European Society for Sexual Medicine - ESSM

What European Society for Sexual Medicine - ESSM does

The European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) is a Belgium-registered nonprofit professional medical society founded in 1995 that serves as the principal European authority for education, certification, and research in sexual medicine. Its core members and customers are practicing clinicians across urology, gynecology, psychiatry, and psychology, along with researchers and basic scientists working in sexual dysfunction and related fields; the society also produces patient-facing materials through its ESSM CONNECT program. The organization operates as a multi-tier credentialing and education platform rather than a technology vendor: it issues the MJCSM/FECSM (medical doctors, jointly with UEMS) and ECPS (psycho-sexologists, jointly with EFS) certifications, runs residential and online training (ESSM School of Sexual Medicine, EFUS Female Ultrasound School, ESSM Surgical Academy, preparation courses, webinars), maintains the Journal of Sexual Medicine jointly with ISSM, and publishes textbooks and position statements.

ESSM's revenue mechanics are diversified across individual membership subscriptions, paid registrations for residential schools and congresses (held annually in rotating European cities and jointly with ISSM every few years), tiered course fees for ultrasound and surgical training, certification exam fees, and industry sponsorship from medical device and pharmaceutical companies (Boston Scientific, RIGICON, Coloplast, Olympus, IBSA). Distribution is handled in-house through the essm.org portal and a network of National Affiliated Societies, while logistics are outsourced to AIM Group as event-management partner. The society does not develop proprietary software or AI products; its digital footprint is limited to standard CMS delivery, online video libraries, webinar platforms, and social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), with a recently launched members-only podcast.

Strategically, ESSM has expanded its program portfolio in 2025-2026 through the launch of EFUS, the three-tier ESSM Surgical Academy, and the ESSM-IOSS International Diploma in Clinical Sexology, while deepening patient education via ESSM CONNECT and sustaining an annual congress cadence (Porto 2026, Valencia 2027). It is governed by an elected Board with a president (Mikkel Fode), president-elect (Javier Romero Otero), and multiple committee chairs covering scientific, educational, surgical, school, and accreditation functions.

Name

European Society for Sexual Medicine - ESSM

Legal name

European Society for Sexual Medicine

Website

https://essm.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) is a Belgium-registered nonprofit professional medical society that delivers accredited education, certifications (MJCSM/FECSM, ECPS), congresses, and research grants in sexual medicine to clinicians and researchers across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Professional Society

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Sexual Health & Relationship Wellness Education (EDAAAHAM)

Keywords

• Sexual medicine education
• Professional medical certification
• Medical congresses
• Medical research grants
• Continuing medical education

Headquarters

HQ city

Leeds, England

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from medical professionals in the field of sexual medicine
2. Congress and Event Registration: Registration fees for annual ESSM congresses and joint ISSM/ESSM congresses, including virtual and in-person attendance
3. Preparation Courses: Online condensed preparation courses for ECPS and MJCSM certification exams, priced at €300 per block package
4. EFUS Course Fees: Female Ultrasound School courses with tiered pricing: Basic €650, Intermediate €1,500, Advanced €2,500
5. ESSM School Registration: 10-day residential school program for sexual medicine training: €4,350 for members, €4,750 for non-members (VAT 27% included)
6. ECPS Certification Exam: Certification examination fee for EFS & ESSM Certified Psycho-Sexologist credential (€350 in 2025)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ESSM is a professional membership society that delivers education, certification, and research programs in sexual medicine. Its core offerings include the ESSM School of Sexual Medicine (a 10-day residential course), the ESSM Surgical Academy (three-level surgical training pathway), the EFUS Female Ultrasound School, online webinars, preparation courses for certification, the ECPS and MJCSM/FECSM certifications, the annual ESSM Congress, the Journal of Sexual Medicine, textbooks, and patient education materials through ESSM CONNECT.

