A Global Approach to Women's Health & Wellness

Connecting international experts and patients with the latest clinical data

The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) has been committed to promoting vulvar education to medical providers globally in order to effectively create change worldwide for more than 50 years.

79% of vulvovaginal disease experts received training in vulvovaginal disorders through self-teaching, and only 19% received vulvovaginal training during residency and 11% during fellowship (Citation: Venkatesan et al).

Many women’s health providers do not receive training in skin conditions that have a predilection for the genital area. The most common vulvovaginal conditions that present to dermatology-based referral vulvar clinics include lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and vitiligo (Citation: Goncalves et al).

This international group of medical professionals have dedicated their studies around both educating other providers and continuing to research and find scientific evidence in order to improve quality of care for patients who present to clinic with a vulvovaginal disorder. This includes pain, skin disorders, cancers, atrophy and menopausal symptoms, sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial infections, etc.

A Mission with Measurable Impact

• “Over 50 years of advancing women’s health across more than 40 countries.”

• “Influencing international diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for vulvovaginal diseases.”

• “Educating tens of thousands of clinicians and researchers worldwide.”

Landmark Achievements

• 1970s: Founded with visionaries in gynecology and dermatology realizing the need for multi-specialty care and international terminology.

• 1987: Standardization of terminology for vulvar pain (vestibulodynia, etc.)

• 2006: International terminology report adopted by medical societies worldwide

• 2021: Developed patient-centered care initiatives through global webinars

• 2024: International Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Lichen Sclerosus and for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vaginitis

Educational Impact

• 100+ international congresses, symposia, and webinars

• Online courses and clinical training initiatives

• Multilingual resources for patients and providers

• CME-accredited activities aligned with global standards

Global Reach

• Members from 50+ Countries

• Cooperate with numerous regional societies

• Multilingual resources for patients and providers in as many as 9+ languages