Movember and the International Society for Sexual Medicine announce new three-year partnership
We're proud to announce a new three-year partnership with the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) to 2027.
The global partnership is set to reach thousands of clinicians worldwide with educational resources, training and the development of a new clinician toolkit designed to improve the standard of sexual health care for men with prostate cancer.
Sexual dysfunction is the most reported health-related quality of life outcome following treatment for prostate cancer and men often suffer in silence. One study funded by Movember found that 8 in 10 men report their overall sexual function as poor or very poor after their prostate cancer treatment, yet 55% of men were not offered any intervention to improve their sexual function.
Even when men do receive support for their sexual wellbeing, less than 40% of respondents said they were offered sexual medications, only 21% were offered pro-erectile devices, and only 15% of men were provided access to sexual health counselling/therapy.
" Together, we can reach thousands of clinicians and impact even more patients and partners with tailored care. "
Recognising this gap, Movember supported global experts to develop the world’s first Clinicial Guidelines for Sexual Health Care for Prostate Cancer. Launched in 2022, the guidelines contain 47 statements to help clinicians assess and manage sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatments and facilitate shared decision-making between clinicians, patients and their partners.
Our partnership with ISSM will enhance the use of the guidelines into prostate cancer care through education and clinical support tools. Busy clinicians will be able to easily integrate the practice guidance provided by the 47 statements.
Jen Edgecombe, Director of Sexual Health and Wellbeing at Movember said:
“Sexual health services for people with prostate cancer are vastly underrepresented in clinical care despite up to 80% of men reporting poor overall sexual function. This has a significant impact on the ongoing quality of life for patients and their partners.
“We are excited to partner with ISSM who are the world leaders in sexual medicine. Together, we can reach thousands of clinicians and impact even more patients and partners with tailored care.”
Sarah Weller, Global Director of Prostate Cancer at Movember said:
“With the global number of prostate cancer cases set to double by 2040, it’s crucial that we take action to improve not only diagnosis and treatment, but quality of life, including sexual function outcomes.
“Clinicians have identified the need for resources that enable a seamless integration of the guideline recommendations into clinical care. We’re proud to be working with ISSM to improve sexual health outcomes for men with prostate cancer and their partners.”
Dr Gerald Brock, the President of ISSM said:
“The International Society for Sexual Medicine is excited to partner with Movember in this multi-faceted clinician-directed educational program.
“As a urologist who has treated thousands of men for sexual concerns following prostate cancer therapy (surgical, radiation or hormonal therapy), the promise of this initiative to elevate the level of sexual care for patients and their partners is truly transformative.
“The ability to operationalize the key recommendations of the Movember Sexual Health Guidelines through a multi-media approach should enhance the quality of life for men and their partners globally.”
Find out more about the Clinical Guidelines for Sexual Health and Prostate Cancer