Introduction

The European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) is committed to education and quality research in sexual medicine. Founded 30 years ago as the European Society of Impotence Research, our society has grown into a comprehensive organization that covers all areas of the field, including both physical and psychological aspects for all genders. This scope also includes transgender health, and our membership base reflects a range of personal, cultural, and professional backgrounds. We serve as a hub for sharing scientific knowledge through our annual congress and have developed strong educational programs and certification standards in sexual medicine and sexology. Key figures from 2024 are presented in Table 1. As current political and financial challenges require renewed efforts, I am committed—as the newly elected President—to be working with our executive committee, national affiliated societies, and individual members. Our efforts will remain focused on science, education, and the value of human diversity and scientific freedom.

Table 1 ESSM facts and figures 2024.
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Advancing evidence-based sexual medicine

High-quality research is at the core of sexual medicine. The introduction of oral medications for erectile dysfunction in 1998 backed by solid evidence is an example that transformed patient care by offering effective treatments and reducing stigma [1]. However, many areas still lack a strong evidence base, unlike fields such as oncology that rely on extensive research to guide clinical protocols. This gap must be addressed if we are to provide the best possible care for our patients.

Improving research in our field requires a multifaceted approach and funding from both public and private sources. We need solid basic science research to understand the biological mechanisms of sexual health, innovative clinical trials to develop treatments tailored to diverse patient needs, and larger multicenter studies to confirm the benefits of new innovations. In addition, psychosocial research is important to help us understand how biological, psychological, and social factors interact, ensuring sexual health is viewed within a broader human perspective. Although scientific studies within sexual medicine do not always live up to the highest standards, I believe that collaboration—especially across different disciplines and borders—can help us achieve the level of rigor our patients deserve [2,3,4]. By building strong connections within our community, ESSM can foster the multidisciplinary partnerships, which are needed for this (Fig. 1). Supporting early-career researchers is also essential; by offering mentoring, training programs, and clear career paths, we can nurture new talents and ensure the long-term sustainability of our field. In the coming years, strengthening our Young Sexual Medicine Academy (YoSeMa) will be a major priority.

Fig. 1: The ESSM is represented at national and international meetings in sexual medicine.
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Here Professor Fode presents at the ESSM symposium at the 2024 World Meeting on Sexual Medicine.

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Education

ESSM believes that fundamental knowledge in sexual medicine should be accessible to everyone. Sexual health is key to quality of life and forming close relationships, and sexual dysfunction can negatively affect both happiness and overall health by serving as an early warning sign of other health issues [5, 6]. Our goal is to ensure that not only specialists, but also medical students and all healthcare professionals—including doctors, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and allied staff—have access to this essential knowledge.

It is equally important for policymakers to understand the impact of sexual health on overall well-being [7]. Informed policies can lead to improved healthcare funding, more inclusive public health initiatives, and a more serious approach to addressing sexual dysfunction. By bridging the gap between education and policy, sexual medicine can become a cornerstone of holistic healthcare.

We will continue to develop our School of Sexual Medicine and surgical academy, provide textbooks, and include strong educational components at our annual congresses [8]. Recognizing the need to adapt to new social and technological changes, we are also enhancing our digital presence through social media, webinars, and podcasts [9, 10]. Updating our educational and certification programs to incorporate these tools will help extend our outreach beyond Europe, raise awareness, and advocate for better sexual health for the benefit of our patients [11, 12].

Diversity and scientific freedom

I want to emphasize the core values that unite us as the ‘ESSM family’. Unity, scientific freedom, and diversity are not just ideals; they are essential to our work. ESSM promotes open dialogue and research while respecting every individual’s right to be themselves without prejudice. We believe that our collective strength comes from working together and that allowing researchers and clinicians the freedom to explore new ideas is key to progress.

Our diverse community, with its range of personal and professional backgrounds, challenges conventional thinking and drives breakthroughs in both research and clinical practice. On a personal level, the journey of self-discovery—understanding and accepting one’s identity—can be challenging, especially for those whose gender and sexual identities differ from traditional norms. Creating an accepting environment is not only desirable but essential, as it provides a space for everyone to contribute fully to society. We aim to extend our commitment to inclusivity through new partnerships with external institutions, patient organizations, and policy makers, ensuring that the field of sexual medicine has a strong voice in healthcare policy and practice.

Conclusions and challenges

As a non-profit organization, ESSM naturally faces challenges in fulfilling our mission. Supporting research, encouraging scientific exchange, and promoting evidence-based practice requires sustainable funding. Through active fundraising and careful resource management, we can support initiatives like annual meetings, educational workshops, certification programs, and research grants. Strategic partnerships with industry, academic institutions, and government bodies will further strengthen our financial position, while raising public awareness of sexual health will help build broader support for our mission.

ESSM is more than a research platform—it is a community that values diversity and continuous learning. In a rapidly changing world, these elements are essential to help sexual medicine thrive, innovate, and improve patient care. Building the future of sexual medicine in Europe requires collective action and every member’s contribution is essential. Together, we can promote excellence in research, education, and clinical practice, securing a better future for sexual medicine in Europe and beyond, and improving lives of patients worldwide.