Less Than One Month to #WAS2025

Explore the program + a new article on women's satisfaction.

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, As sexual health and rights face growing threats across the world, the need for informed, inclusive leadership has never been more urgent. The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) invites experienced professionals from across its Member Organizations to stand for election to the Advisory Committee (AC), a vital governance body that helps guide the strategic direction, mission, and impact of our global confederation between General Assemblies. Application Deadline: 24 May 2025 (extended) Election Date: 17 June 2025 Location: WAS General Assembly at the 27th Congress in Brisbane, Australia Term: 2025 to 2029   Read the full call to stand here Here's what's coming up in this week's newsletter: ✔️ WAS Congress reminder: Register before 30 May ✔️ Highlights from the WAS 2025 program ✔️ Open access research from WAS's official journal, the International Journal of Sexual Health   Urgent Reminder: Register by 30 May Standard registration for #WAS2025 closes soon. If you haven't yet registered for the Congress, now is the time.   Don't miss out on standard registration WAS 2025 Program Highlights WAS 2025 will include hundreds of presentations across five thematic tracks, including plenaries, symposia, oral sessions, and workshops. Speakers include researchers, educators, policymakers, and clinicians from across all regions. A preview of selected sessions from the #WAS2025 program Session 3A: Sex Workers Win Decriminalisation: Removing Police from Our Bedrooms This symposium shares insights from the #DecrimQLD campaign, including work health and safety after decriminalisation and lived experiences of stigma. Presentations highlight the importance of removing criminal penalties from sex work as a public health policy. Session 9A: Intersex, Sexual Health and Human Rights Speakers address intersex-related harms in medical settings. Topics include a review of "sex-normalising" surgeries in infancy, the case for law reform, and advancing justice through de/pathologisation. Session 13A: Re/negotiating Sexual Subjectivities, Embodiments and Health This session explores the sexual health of LGBTQIA+ people and straight/cisgender girls. Speakers share research on adolescent girls' experiences of desire, the impacts of cancer on sexual embodiment, and the sexual health of LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities. Session 14C: Sexual Health & Testosterone for Women and Men Speakers examine testosterone therapy from multiple angles, including clinical use, evidence-based perspectives on menopause and midlife health, and the emotional aspects of sexuality in later life. Session 17C: Myth vs. Reality: Unpacking Parental Misconceptions About Comprehensive Sexuality Education This panel addresses common myths surrounding sexuality education. Speakers share regional experiences and insights to help clarify what CSE is—and what it's not.   Check out the full program here Article in the International Journal of Sexual Health (IJSH) The Satisfaction of Women's Orgasms: The Relationship Between Women's Orgasmic Pleasure and Sexual Relationship Satisfaction in Aotearoa/New Zealand By Alexandra Janssen, Rita Csako, David Rowland & Krisztina Hevesi A new open-access article in WAS' official journal explores how orgasm frequency relates to relationship satisfaction among heterosexual women, and what this means for sexual health professionals. Key findings: - More consistent orgasms and more frequent sex were the strongest predictors of relationship satisfaction. - Orgasm consistency matters, but reaching orgasm every time is not required for satisfaction. - Clinicians may want to help couples move away from goal-oriented approaches that undermine sexual pleasure. Access the article below, share with your networks, or use it to spark your next training session. Read the full article Thank you to our sponsors for #WAS2025 Major Sponsors   Silver Sponsor   Supporters Destination Sponsors   Whether you're leading a session or learning from one, we're glad you're part of this global movement. The World Association for Sexual Health   Upcoming WAS 2025 Deadlines: Standard Registration: 30 May 2025 Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up here! Click here to visit the WAS website Support the Mission of WAS We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today. Donations are tax-deductible in the USA. Donate Here Copyright © 2025 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you have previously expressed interest in our content by opting in on our website or through participation in one of our online events, such as our monthly webinars. We're committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates and insights. Our mailing address is: World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) 1300 South 2nd Street Suite 180 West Bank Office Building Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.