Sexual Medicine Reviews (SMR) is seeking to appoint a new Associate Editor with a strong background in gynecology, sexual health, and scientific publishing.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Gynecological expertise, including clinical and/or research experience.
• A strong scientific background and a demonstrated track record of peer‑reviewed publications in gynecology, sexual health, and related fields.
• Documented experience in reviewing scientific literature, including critical appraisal and synthesis.
• Preferably, prior experience with editorial work (e.g., handling manuscripts, supervising peer review, or contributing to editorial boards).
• Active membership in the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) or eligibility and willingness to become a member.

The Associate Editor will:

• Manage incoming manuscripts within their area of expertise.
• Identify and invite appropriate peer reviewers.
• Evaluate reviewer comments and provide a recommendation regarding the editorial decision.
• Collaborate closely with the Editor-in-Chief and editorial team to maintain the scientific quality and integrity of the journal.
• Uphold ethical standards in peer review and publication.

If you are interested please send a brief application (max 1 page) and a CV (max 2 pages) and publication list to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Deadline: June 8th, 2026.

If you have any questions please do hot hesitate to reach out to Editor-in-Chief: Annamaria Giraldi Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More information about the journal: https://academic.oup.com/smr

The ISSM is pleased to announce the recipients of the Travel Stipends for the 27th World Meeting on Sexual Medicine in Porto, Portugal. Selected for their exceptional potential and dedication to the field, these individuals will receive support to attend this important global scientific event.

In this podcast episode, hosts Estela Citrin and Shelly Varod discuss female genital mutilation (FGM) with Jasmine Abdulcadir, an obstetrician-gynecologist and specialist in sexual health at Geneva University Hospitals. Together, they explore the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of FGM, including its cultural background, global prevalence, and the myths and misconceptions often surrounding the topic. Dr. Abdulcadir explains the different forms of FGM, the potential short- and long-term health consequences, and the importance of providing compassionate, non-stigmatizing, multidisciplinary care. The conversation also highlights the role of education, sexual health counseling, psychosexual support, and reconstructive surgery in helping affected women regain body confidence and sexual well-being. This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals and listeners alike, emphasizing the importance of awareness, sensitivity, and patient-centered care when addressing this complex and sensitive issue.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the International Diploma in Clinical Sexology, an advanced fully online program designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialize in sexual medicine and sex therapy.

This one-year program offers flexible, self-paced learning with online lectures, clinical supervision sessions, and evidence-based training led by more than 50 internationally recognized experts in the field. Participants can earn 30 ACCME and 40 AASECT credits upon completion.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including sexual dysfunctions, psychosexual therapy, relationship diversity, trauma-informed care, and clinical treatment approaches.

The diploma is open to licensed healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychologists, counselors, nurses, and other professionals involved in sexual healthcare.

To learn more and enroll, please visit:
www.sexologysupervisors.org

The pelvic floor is a grouping of muscles that support the urogenital and rectal area of the body. This area extends from the anus to the mons pubis (the area of skin above the vulva), and from side to side. Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) exist to help with urination, bowel movements, vaginal contractions, and to ensure the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, etc.) stay in place.

ISSM is offering 10 full scholarships for the prestigious ESSM School of Sexual Medicine, taking place November 13-22, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your clinical expertise and connect with top professionals in the field!

Deadline: June 15, 2026

READ MORE

This message is to inform you that currently a fake email account for the ISSM President Run Wang is being used, requesting to respond to 'a time-sensitive request that requires your specialized support.'

Please note that this account is NOT an email account from the ISSM president and please do not reply or click on any links in this message. It is best to delete it directly. If you reply to the email, they will send you even more messages and try to get you convinced to transfer money. This method is called a smart form of phishing.

Phishing

Phishing is a form of online scamming using fake e-mails, websites or messages. How can you identify those fake e-mails and how can you distinguish them from real messages? Smart cybercriminals can really make you doubt. Here are a number of tips to help you assess whether or not you can trust a message.

The basic rule: Cyber criminals always try to abuse something you believe in or someone you trust. They also often try to use fear to achieve their ends. Do not get tricked!

Tips

Did you get a suspicious e-mail or phone call? Then answer these questions:

• Is it unexpected? - You received a message for no reason: you did not buy anything, have not had contact with them for a long time, etc. Investigate further.
• Is it urgent? - Stay calm: did you really get a first reminder to pay? Do you know that 'friend in need'?
• Do you know the person who sent the e-mail? - Check the e-mail address, and also check for spelling errors. However, beware: a legitimate e-mail address is no guarantee.
• Do you find the request strange? - An official body will never ask you for your password, bank details or personal details via e-mail, SMS or over the telephone.
• Where does the link you need to click on lead to? - Hover over the link with your mouse. Is the domain name, the word before “.be”, “.com”, “.eu”, “.org”, etc. and before the very first slash "/", really the organization’s name?
• Are you being personally addressed? - Be wary of messages using general and vague titles, or your e-mail address to address you.
• Does the message contain many linguistic errors? - Although seasoned cybercriminals tend to use language correctly, language errors or a foreign language can indicate a suspicious message.

If you are in doubt about emails you receive from ISSM (now or in the future) or have any questions/concerns, please always contact us through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at: +31 75 647 63 72.

We invite all ISSM members to actively engage and contribute to the Scientific Program Committee for the upcoming joint ISSM/MESSM Scientific Meeting.

Please read the Terms of Reference carefully before applying for a role in the Scientific Program Subcommittee 2027.

The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026.

Apply here.

Background

Male sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and Peyronie’s disease (PD), is highly prevalent and tends to have a significant impact on men’s health globally. The normal courses of treatment for these include pharmacological routes, like phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5-is) for ED, physiotherapeutic routes, like the stop-start method for PE, and surgical routes for PD and ED. However, even the most standard options have their drawbacks, sometimes leading to frustration and further distress among patients.

In the second part of this conversation, hosts  Danielle Velez and Brittany Berk continue their discussion with Matt Ziegelmann and Heather Howard, focusing on how to support patients who are highly anxious, guarded, or even appear “unprofessional” when talking about sex. They discuss how such behaviors often reflect defense mechanisms, and share strategies for naming what is happening, setting boundaries, and turning the clinical encounter into a “sandbox” for learning new patterns. Dr. Howard explains her role as a consultant using goal‑oriented models and frameworks, while Dr. Ziegelmann emphasizes why urologists should routinely ask about sexual health and see themselves as gateways to biopsychosocial care. This episode underscores the importance of collaboration, clear referral pathways, and viewing sexuality as a relational, not just functional, aspect of health.

In this podcast episode, hosts Danielle Velez and Brittany Berk speak with urologist Matt Ziegelmann and clinical sexologist Heather Howard about the role of urologists and sexologists in sexual health care. They explore how education, clear communication, and practical tools can significantly reduce patient anxiety around sensitive topics like sexual dysfunction. Dr. Ziegelmann explains how detailed clinical notes, pre‑visit videos, and team‑based handouts prepare patients for what to expect, while Dr. Howard describes her solution‑focused, educational approach to sexuality counseling and the importance of creating a non‑judgmental space. The conversation highlights how normalizing discussions about sex, offering varied entry points (written questions, discovery calls), and building strong referral relationships can improve trust, comfort, and outcomes for patients.

Microplastics are plastic particles under 5mm in size and have been a popular area of concern amongst the general population and many health and wellness experts. Microplastics come from the breakdown of plastic waste that floats through the ocean or is not properly disposed of, leading to the pollution of waterways and breathable air. Most often, this conversation revolves around seafood (including salt), and fruits and vegetables.