Publications
Persistent Vulvar Pain Diagnostic and Treatment Algorithm
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- Created: Thursday, 03 March 2022
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International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Systemic Testosterone for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women
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- Created: Monday, 05 April 2021
The Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women (Global Position Statement) recommended testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). This consensus has been simultaneously published in the following three journals:
ISSWSH Review of Epidemiology and Pathophysiology, and a Consensus Nomenclature and Process of Care for the Management of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD)
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- Created: Friday, 05 March 2021
Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), a condition of unwanted, unremitting sensations of genital arousal, is associated with a significant, negative psychosocial impact that may include emotional lability, catastrophization, and suicidal ideation. Despite being first reported in 2001, PGAD remains poorly understood. The aim of this POC is to characterize this complex condition more accurately, review the epidemiology and pathophysiology, and provide new nomenclature and guidance for evidence-based management.
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Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women
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- Created: Thursday, 05 November 2020
This Position Statement has been endorsed by the International Menopause Society, The Endocrine Society, The European Menopause and Andropause Society, The International Society for Sexual Medicine, The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, The North American Menopause Society, The Federacion Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Climaterio y Menopausia, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, The International Society of Endocrinology, The Endocrine Society of Australia, and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Click here to read more.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) ISSWSH Expert Consensus Panel Review
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- Created: Thursday, 05 November 2020
The objective of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health expert consensus panel was to develop a concise, clinically relevant, evidence-based review of the epidemiology, physiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a sexual dysfunction affecting approximately 10% of adult women. Etiologic factors include conditions or drugs that decrease brain dopamine, melanocortin, oxytocin, and norepinephrine levels and augment brain serotonin, endocannabinoid, prolactin, and opioid levels. Symptoms include lack or loss of motivation to participate in sexual activity due to absent or decreased spontaneous desire, sexual desire in response to erotic cues or stimulation, or ability to maintain desire or interest through sexual activity for at least 6 months, with accompanying distress. Treatment follows a biopsychosocial model and is guided by history and assessment of symptoms. Sex therapy has been the standard treatment, although there is a paucity of studies assessing efficacy, except for mindfulness-based cognitive behavior therapy. Bupropion and buspirone may be considered off-label treatments for HSDD, despite limited safety and efficacy data. Menopausal women with HSDD may benefit from off-label testosterone treatment, as evidenced by multiple clinical trials reporting some efficacy and short-term safety. Currently, flibanserin is the only Food and Drug Administration–approved medication to treat premenopausal women with generalized acquired HSDD. Based on existing data, we hypothesize that all these therapies alter central inhibitory and excitatory pathways. In conclusion, HSDD significantly affects quality of life in women and can effectively be managed by health care providers with appropriate assessments and individualized treatments. Click here to read more.
The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Process of Care for the Identification of Sexual Concerns and Problems in Women
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- Created: Wednesday, 03 April 2019
Sexual problems are common in women of all ages. Despite their frequency and impact, female sexual dysfunction (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.
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Descriptors of Vulvodynia: A Multisocietal Definition Consensus (International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, the International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health, and the International Pelvic Pain Society)
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- Created: Monday, 01 April 2019
Descriptors of Vulvodynia: A Multisocietal Definition Consensus (International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, the International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health, and the International Pelvic Pain Society): https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/30768446
Toward a More Evidence-Based Nosology and Nomenclature for Female Sexual Dysfunctions—Part III
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- Created: Monday, 04 March 2019
Toward a More Evidence-Based Nosology and Nomenclature for Female Sexual Dysfunctions—Part III: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743609519300116
Management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in women with or at high risk for breast cancer consensus recommendations from The North American Menopause Society and The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health
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- Created: Friday, 01 June 2018
Management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in women with or at high risk for breast cancer consensus recommendations from The North American Menopause Society and The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2018/06000/Management_of_genitourinary_syndrome_of_menopause.6.aspx
Process of Care for Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Women
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- Created: Monday, 12 March 2018
Process of Care for Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Women: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30799-1/fulltext
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Womens Sexual Health and The North American Menopause Society
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- Created: Wednesday, 14 December 2016
Toward a More Evidence-Based Nosology and Nomenclature for Female Sexual Dysfunctions Part II
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- Created: Sunday, 25 September 2016
Toward a More Evidence-Based Nosology and Nomenclature for Female Sexual Dysfunctions Part I
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- Created: Saturday, 10 September 2016
2015 ISSVD, ISSWSH and IPPS Consensus Terminology and Classification of Persistent Vulvar Pain and Vulvodynia
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- Created: Friday, 01 April 2016