The ESSM School of Sexual Medicine is run with the support of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) and the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Participants will have the opportunity to learn the essentials of sexuality that are necessary for effective clinical practice, even for those whose usual practice is exclusively with one gender.
In 2026 we will run the ESSM School only (the Advanced Course is run every two years and the next edition will be in 2027)
All sessions during the program will be conducted in the English language; participative learning techniques for skill development will be used, as well as didactic teaching.
DATES and LOCATION 2026
ESSM School – 13-22 November 2026 – Budapest (Hungary)
ESSM Advanced Course will be in 2027 (it is run every two years)
Registration fees 2026:
- ESSM members fee € 4.350 (VAT 27% included)
- NON-members fee € 4.750 (VAT 27% included)
The registration fee includes:
- Tuition fee, scientific program and material
- 9 nights accommodation in 4* hotel, single use rooms, full buffet breakfast included. The hotel is where the course takes place
- 2 coffee breaks/day
- 7 lunches
- 5 dinners throughout the duration of the programme
- hostess onsite assistance
Drinks and any extra ARE NOT INCLUDED and will need to be settled onsite.
No entertainment is included.
The registration fee does not include transportation, transfers and insurance (you are strongly advised to arrange your own, personal insurance coverage).
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 (usually up to € 500)
ISSM scholarship
Information about ISSM scholarship available on the ISSM website.
Limited number of participants
The number of participants in each year of the Sexual Medicine Program is limited, so early application is advisable; registrations will be accepted on a first come-first serve basis upon receiving full payment of the registration fee. We have now reached the maximum number of participants; we have a watiing list in case of cancellations, to be added please send your CV to ESSMSchool2026@aimgroup.eu
Who can apply
Our program is intended for clinicians seeking to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for practice (school course) or to gather advanced knowledge and improve skills (Advanced course) in Sexual Medicine and Clinical Sexology.
Program and Requirements
The Program is intended for persons with post-graduate experience in any relevant clinical specialism. Interest in and enthusiasm for Sexual Medicine are the essential qualifications; whilst previous experience in the clinical practice of Sexual Medicine is an advantage, the program is also suitable for those starting out in this fascinating and rapidly developing area of medicine.
Special skills in surgery or psychotherapy are not a requirement for participation. Psychologists and therapists are welcome to join the program as well. The 10 days residential course covers a wide range of Sexual Medicine and Clinical Sexology topics and provides the essential background learning from which clinical experience and research can be developed.
The Academic Program Will Include
- sexual development
- psychology and physiology of sexual response (desire, arousal and orgasm)
- impact of gender on sexuality
- ageing and sexuality
- sexual dysfunctions in men and women
- problematic sexual behavior
- gender identity disorders
- impact of medical treatments and other health problems on sexuality
- clinical skills in Sexual Medicine
- clinical management of sexual disorders
- genital dermatology
- ethical and legal aspects of Sexual Medicine
- standards of care in Sexual Medicine
Curriculum ESSM School: Knowledge, Treatment methods & skills
- Intro to Sexual Medicine and clinical sexology, scientific societies, journals and activities in the field
- Sex and culture, rights, ethics and religion
- Sexuality in the life span (development, mature age, old age)
- Sexual orientation/gender dysphoria
- Hormones, Brain & Sexual Behaviour
- Sexual response models
- Assessment of SDs (Bio-psycho-social) and questionnaires
- Sexual history taking
- MSDs
- FSDs
- Basics of sexual therapy/and intro to different psychotherapy methods
- Contraception, Infertility, Pregnancy, Postpartum and abortion
- Female genital disorders
- Peyronie and penile disorders
Curriculum Advanced Course (this is held every two years, next one will be in 2027):
Knowledge of Treatment & advanced practical of skills (Practicing with real cases from the participants will be included)
- How to organise the assessment, treatment plan and follow-up
- MSDs: management of cases
- FSDs: management of cases
- How to work multidisciplinary
- Surgery in Sexual Medicine (male and female)
- Psychotherapy (different methods)
- Couple therapy
- Specific topics:
- Psychiatric diseases
- Hypersexuality
- Paraphilic disorders
- chronic disease / Cancer
- physical disability
- POIS, PGAS
- Body Dysmorphic syndrome
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
For those wishing to apply to the Advanced course in 2027, the following criteria will apply:
- More than 5 years working clinically in Sexual Medicine or Clinical Sexology AND
- Attended specific training in Sexual Medicine/Clinical Sexology or ESSM school
PLUS - Work in multidisciplinary team OR
- Already FECSM or ECPS
The course not only aims to add to your knowledge of Sexual Medicine but also to enable you to change your clinical practice with the acquisition of new skills to apply to providing services for patients and to have more confidence in assessing and helping men and women with common sexual concerns.
Scientific Board
Scientific Director: Omer Onur Cakir (UK)
Benefit for medically-qualified participants
Medically-qualified participants should find the school course program helpful when preparing for the Fellowship of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine examination (more info at www.mjcsm.org).
Benefit for psychologists
Psychologists will find the school course program helpful as well for the preparation of the EFS & ESSM exam for qualification as Psycho-Sexologist (more info on the certification and exam at www.essm.org/education/certifications/ecps).
Thanks for supporing ESSM
UEMS/EACCME Accreditation: “An application has been made to the EACCME® for CME accreditation of this event”
