More than six centuries ago Portugal started the age of discoveries. Many of the expeditions left from Lisbon. The list of motivations was large and complex – sometimes controversial, especially if seen through the presentism lens. Let’s focus only on the adventure spirit and the wish to add new worlds to the world (from an Eurocentric perspective, naturally).
Vulvovaginal disease (and health!) definitely also need to be put on the map. Knowledge is still insufficient and fragmented. The ISSVD plays the key role in completing the map.
In 1494 Portugal and Spain divided the unknown world in half (the Treaty of Tordesilhas) and developed the concept of mare clausum — the closed sea. Vulvovaginal health must be mare liberum — open/free sea. We need everyone, from the most diverse fields of knowledge, to help fill the gaps.
But… Should we have limits? Are we moving forward the way women actually need? The gaps remain, progress is slow, and some old unanswered questions remain.
On the other hand, vulvovaginal health became trendy and in the centre of a multimillion-euro business. I stress the concept of vulvovaginal health — opposite to intimate health, which is often associated with the promotion of unproven or unsupported claims to sell some miraculous solution for a real or illusional problem.
We see a sudden interest, for instance, in lichen sclerosus — unfortunately often by health care professionals poorly trained in vulvovaginal disease, offering more or less magical solutions.
It is easy to scare women with the potential risks of topical corticosteroid use and omit that, up to now, only these have been shown to reduce disease progression and reduce cancer risk.
Along with leadership from one of our friend societies (ECSVD), we created a manifesto for vulvovaginal health that we invite you to read.
The ISSVD has always been courageously on the right side of history — with an open mind to innovation, but always demanding evidence and good practices.
We will keep navigating the open seas, always aiming at the ports of knowledge, and will not deviate from our course, even in times of storm and rough sea.
Our 56 years of history have shown as much — it is our duty to carry it to the next generations.
If a new era of knowledge started in Portugal six centuries ago, we now invite you all to convene in Lisbon in 2028 and be part of the future of vulvovaginal health.
Start preparing your research and bring it to Lisbon — present it by the Tagus, where once the caravels sailed.
If you are not yet a Fellow, consider becoming one. Be more involved in our — your — Society. We need everyone. We are a big family, with big responsibilities.
Vieira-Baptista P, Bevilacqua F, Lewis F, et al. A manifesto for vulvovaginal health. The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health. 2026;2(8):e677–e678. doi:10.1016/S3050-5038(26)00175-5
