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Trends in Medicare Reimbursement Rates for Gender-Affirming Surgeries

Trends in Medicare Reimbursement Rates for Gender-Affirming Surgeries

In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were established in the U.S. to assist elderly and low-income citizens with healthcare costs. Medicare then expanded to cover more groups like disabled individuals and those needing hospice care.

Are There Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Sexual Health?

Are There Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Sexual Health?

Sexual health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional factors. While medications or treatments may be necessary to address some sexual concerns, there are times when simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve one’s sexual health and enhance intimacy. From diet and exercise to stress management and communication, adopting a holistic approach can pave the way for a fulfilling intimate life.

The Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Female Sexual Function

The Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Female Sexual Function

As of June 2023, the prevalence of COVID-19 in the U.S. has varied, impacting health and psychosocial aspects, along with indirect effects like social distancing. While the effects of COVID-19 on sexual functioning in men are better known, its impact on women is less understood.

Are Lesbian Women Overlooked Regarding Sexual Dysfunctions?

Lesbian women may be overlooked and understudied in sexual medicine. In this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, experts in the field describe ways in which lesbian women are overlooked regarding sexual dysfunctions. 

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to various symptoms like pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. If you suspect you may have endometriosis, seeking a proper diagnosis is vital for managing the condition effectively. Here’s what you need to know about the diagnosis process.

Does “Blue Balls” Really Exist?

Does “Blue Balls” Really Exist?

“Blue balls” is a term ingrained in our cultural lexicon, often referring to testicular discomfort experienced in the testicles due to prolonged sexual arousal without release. While widely recognized, its medical legitimacy remains dubious. Despite being referenced in popular culture and media, scientific literature on the subject is scarce.

How Might an Eating Disorder Impact One’s Sexual Health?

How Might an Eating Disorder Impact One’s Sexual Health?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that are characterized by persistent disturbances in eating patterns and associated behaviors related to food. They not only affect an individual’s relationship with food but can also have profound implications for various aspects of their life, including emotional well-being, social interactions, and physical health.

Join the ISSM Leadership!

Join the ISSM Leadership!

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Dear ISSM members,

The ISSM invites you to step forward and contribute to our mission by joining the Board of Directors. We are currently seeking nominations for the positions of President-Elect, Secretary General, and two Members-at-Large. These roles offer a unique opportunity to shape ISSM's future, fostering excellence and embodying our commitment to innovation. Submit your interest today!

Open Positions:

  • President-Elect
  • Secretary General
  • Two (2) Members-at-Large

First Step: Express Your Interest

To initiate the process, we ask interested members to formally express their interest by reaching out to the Nominating Committee via email. Upon receiving your CV and expression of interest, the Nominating Committee will review your application and inform you by May 20 if you have been nominated as a candidate. If you are not nominated but remain interested in running, you still have the opportunity to pursue a position through the self-nomination process.

Why Serve?

The ISSM Board of Directors plays a crucial role in setting the society's strategic agenda, overseeing governance, and ensuring resource efficiency. By joining, you will collaborate with a dedicated team to steer ISSM towards achieving its mission, maintaining its standards, and embracing challenges and opportunities with strategic foresight.

Terms

  • President-Elect: 2-year term, followed by a 2-year term as President, and concluding with 2 years as Immediate Past-President.
  • Secretary General: 4-year term.
  • Members-at-Large: 4-year term (non-renewable).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must be full ISSM members in good standing and dedicated to our values of diversity and excellence. Additionally, it is a requirement to meet the criteria outlined by the ISSM Board of Directors: “Qualifications of Elected Positions within the ISSM”. The Nominating Committee prioritizes diversity, seeking candidates from various backgrounds, regions, genders, and specialties.

Nominating Process

  • Submit your interest: As of today, email the Nominating Committee your CV (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to express your interest in running for a position. Deadline: April 1, 2024
  • Nominating Committee Review: The Nominating Committee reviews all expressions of interest. By May 20, 2024, the Nominating Committee must propose candidates for the president-elect and secretary-general positions and may propose candidates for the Members-at-Large positions.
  • Member Self-Nominations: Members can self-nominate following the nominating committee's nominations by submitting a petition supported by 20 full ISSM members. The self-nomination deadline is June 10, 2024, at 23:59 PDT.

