Female Ultrasound Courses
Female sexual function and dysfunction remain one of the most neglected and conflicting topic of Sexual Medicine. One of the main limitations is represented by the lack of objective instrument to adequately assess “normal and dysfunctional” sexual response. Ultrasound evaluation represents a routine analysis for all gynecological patients and its management is a crucial step for all residents involved in gynecology schools. However, although the role of female ultrasound evaluation for general gynecological problems or fertility is well recognized, its role in the evaluation of female sexual dysfunction is limited.
Much evidence has already recognized the role of pelvic transvaginal ultrasound in the management of pelvic pain syndrome. In addition, emerging evidence supports the role of vascular evaluation of the clitoris with ultrasound as a marker of dysfunctional arousal phase. In addition, limited data also support the role of vascular clitoris impairment in the stratification of female forthcoming cardiovascular risk. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34552164/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27692844/)
In order to provide the best knowledge of the topic ESSM has developed EFUS to offer high-level “Female ultrasound courses” and “continuous ultrasound updating” channels, with the following aims:
- To train and educate high quality experts in the field of female ultrasound for the evaluation of female sexual dysfunction
- To standardize the methodology for performing, interpreting and reporting ultrasound for female sexual dysfunction
- To apply the information derived from female ultrasound evaluation to offer a more complete and accurate evaluation of female sexual dysfunction.
The EFUS ultrasound courses include:
- An introductory theoretical part (“full immersion”) on methodology and normal and pathological pictures of female ultrasound topic related to sexual function and relevant physical examination findings.
- An extensive practical part, which can be carried out according to specific learning requests. Candidates can choose among three different courses from one, to three weeks, not necessarily consecutive in a well-known accredited centre.
In order to guarantee the acquisition of the necessary knowledge, the theoretical part is preparatory and mandatory to the practical part.
The EFUS courses will allow all candidates to obtain, after passing a theoretical-practical exam, an ESSM certificate of BASIC, INTERMEDIATE or ADVANCED level, in relation to the number of weeks attended (one, two or three,).
BASIC
- Theoretical part +
- 1 week of practice
1.500,- Euro
INTERMEDIATE
- Theoretical part +
- 2 weeks of practice
2.000,- Euro
ADVANCED
- Theoretical part +
- 3 weeks of practice
2.500,- Euro
Reductions in the registration fee: 150 € specific discount will be offered to those who will attend ESSM School or the Advanced course.
ESSM members from low-income countries, or those who are experiencing financial hardship, may apply for special bursaries (application through the registration procedure), which can cover part of the registration fee.
Who can apply
The EFUS is intended for clinicians seeking to acquire knowledge and skills on the role of female genital ultrasound as a support in the diagnosis and management of female sexual dysfunction, including arousal disorder and sexual pain disorders. Basic expertise in ultrasound is welcome but not required.
- The Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit at Careggi University Hospital in Florence, Italy, directed by Prof. Linda Vignozzi, is a training center of the European Academy of Andrology, referenceregional center for diagnosis and therapy of erectile dysfunction, reference regional center forsemen cryopreservation, and for the management of subjects with genderincongruence (CRIG). It is alsowell-known for ensuring the highest level of patient care in the field of women’s endocrinology, and specifically sexual health. In the last years, the members of the faculty have been developing and implementing both theoretical and practical training programs for students and residents coming from all over Europe and interested in sexual medicine. In addition, the local lab has been producing many relevant publications on the role of cardiovascular risk factors in female sexual dysfunction, highlighting the need to fill the “gender gap” in the methodological approach to this topic.
- The FERTISEXCARES Center (Federico IIUniversity Hospital of Naples, Italy), directed by Prof. Rosario Pivonello, is part of the European reference network on rare endocrine conditions and is a regional referral center for neuroendocrine diseases and pituitary tumors.The main clinical areas of interest concern male and female gonadal, reproductive, sexual and psycho-sexological pathology, and gender incongruence, but also include the study of gonadal, reproductive, sexual and psycho-sexological disorders in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal diseases and other endocrinopathies with impact on these domains, such as obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. More attention to female sexual health was given by the creation of two separated outpatient servics, for the clinical management of gynecological endocrinology conditions and female sexual dysfunctions.
The number of participants to the EFUS is limited; applications will be evaluated by the Scientific Board.
THEORETICAL PART November 23-24, 2023, Marriot Courtyard Budapest City Center, Budapest, Hungary)
The program will incorporate the following topics:
- Anatomy and physiology of female sexual arousal and orgasm
- Basics of ultrasound of the female pelvis and external genitalia
- Genital and sexual pain disorders in women: the role of pelvic ultrasound
- Genital Doppler ultrasound in the evaluation of cardiometabolic risk factors: is there a gender gap?
- Female genital Doppler ultrasound in the diagnostic workup of female sexual dysfunction
- Pathophysiology and medical management of female genital arousal and orgasm disorder
CHAIR: Elisa Maseroli, MD, PhD–Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, at Careggi University Hospital. Florence, Italy
Jasmine Abdulcadir, MD PD FECSM, Division of Gynaecology, Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Sarah Cipriani, MD, Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, at Careggi University Hospital. Florence, Italy; Azienda Usl Toscana Centro, Italy
Lior Lowenstein, MD, MS, MHA, MBA, FECSM, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
Anna Padoa, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
Rosario Pivonello, MD, PhD, FERTISEXCARES Center (Federico II University Hospital of Naples, Italy)
Irene Scavello, MD, PhD, UNITÀ FUNZIONALE COMPLESSA ATTIVITÀ CONSULTORIALI, Azienda Usl Toscana Centro, Italy
Nunzia Verde, MD, FERTISEXCARES Center (Federico II University Hospital of Naples, Italy)
Linda Vignozzi, MD, PhD – Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, at Careggi University Hospital. Florence, Italy
Contact EFUS
ESSM Secretariat Office
Daniela Pajola
Via G. Ripamonti 129
20141 Milano, Italy
+39 02 – 56601 625
EFUS@aimgroup.eu
