing strategies.

DYSPAREUNIA: CMS CLARIFICATION RESULTS IN EXPANDED TREATMENT AND COVERAGE UNDER MEDICARE PART D

Details: Created: Thursday, 10 May 2018

ISSWSH is pleased to announce and recognize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) clarification of the statutory intent of “Prescription Drug Benefits” section 1860D-2(e)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act, stating that drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) due to menopause, are not excluded from Medicare Part D coverage when used consistent with this labeling.

ISSWSH PUBLICATION ON PROCESS OF CARE FOR HSDD NOW AVAILABLE IN MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS

Details: Created: Monday, 12 March 2018

The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is pleased to announce the publication of its Process of Care for Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Women in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. This milestone publication is the first to provide a consensus clinical management algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of HSDD.

Sunday, March 4th, Marks the 1st Annual International HPV Awareness Day – Spreading Knowledge and Prevention Around the Globe

Details: Created: Friday, 02 March 2018

This Sunday, March 4th the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) will be joining forces with around 80 organizations worldwide to commemorate the 1st annual International HPV Awareness Day. The goal of the day is to spark conversation and promote a worldwide exchange of ideas, knowledge, and research materials about human papillomaviruses (HPV) and their associated diseases.