ISSWSH Releases Updated Position Statement on Sexual Activity and COVID-19
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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:
Read more: Call for ISSWSH Committee Volunteers
Congratulations 2020 ISSWSH Research Grant Recipients!
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- Created: Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Read more: Congratulations 2020 ISSWSH Research Grant...
ISSWSH Cancels Sexual Pain Course April 17-18, 2020 in Washington DC
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- 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
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- Created: Friday, 20 March 2020
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.
Read more: ISSWSH Welcomes New President – Dr. Noel N. Kim
ISSWSH ISSUES IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR HSDD THERAPIES
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- 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.
ISSWSH Executive Committee responds to CNN Health Article
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- 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.
Read more: ISSWSH Executive Committee responds to CNN...
In Memoriam - Marcel D. Waldinger, MD, PhD
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- 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.
Read more: In Memoriam - Marcel D. Waldinger, MD, PhD
Mayo Clinic Proceedings Publishes ISSWSH's Process of Care for the Identification of Sexual Concerns and Problems in Women
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- 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.
Read more: Mayo Clinic Proceedings Publishes ISSWSH's...
ISSWSH CME Forum at ACOG
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- 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.
Read more: ISSWSH CME Forum at ACOG
Take a look at works recently published by ISSWSH
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- Created: Tuesday, 05 March 2019
Read more: Take a look at works recently published by ISSWSH
In Memoriam - Fernand Labrie, MD, PhD (1937-2019)
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- Created: Friday, 18 January 2019
In Memoriam – Gina Ogden (1935-2018)
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- Created: Friday, 16 November 2018
Gina Ogden – feminist, teacher, scholar, mother, grandmother, lover, and lifelong Red Sox fan – has died at age 83.
Read more: In Memoriam – Gina Ogden (1935-2018)
ICD-11 Includes New Chapter on Conditions Related to Sexual Health
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- 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.
Read more: ICD-11 Includes New Chapter on Conditions...
Management of GSM in Women with a High Risk for Cancer: Consensus Recommendation
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- 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.
Read more: Management of GSM in Women with a High Risk for...
DYSPAREUNIA: CMS CLARIFICATION RESULTS IN EXPANDED TREATMENT AND COVERAGE UNDER MEDICARE PART D
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- 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.
Read more: DYSPAREUNIA: CMS CLARIFICATION RESULTS IN...
ISSWSH PUBLICATION ON PROCESS OF CARE FOR HSDD NOW AVAILABLE IN MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
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- 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.
Read more: ISSWSH PUBLICATION ON PROCESS OF CARE FOR HSDD...
Sunday, March 4th, Marks the 1st Annual International HPV Awareness Day – Spreading Knowledge and Prevention Around the Globe
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- 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.
Read more: Sunday, March 4th, Marks the 1st Annual...
ISSWSH Welcomes New President - Dr. James A. Simon
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- Created: Monday, 12 February 2018
ISSWSH welcomes Dr. James A. Simon, M.D., Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington D.C., as its new President.
Read more: ISSWSH Welcomes New President - Dr. James A. Simon
Expert Consensus Panel On Hsdd Article Recommended In F1000Prime
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- Created: Monday, 08 May 2017
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: international society for the study of women’s sexual health (ISSWSH) expert consensus panel review, authored by ISSWSH members Irwin Goldstein, Noel Kim, Anita Clayton, Leonard DeRogatis, Annamaria Giraldi, Sharon Parish, Jim Pfaus, and James Simon, has been recommended in F1000Prime as being of special significance in its field.
F1000 provides a rapidly updated consensus map of the important articles and trends across biology and medicine through the opinions and perspectives of over 10,000 peer-nominated international experts, the F1000 Faculty.
Rethinking the use of hormones to ease menopause symptoms
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- Created: Tuesday, 13 September 2016
Studies suggest that the benefits of short-term treatment to control menopausal symptoms outweigh the risks - as long as it is started at or near menopause.
Read more
ISSM announces available Travel Stipends and Scholarships
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- Created: Friday, 22 April 2016
Complete details on the stipends and an application can be found here: www.issm.info/grants1/travel-stipends-2016
Furthermore, ISSM will be providing 10 Scholarships to the ESSM School of Sexual Medicine taking place in Budapest, Hungary, October 2016.
