Testosterone is often referred to as the primary male sex hormone, though it is also present in women’s bodies in lower quantities. This is because it is produced primarily in a man’s testicles and in a woman’s ovaries in a lesser amount.

Persistent noncancer pelvic pain (also called chronic pelvic pain) is a problem that affects an estimated 6% to 40% of women worldwide. In addition to causing pain that is in or perceived to be in the pelvic structures, this condition is often associated with sexual dysfunctions such as dyspareunia (pain during sex), orgasmic dysfunction, and lowered desire, arousal, and lubrication.

While having sex with a consenting partner is great, solo sex is another important aspect of a person’s sexual health, and one that can be just as fulfilling. In honor of National Singles Awareness Day (February 15), here are some solo sex tips for single people (and/or people in relationships who would like to improve their solo sex):

Infertility, or the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after ≥12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, can have a huge impact on a couple’s relationship, sexual connection, and quality of life. It introduces several stressors that affect the couple in ways that they may not have previously considered.

Psychologist Professor Barry Komisaruk talks about What causes sexual desire in all genders?
Listen to this fascinating interview, hosted by Shelly Varod (Israel), certified sex therapist and member of the ISSM Podcast Team.

Many men may wish that they had a bigger penis, even if their penis is normal in size. Penile augmentation procedures are aimed at increasing penis length or girth.

A small battery-powered electrical device called a vPatch may be a future treatment option for premature ejaculation (PE), according to the results of a recent study.

ISSM Committees are the work horses of the ISSM! Our committee members put their time, energy, and expertise into the many ISSM initiatives that serve our members, patients, and push the field forward. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all committee members who have rotated off ISSM Committees at the end of 2022.

For an overview of the current ISSM Committee members as per January 2023, see ISSM Committees 2023-2024.

In this second episode of the ISSM Podcast, Professor Emmanuele Jannini talks about Premature ejaculation: what is it and how can it be treated?
Listen to this interesting talk, hosted by Shelly Varod (Israel), certified sex therapist and member of the ISSM Podcast Team.

Breast cancer screening involves checking a person’s breasts for cancer before there are any signs or symptoms of the disease. This is a useful practice, because the earlier cancer is detected in patients, the more likely it is to be successfully treated and cured. While both men and women can get breast cancer, it is much more common in women. As such, breast cancer screening is generally geared toward women. (Check out this article to see how breast cancer may impact a person’s sexuality).

Sexual boredom, or the feeling that sex has become too dull, mechanical, or routine, can occur for both men and women in long-term relationships. Previous research has suggested that there may be an association between sexual boredom and sexual desire, but little is known about this potential relationship.