ISSWSH Position Statement on Female Sexual Dysfunction
Online, February 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - ISSWSH Position Statement on Female Sexual Dysfunction: Women's Initiative on Sexual Health (WISH)
Schaumburg, Ill. (February 14, 2011) - ISSWSH, the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, today announced its Women's Initiative on Sexual Health position statement (WISH).
ISSWSH developed this position statement to support women impacted by sexual dysfunction. The voices of these women, their families and loved ones are too often not heard. It is only by a unified and coordinated effort that progress for those affected women will be achieved.
ISSWSH President Alan Altman, MD, stated, "As we enjoy Valentine's Day, the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health reminds us that the ability to participate in sexually satisfying activity is not possible for many who aspire to that activity with their partner."
Altman continued, "The WISH position statement encourages the further development and approval of therapeutic modalities of all kinds for women, to the same level as has been available for men over the past decade."
The WISH position statement asserts:
As the leading international organization devoted to women's sexual health, the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health is committed to further development of the field of female sexuality. As such, we advocate a collaborative approach for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of women who are suffering from sexual health problems. As healthcare professionals, researchers, family and friends who have seen firsthand the devastation to physical and psychological health and quality of life that sexual dysfunction can cause, we state, unequivocally, that female sexual disorders are real conditions and not a fabrication, nor a result, of disease mongering.
Female sexual disorders are valid conditions that warrant assessment, diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention. The etiology of female sexual problems is often complex. It may include sexual medicine issues related to biologic etiologies including neurologic, hormonal, vascular and anatomic components as well as psychological issues relating to socio-cultural, emotional, cognitive and relationship concerns. We are aware that female sexual dysfunction research is still a relatively new field and continuing research is needed to further elucidate the etiological factors that contribute to female sexual disorders. We advocate the further development of safe and effective treatments, both biological and psychosocial-cultural in nature, for women who are suffering from these conditions. Although not all treatments will work equally for everyone, women deserve to have a variety of treatment options and for their voices to be heard. In light of this, we call upon all the stakeholders, including government regulators, to move the bar of available therapies forward.
WISH Committee Chair Michael Krychman, MD, concluded, "Today is a special Valentine's Day as the sexual healthcare community unites to bring a voice to women experiencing sexual dysfunction. By calling for the advancement of research and understanding of sexual health and function, this statement declares ISSWSH's commitment to all women and their sexual vitality."
About ISSWSH:
The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is a multidisciplinary academic, scientific and clinical organization whose purposes are:
1. To provide opportunities for communication among scholars, researchers, and practitioners about women's sexual function and sexual experience.
2. To support the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in research, education, and clinical practice of women's sexuality.
3. To provide the public with accurate information about women's sexuality and sexual health.