Complete details on the Scholarships and an application can be found here: www.issm.info/grants1/issm-scholarships
Read more: ISSM announces available Travel Stipends and...
2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH and IPPS Consensus Terminology and Classification of Persistent Vulvar Pain and Vulvodynia.
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- Created: Tuesday, 29 March 2016
In 2015, the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) , and International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) adopted a new vulvar pain and vulvodynia terminology that acknowledges the complexity of the clinical presentation and pathophysiology involved in vulvar pain and vulvodynia, and incorporates new information derived from evidence-based studies conducted since the last terminology published in 2003. The article “2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH and IPPS Consensus Terminology and Classification of Persistent Vulvar Pain and Vulvodynia.” has been published simultaneously in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Diseases and Obstetrics & Gynecology and will be published soon in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Please click here for link to article in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Please click here for full text article in Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease.
ISSWSH Press Release
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- Created: Monday, 29 February 2016
PRESS RELEASE
Reference Articles:
Efficacy and Safety of Flibanserin for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Loes Jaspers; Frederik Feys; Wichor M. Bramer; Oscar H. Franco; Peter Leusink; Ellen T. M. Laan; JAMA Intern Med. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.8565, Published online February 29, 2016.
and the accompanying editorial
US Food and Drug Administration Approval of Flibanserin, Even the Score Does Not Add Up, Steven Woloshin; Lisa M. Schwartz; JAMA Internal Medicine Published online February 29, 2016.
Download PDF
- Press Release
- Bullet Points Reference Article
- Bullet Points Accompanying Editorial
February 29, 2016 - Science has been corrupted by bias and personal agendas resulting in publication of a distorted analysis of outcomes of research trials. As authorities in the area of sexual function and dysfunction in women, in particular hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)1 is concerned that the aforementioned articles would be accepted by and published as quality science and factual commentary. According to Levine, the diverse controversies involving treatments for sexual difficulties have resulted in stakeholders interpreting science for us in ways that support their political ideological views, economic interests, or skill sets.2 This is clearly the case with regard to both the Jaspers et al. article and subsequent editorial response. We wish to set the record straight. When articles that reflect opinion rather than science are published in scientific journals, they harm those meant to be aided by science and medicine resulting, in this case, in a great disservice to the millions of pre-menopausal women suffering from HSDD.
Read more: ISSWSH Press Release
Scientific Program of the ISSWSH Annual Meeting 2016
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- Created: Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Flibanserin approved as the FIRST pharmacologic treatment option for women suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder
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- Created: Tuesday, 18 August 2015
Dear ISSWSH members,
It is with tremendous excitement that we share the announcement that flibanserin, a drug for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) developed by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the FDA on August 18, 2015. This follows the June 4, 2015 meeting of their Advisory Committee whose members voted 18-6 for approval.
Read more: Flibanserin approved as the FIRST pharmacologic...
2015 Consensus terminology and classification of persistent vulvar pain
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- Created: Wednesday, 09 September 2015
Since the previous terminology of vulvodynia was accepted by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disorders (ISSVD) in 2003, studies have explored possible causative factors and treatment options. The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH), The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disorders (ISSVD) and the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) believed there was an unmet medical need for a comprehensive, evidence-based set of vulvovaginal pain diagnoses that can be easily utilized by both expert and non-expert healthcare providers to establish diagnoses in their patients and to guide treatment. Therefore we discussed the possibility of revision of 2003 terminology and organized an ISSWSH sponsored international meeting in order to reach a consensus on the terminology of vulvar pain, April 8 - 9, 2015 in Annapolis, Maryland. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) were also represented.
Read more: 2015 Consensus terminology and classification of...
Flibanserin recommended for approval by the FDA Advisory Committee Panel
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- Created: Friday, 05 June 2015
Dear ISSWSH members,
It is with great excitement that I share the announcement that flibanserin, a drug for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) developed by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, was recommended for approval by the FDA Advisory Committee Panel on June 4, 2015.
Read more: Flibanserin recommended for approval by the FDA...