At the ISSVD XIX World Congress in July 2007, a decision was made to broaden the criteria for joining the society. There are now two ways to participate in the Society. You can now join the ISSVD as a Member at anytime and change to Fellow status by attending two events and presenting an abstract at a World Congress. Both categories are restricted to healthcare professionals. To become a Fellow * or Member, you must have displayed a particular interest in and knowledge of vulvovaginal diseases.
In 2020, a Task Force reviewed this decision and added a new criteria that requires a candidate for Fellowship to attend an ISSVD postgraduate level course prior to presenting their abstract for Fellowship. This change was announced before the 26th Congress and will be implemented for the 27th Congress (Slovenia).
Membership is open to specialists in the field of vuvovaginal disease including physicians, surgeons, basic scientists, trainees, and other health professionals. The official language of the Society is English.
Start your Membership. $175 annual fee.
Membership runs from January 1 through December 31st. (Dues will be prorated if you join after January)
Become a Member today!
Members have the following benefits:
- Serve on Committees
- Networking with other professionals with an interest in vulvar disease
- Listserve access for case discussions and advice on difficult cases, share thoughts, questions, and opinions
- Receive an online subscription to the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease (*Not included in Student/Life Memberships)
- Receive quarterly newsletters
- Gain Member Only Access to our Image Gallery, Member Directory, Videos, and many other resources.
- Receive discounted Member/Fellow rates for event registration fees
- Apply to become a Fellow at any world congress by presenting a qualifying research abstract
Become a Candidate for Fellowship
Fellows have the following benefits:
- Vote and hold office
- Chair Committees
- Serve on Committees
- Networking with other professionals with an interest in vulvar disease
- Listserve access for case discussions and advice on difficult cases, share thoughts, questions, and opinions
- Receive an online subscription to the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease
- Receive quarterly newsletters
- Gain Member Only Access to our Image Gallery, Member Directory, Videos, and many other resources.
- Receive discounted member/fellow rates for event registration fees
Fellow status is maintained only through active membership status. If you drop your membership, your Fellow status is forfeited.
How does one become a Member?
To be eligible for Membership you must demonstrate an interest in vulvovaginal disease. - Licensed professionals must be in good standing in the health care profession. Academic members must show a level of interest in the field.
- Active status must be maintained in order to maintain Member status.
- Attendance at the one of every three World Congress' is encouraged.
- Membership application checklist*:
- If you don't already have one, create a profile on issvd.org by selecting "Create an Account".
- Use the “Buy” button to purchase your membership. (Skip if you are applying for a student or developing country membership)
Submit this form. You must include your CV in English and a recent headshot.
*Incomplete applications will not be activated and fee forfeited. (Please submit membership materials within 30 days of payment)
*Members may present an abstract at a World Congress but it is not a requirement for ISSVD Membership.
Resident/Medical Student Membership
(3 year maximum)
ISSVD offers a limited number of residents/medical student memberships at no cost. This membership is a great opportunity for those residents/medical students with an interest in vulvovaginal disease to have the opportunity to network and learn from the world's leading experts in the field. It also allows you to attend ISSVD educational programs at a signficant discount.
This membership does not include the right to vote, hold office and does not include a subscription to the Journal.
In order to apply:
- Submit a letter of verification from your supervisor of your full time resident/student status to issvd@issvd.org (including the effective/ending dates of your residency). An updated letter verifying your training status is required annually.
- Send a CV and headshot to issvd@issvd.org. CV must be in English.
How does one become a Fellow?
Membership is open to specialists in the field of vulvovaginal disease including physicians, surgeons, basic scientists, trainees, and other health professionals.
To be eligible for Fellowship the candidate must demonstrate advanced work and leadership in the field. It would be highly unusual (although possible) for a resident to qualify for fellowship. He/she would have to prove they have done outstanding research and have had additional training in vulvology. - Licensed professionals must be in good standing in the health care profession. Academic members must show a level of interest in the field.
- The candidate for Fellowship must remain an active member from the application period consecutively through the time they become a Fellow. Active status must be maintained in order to maintain Fellow status.
- Attendance and presentation at the upcoming World Congress. (Beginning in 2024, Fellowship applications will require attendance at one previous ISSVD Postgraduate level meeting in addition to the presentation Congress).
- Fellowship application checklist*:
- Active Membership (see "How does one become a member")
Must have previously attended an ISSVD Biennial or World Congress live or virtually. Must present your abstract in person at a World Congress.
*All Fellowship presentations are at the discretion of the Fellowship Approval Committee
*The next Fellowship opportunity will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia, CANADA, July 13-15, 2026.
Call for Abstracts to be sent June 2025-Tentative Abstract Deadline: January 15, 2026
View a sample abstract submission form, prior to uploading.
ABSTRACT ACCEPTANCE POLICY
- The Scientific Committee encourages the submissions of original research for abstract presentations. Only abstracts submitted in English will be reviewed.
- All abstracts will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee.
- The accepted abstracts will be included in a special supplement edition of our Journal-The Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease (JLGTD).
- Abstracts must not exceed 250 words (excluding the title, authors, and affiliations) with up to three images, graphs, etc.
- Disclosure of financial relationships that the author(s) may have with the manufacturer/supplier of any commercial products or services, should be indicated in the submission.
- Commercial presentations are not permitted. Sponsored Symposia are available.
- Presenting authors of abstracts must be registered participants for the live program.
- Membership is not a requirement for submission. Although, membership offers many benefits.
Start your Membership.
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