Program Symposium
October 5th 2026, 09.00 - 18.00 hrs

Morning program

Time Subject Speaker
09.00 The wonderful cooperation between neurology, immunology and endocrinology in the regulation of sexual function Bert Messelink urologist, sexologist
09.40 Nociceptive, neuropathic and nociplastic pain in female sexual health Carolien Vermeulen, urogynecologist
10.00 Pelvic floor muscle tone and the role of the nervous system in female sexual dysfunction Helena Frawley, pelvic physiotherapist
10.20 Pelvic floor & dyspareunia: mechanisms & pathophysiology Marcela Bardin, pelvic physiotherapist
10.40 Coffee break
11.00 Trauma-informed sexual history taking Carsten Leue, psychiatrist
11.20 Advanced diagnostics & assessment of female sexual dysfunction Bert Messelink urologist/sexologist Bert Messelink, urologist/sexologist
11.40 Assessment of female sexual dysfunction Alma Brand, pelvic physiotherapist and psychologist
12.00 Functional assesment of sexuality: the role of ultrasound imaging in sexual health Guilherme Pertinni, pelvic physiotherapist
12.20 Differential diagnosis framework: when to refer? Magdalena Grzybowska, urogynecologist
12.40 Lunch break

Afternoon program 

Time Subject Speaker
13.30 Sexuality in the climacteric and menopause Carolien Vermeulen, urogynecologist
13.50 Endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and sexuality Magdalena Grzybowska, urogynecologist
14.10 Endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and sexuality: What physiotherapists can realistically do? Kari Bo, pelvic physiotherapist
14.30 Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD): clinical framework Carsten Leue, psychiatrist
14.50 Pelvic floor muscles role in broader aspects of sexual function, as well as in sexual dysfunctions beyond pain Melanie Morin, pelvic physiotherapist
15.10 Coffee break
15.30 Clinical case discussions moderator: Maura Seleme, pelvic physiotherapist Participation: interactive, all
Case 1: Pain associated with vaginal penetration and pelvic floor hypertonicity Helena Frawley & Carsten Leue
Case 2: Chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis and sexual dysfunction Magdalena Grzybowska, Kari Bo & Alma Brand
Case 3: Fear-avoidance, motor control and recovery of sexual function Panel: Carolien Vermeulen, Carsten Leue, Melanie Morin, Helena Frawley
16.15 Round table: Integrated Pelvic Care for women in practice: the Dutch Brazilian Connection (DBC) Panel: Paulo Palma. Carlos d’Ancona, Tadeu Tamanini, Philip Van Kerrebroeck, Bary Berghmans Moderator: Gommert van Koeveringe
17.15 Final discussion and clinical take-home messages Moderator: Bary Berghmans, pelvic physiotherapist and clinical epidemiologist
17.30-18.00 Meet & great

The symposium will be held in English