A Global Approach to Women's Health & Wellness

 

About the ISSVD

The International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) is a global leader dedicated to advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and scientific understanding of conditions affecting the vulva, vagina, and related structures. Our work encompasses a wide range of vulvar diseases (e.g. lichen sclerosus, vulvar lichen planus, vulvodynia, and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia) and forms of vaginitis (e.g. candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, desquamative inflammatory vaginitis). These conditions, though common and often debilitating, are frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed—leading to long delays in proper care.

Women suffering from vulvovaginal diseases often endure years of symptoms before receiving an accurate diagnosis. On average, they see multiple healthcare providers—sometimes traveling long distances or undergoing unnecessary procedures—before finding a clinician with the expertise to help them. Many wait months to access specialized care, resulting in prolonged pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Since its founding in 1970, ISSVD has served as a trusted authority and collaborative hub for experts across disciplines—including gynecology, dermatology, pathology, urology, physical therapy, and sexual health. We have standardized clinical language and improved global recognition of vulvovaginal diseases through the publication of internationally adopted terminology and classification systems.

 
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 (— Venkatesan et al., Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, 2012. View study)

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 53 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

  • 2023: ISSVD Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vaginitis

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

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 & Cooperation
  • Members from 50+ Countries

  • Cooperate with numerous regional societies

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

Respected Voices in Healthcare

A few recent ISSVD publications free on our website include:

  • ISSVD Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Management of Lichen Sclerosus
  • ISSVD Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vaginitis
  • Patient Handouts in numerous languages
  • Vulvar Self Exam protocol for HCP and Patient
  • Webinars

A few of our scholarly contributions include:

  • Lynch et al. (2011): ISSVD Terminology for Vulvar Dermatological Disorders (143 citations)
  • Bornstein et al. (2015): Terminology of Vulvar Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (289 citations)
  • Bornstein et al. (2015): Terminology and Classification of Vulvodynia (642 citations)
  • Stockdale et al. (2013): Vulvodynia Clinical Practice Guideline (144 citations)

The number of citations were obtained from Google Scholar on June 18, 2025.

Through biennial World Congresses, regional scientific meetings, online courses, and guideline publications, ISSVD reaches thousands of clinicians, researchers, and students worldwide. Our educational efforts are amplified through partnerships with regional societies and individual collaborators across six continents, helping to bridge gaps in care and empower local providers with accessible, evidence-based resources.
ISSVD remains committed to transforming the standard of care for vulvovaginal disease globally—promoting early diagnosis, reducing patient suffering, and ensuring that all individuals have access to compassionate, competent, and informed care.
 

Learn More About ISSVD

 

Goals and Missions

To promote international communication among gynecologists, pathologists, dermatologists, and other healthcare providers.

 

Board of Directors

The ISSVD Board of Directors is made up of Fellows of the ISSVD from various regions and specialties. They work together to help ensure that the Society goals and mission are followed. We are grateful for their dedication and tireless efforts to help us grow and attain these goals. If you are interested in serving, please contact us at issvd@issvd.org.

ISSVD_Logo_Trademark_Ver1_2019_11_19-(1).png

The International Society for the
Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)

Contact Us

+1-704-709-3511
issvd@issvd.org
PO Box 586
Waxhaw, NC 28173

Get free ISSVD updates

Delivered straight to your inbox.

Click Here

Copyright © 2017 - All Rights Reserved.
Charlotte Web Design by Synchronicity
Reproduction and distribution of contents including images and artwork, in whole or in part, without prior written agreement is prohibited.