Sexuality is a complex and lifelong aspect of human adult life, influenced by a range of factors including family, culture, education, and personal beliefs. Understanding sexual health is vital for overall well-being, and for women, this includes knowing their bodies and how they experience orgasm. Despite its importance, female sexuality, including masturbation and orgasm, is often surrounded by myths and taboos, particularly in certain cultures.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly known as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. While the focus often rests on the individual experiencing ED, it is important to understand the significant impact this condition can have on their sexual partner. The following explores the emotional, psychological, and relational consequences of ED on partners, shedding light on a frequently overlooked aspect of sexual health.

Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, especially among women, with up to 60% experiencing one at some point. About 25% of these women will have recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), which negatively affect their quality of life, social relationships, sexual relationships, and self-esteem, causing issues like irritability and tiredness. Women with rUTIs often experience sexual problems, such as pain during intercourse, anxiety or fear about getting another UTI, and lubrication issues.

Life expectancy has been increasing worldwide, with many people living into their 60s and beyond. Contrary to common belief, sexual desire continues into old age, and many older adults remain sexually active and positive about sex.

The use of platelet-rich plasma for erectile dysfunction is a highly debated topic in sexual medicine. In this new video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, experts in the field of sexual health explain their perspectives on using PRP for ED.

Infertility-related sexual dysfunction refers to the various ways in which the stress and emotional toll of infertility can impact a person’s sexual health and relationships. Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. For many couples, this journey is fraught with emotional challenges, and these can extend into their sexual lives, leading to what is known as sexual dysfunction.

Female sexual dysfunction, which includes issues like low desire, arousal problems, orgasmic dysfunction, and pain during sex, affects up to 40% of women but often goes untreated. Factors like age and pelvic health significantly impact sexual function.

Non-monogamous relationships are becoming more visible and accepted in today’s society. These relationships, which differ from the traditional model of monogamy, encompass various structures and agreements that suit the diverse needs and desires of individuals. Understanding these different formats can help shed light on them and provide insights into how they can impact the people involved.

Happiness with one’s genitals and breasts may affect sexual performance and overall life quality. Men who are unhappy with their genitals often avoid certain sexual activities, and women with low genital satisfaction usually feel less satisfied with their appearance. Some may seek cosmetic surgery, but dissatisfaction often remains.

 Apply Today to Join an ISSM Committee of Your Choice!

We depend on our members to volunteer their time and expertise to carry out the mission and work of the society, and to keep moving the field of sexual medicine forward.

Membership in an active committee allows for greater recognition within the society, develops a network of other committee members and is a FAST-TRACK way to academic success. The relationships built within an active committee can be lifelong professional and personal friendships.

So, if you are looking to enrich your ISSM experience and contribute to the field of sexual medicine in a new and rewarding way, now is your chance! We are accepting applications for openings for members on the following committees:

• Conflict of Interest Committee; responsible for identifying potential Conflict of Interests and to advise the ISSM Leadership on any issue caused due to a Conflict of Interest.
• Communication Committee; dedicated to the optimal sharing of scientific information and news related to the field of sexual medicine among ISSM members. The committee is also tasked with providing state of the art information to the public through the official ISSM website, the ISSM Journals and Newsletters, and social media.
• Education Committee; to fulfill the needs of the members by making quality and diverse educational opportunities available to as many members of the association as possible. A specific obligation is to develop the ISSM University as a curriculum and guideline in sexual medicine that can be disseminated globally.
• Ethics Committee; to recommend and/or review proposed changes to the Code of Standards or to advice in cases ethical matters arise within the Society.
• Finance & Audit Committee; to ensure the preparation of the annual budget and financial statements of the Society, and will oversee the administration, collection, and disbursement of the financial resources of the organization.
• Global Outreach Committee; to advise the Board of Directors on how to improve knowledge and develop education activities on sexual medicine in developing countries. The activities will be planned based on a yearly budget prepared by the treasurer and approved by the EC.
• Grants & Prizes Committee; to review ISSM grants, scholarships and meeting prizes and make recommendations to the Board of Directors, based on a written and by the officers approved protocol for assessment and evaluation of grants and prizes.
• Membership Committee; works in partnership with the Board of Directors and Executive Office to develop and execute member recruitment and retention strategies and to provide advice regarding membership-related processes.
• Publication Committee; to oversee the development and production of ISSM’s publications, including the journals (JSM, SM, SMR, VJSM) and any other newsletters, guidelines, or documents. To provide direction to editors and the staff concerning format, schedule, market and distribution, etc. concerning these publications
• Scientific Review Committee; is responsible to develop systematic reviews on predefined topics and to select other editorial formats in key areas where research is still incipient.
• Young Researchers Committee; to make a meaningful and active platform within ISSM where young researchers will collaborate on research beneficial to ISSM and to create a network for young investigators within Sexual Medicine.

Applications will be accepted through Monday, October 15, 2024 at 11:59pm CST. Descriptions of the committees can be found through the following link: https://www.issm.info/about/committees

Eligibility

Membership on ISSM’s committees is open to all professionals with an interest in the field of human sexual medicine and science, holding current membership in ISSM. The intent is for the committee members to mirror the geographic diversity of the ISSM Membership.

Requirements to join an ISSM committee:

• Active ISSM member
• Have interests and skills that match the purpose and responsibilities of the committee
• Can commit to attending the committee meetings and carry out related tasks and project work
• Enthusiastic about working within international and cross cultural teams
• Previous volunteer experience with the ISSM or affiliated/related society committee(s) is beneficial but not a requirement

Term

The full term of all committees is two years, starting on January 1, 2025 and ending on December 31, 2026.

Apply

To be considered for committee service, please submit your application through this link,.

Only complete applications will be forwarded to the review committee for consideration.

If you are selected, ISSM will notify you in a formal invitation to serve.

The call will be open until October 15, 2024.

 Click here to apply

Post orgasmic illness syndrome describes a combination of symptoms that occur after ejaculation. In this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, an expert in the field of sexual health describes post orgasmic illness syndrome and how to treat it.

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms for weeks or even months after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. These lingering effects can impact various aspects of health, including sexual function. The following will explore how long COVID might affect one’s sexual function, explain the underlying mechanisms, and offer some practical advice for those dealing with these challenges.