The field of sexual medicine has been well represented by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and its precursor organizations since the first symposium on corpora cavernosa revascularization in 1978. ISSM boasts affiliate regional societies worldwide, with a membership that is composed of medical and psychosexual clinicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and researchers, numbering more than 3,500 members from over 100 countries!
The society established its first bylaws in 1992, marking the inception of a structured society dedicated to the science of sexual medicine. In the years after that it became the central international organization with regional affiliates from around the world (APSSM, ESSM, MESSM, SASSM, SLAMS, SMSNA) and from the dominant sexual scientific society for women (ISSWSH).
Through annual scientific meetings and the introduction of a family of journals, ISSM has presented the science of sexual medicine across all genders and orientations to a global audience. The portfolio of journals includes The Journal of Sexual Medicine, publishing original clinical and basic research; Sexual Medicine Reviews, featuring state-of-the-art review articles on sexual issues; and the open-access journal Sexual Medicine, offering users free access to high-impact scientific reports. This extensive work not only involves professionals engaged in basic and clinical work in the field but also serves those patients suffering from sexual dysfunctions.
The emphasis on all of the different disciplines involved in sexual medicine have been a strength of this society. It truly has become the leader in the field of sexual medicine.
Vision:
Every human being has the right to a healthy and satisfying sexual life.
Mission:
To be the most respected and trusted source of information, education, and professional development on human sexual health through the delivery of world-class publications, research findings, and online and in-person opportunities for knowledge exchange worldwide.