Product overview

The European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) operates as a professional medical society offering a comprehensive educational ecosystem in sexual medicine. The portfolio consists of residential and online education programs (ESSM School of Sexual Medicine, ESSM Surgical Academy, ESSM Webinars, ESSM Preparation Courses, EFUS Female Ultrasound School, International Diploma in Clinical Sexology), professional certifications (ECPS for psycho-sexologists, MJCSM for medical doctors), annual congresses and conferences, publications (Position Statements, Textbooks, Abstract Books, Journal of Sexual Medicine), research funding (Research Grants, Travel Grants), and awards programs. ESSM CONNECT provides patient education resources, while the ESSM Academy offers surgical and erectile dysfunction training videos. These offerings are designed for clinicians, researchers, and professionals in sexual medicine across Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ESSM School of Sexual Medicine A 10-day residential course covering essential knowledge of sexuality required for effective clinical practice, including sexual development, psychology and physiology of sexual response, sexual dysfunctions in men and women, clinical skills, and ethical aspects of Sexual Medicine. Priced at EUR 4,350 for ESSM members and EUR 4,750 for non-members (VAT 27% included), including accommodation, meals, and tuition.
• ESSM Surgical Academy A three-level training program for surgeons focusing on genital surgery and penile implant surgery, combining webinars, cadaveric masterclasses (e.g., at Christian-Albrechts University Kiel), and fellowships at accredited Centers of Excellence to increase quality of surgery and patient satisfaction. Sponsored in part by Boston Scientific, RIGICON, and Coloplast.
• ESSM Congress Annual scientific congress bringing together professionals in sexual medicine for presentations, workshops, and networking. Next edition: ESSM Congress 2027 in Valencia, Spain (4-6 February 2027); joint ISSM/ESSM Congress 2026 in Porto, Portugal (25-28 February 2026).
• ESSM Webinars Online webinar series covering clinical scenarios within sexual medicine, including joint ISSM-ESSM webinars, ESSM-IBSA webinars (Peyronie's Disease, menopause psycho-sexual health, bladder health), and the Legends of Sexual Medicine series.
• ECPS (EFS & ESSM Certified Psycho-Sexologist) Competency certification for psycho-sexologists provided jointly by EFS and ESSM, conducted every two years with online assessment comprising application review, interview, and multiple-choice examination. Exam fee: EUR 350 (2025 rate). For psychologists, psychiatrists, and MDs with psychotherapy training.
• MJCSM/FECSM (Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine) Competency certification in Sexual Medicine for medical doctors, providing specialist competence certification in quantitative and objective diagnostic examinations of diseases and disorders affecting sexuality. Administered via the Multidisciplinary Joint Committee of Sexual Medicine.
• ESSM Preparation Courses for ECPS and MJCSM Online condensed preparation courses for ECPS and MJCSM certification exams, featuring pre-recorded lectures and live sessions covering blocks on general aspects, male/female sexual dysfunction, and certification-specific preparation. Priced at EUR 300 (+ VAT) per full block package, including access to video library, live sessions with Q&A, and certificate of completion.
• EFUS (ESSM Female Ultrasound School) High-level female ultrasound courses offering theoretical and practical training for evaluation of female sexual dysfunction. Three tiers: Basic (EUR 650, theory + video library + live session), Intermediate (EUR 1,500, theory + 1 practical slot), and Advanced (EUR 2,500, theory + 2 practical slots). Hands-on training at accredited centers.
• International Diploma in Clinical Sexology Comprehensive training and diploma in clinical sexology provided through ESSM partnership with IOSS (International Organization of Sexual Sciences), targeting professionals seeking specialized education in sexual medicine.
• Journal of Sexual Medicine (JSM) Official journal of ESSM and ISSM publishing multidisciplinary basic science and clinical research on male and female sexual function and dysfunction. Included as a benefit of full ESSM membership.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to €30,000 research grant funding available per project (maximum 18 months)
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• IBSAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026ESSM-IBSA Webinar Series 2026 collaboration on educational content about Peyronie's Disease, menopause psycho-sexual health, and bladder health.
• International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint ISSM/ESSM congresses held periodically (e.g., Porto 2026). Shared access to Journal of Sexual Medicine (JSM) for full members. Collaboration on webinars and educational programs including ISSM Online University access for ESSM members.
• European Federation of Sexology (EFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint provision of ECPS (EFS & ESSM Certified Psycho-Sexologist) certification. Collaboration on EFS and ESSM Syllabus of Clinical Sexology textbook. EFS/ESSM Psycho-sexology Accreditation (E.P.S.A.) Committee established in June 2013.
• Multidisciplinary Joint Committee of Sexual Medicine (MJCSM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to provide MJCSM/FECSM (Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine) certification for medical doctors. Joint curriculum development for training in Sexual Medicine within the EU.
• International Organization of Sexual Sciences (IOSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for International Diploma in Clinical Sexology. Launch of new resource for sexologists through ESSM-IOSS collaboration.
• ENToG (ENTOG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint webinar collaboration on Female Sexual Dysfunction research tools and techniques.
• Boston ScientificminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of ESSM Surgical Academy webinars. Support for educational content on penile implant surgery.
• RIGICONminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of ESSM Surgical Academy webinars including Level 2 Webinars 2 and 3.
• ColoplastminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of ESSM Surgical Academy webinars, supporting penile implant surgery education.
• OlympusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of ESSM Podcast episode on innovation in urological care and quality of life improvements.
• National Affiliated Societies (NAS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of national societies affiliated with ESSM to promote sexual medicine education and research in their respective countries.
• Worldwide Partner SocietiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational society partners that collaborate with ESSM on global initiatives in sexual medicine.
• Christian-Albrechts University KielminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost institution for ESSM Surgical Academy Masterclass (Level 2) at the Institute of Anatomy in Kiel, Germany.
• Centers of ExcellenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccredited centers for surgical training fellowships (Level 3) in penile implant surgery and genital reconstructive procedures.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/essm_tweets
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCv3HQrb8lMaDE8CxxjyZeeg
• Facebookfacebook.com/ESSMorg/?fref=ts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/essm
• Instagraminstagram.com/essm_tweets/?igshid=gxxhtuuhuedw

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about European Society for Sexual Medicine - ESSM