Election Process

  • Voting Opens: September 2, 2024
  • Voting Closes: September 28, 2024, 60 minutes before the ISSM Business Meeting.

Elections will be conducted via a secure online system, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all voting members. More information will be provided when the system opens.

Important dates

  • April 1, 2024: Deadline for expressing your interest in running.
  • May 20, 2024: Deadline for the Nominating Committee to put forward their nominations. You will be contacted after this date.
  • June 10, 2024: Deadline to submit your petition form for self-nomination.
  • July 22, 2024: Candidate information is made available on the ISSM website.
  • September 2 - 28, 2024: Election voting window.
  • September 28, 2024: Announcement of election results at the ISSM Business Meeting.

 

Get involved!

This is your chance to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of ISSM. Your participation is critical for our continued growth. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Supporting documents:

 

The Safety of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Use During Anal Intercourse

The Safety of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Use During Anal Intercourse

Introduction

An inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is a medical device used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is surgically implanted in the penis to help men achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.


The device has inflatable cylinders that can be filled with fluid to create an erection by utilizing a pump surgically placed in the scrotum. When the erection is no longer needed, a valve is used to release the fluid back into a reservoir where it remains until it needs to be used again.

Although IPP is effective and has high satisfaction rates, little is known about its use during anal intercourse, particularly in men who have sex with men. A new study aims to determine the maximum force exerted during anal penetration to provide valuable information for clinicians and patients considering IPPs. Understanding this mechanical stress is crucial for ensuring device effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

Methods

Researchers, with Institutional Review Board approval, studied 6 men who have sex with men engaging in anal intercourse. Using a hand-held force gauge device, they measured forces applied to a silicone phallus simulating the average male size during anal penetration. Participants were positioned with flexed hips and their elbows resting on a table, and the device was inserted into the anal canal for five measurements. The force gauge was calibrated, sterilized, and covered with a condom before each use. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic and survey data.

Results

The study included participants aged 52 to 64, all identifying as white gay men. They reported varying frequencies of receptive anal intercourse. The average maximum force during anal penetration was 26.5 Newtons (2.7 kilograms), with individual forces ranging from 16.1 to 51.7 Newtons (1.64 to 5.27 kilograms). Participants engaging less often in receptive anal intercourse tended to have higher forces (41.6 N or 4.24 kg) than those with more frequent engagement (25.7 N or 2.62 kg). These findings offer insights into the forces associated with anal intercourse in this population.

Discussion & Conclusion

The study compared forces during anal penetration to existing data on penile prostheses, providing insight into the mechanical aspects. Previous studies on vaginal penetration were referenced, citing forces between 500-1500 grams. The study measured forces in a sample of men with inflatable penile prostheses (IPP) during anal penetration, recording a median force of 26.5 Newtons (2.7 kilograms). This force exceeded historical values for vaginal penetration, suggesting the importance of careful IPP inflation for those engaging in anal intercourse. However, limitations and other confounders, including a small sample size and variations in study methodologies, were acknowledged. The study highlights the need for further research on safe IPP use during anal intercourse for better patient counseling.

Vaginal Insert for Self-Assessment of Painful Sex Related to Endometriosis

Vaginal Insert for Self-Assessment of Painful Sex Related to Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common condition in people assigned female at birth of childbearing age where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This condition affects about 10% of individuals assigned female at birth.

Do I Increase my Erectile Function if I Improve my Testosterone Level?

Testosterone has become frequently marketed in recent times. This may cause men to wonder if they can increase erectile function by improving their testosterone level. In this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, experts in the field of sexual health discuss if this is true.

What Is the Sensate Focus Technique?

What Is the Sensate Focus Technique?

The sensate focus technique is a valuable approach to cultivating intimacy and overcoming sexual difficulties. Developed by sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson, this method is widely used in sex therapy to enhance connection and intimacy between partners. The technique involves a series of structured sensual exercises designed to encourage couples to explore each other’s bodies in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment.

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