Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rojjin Mamuk, Dr. Sinem Dağ Canatan, Dr. Gülsen Müsteyde Altan Denizer, Dr. Emine Temikan Sekizler from Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, along with many research assistants and graduates of the department, successfully represented EMU at the 12th CİSEF International Sexual Health Congress held on 5-8 February 2026 at Concorde Luxury Resort. Organized in collaborations of World Academy of Sexual Health (WASHE) and Federation of Sexual Health Associations (CİSEF), the congress stood out with its international and multidisciplinary nature.
Impacts of Chronic Diseases on Sexual Health Discussed
Attending the event as an invited speaker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rojjin Mamuk delivered a presentation titled “Kronik Bedenlerde Cinsellik / Sexuality in Chronic Bodies” where she discussed impacts of chronic diseases on sexual health through biological, psychologic and social aspects. Noting that approximately 43 million people worldwide lose their lives each year due to chronic diseases, while an even greater number are forced to live with these conditions throughout their lives, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mamuk underlined that the all-encompassing nature of chronic illnesses across all stages of life elevates sexual health to a universal and timeless dimension. She further noted that these factors make patient-centered and biopsychosocial care approaches in healthcare services indispensable.
Presenting an oral paper at the congress, Dr. Emine Temizkan Sekizler focused on how medicalization in infertility treatment negatively affects couples’ sexual health, underlining the importance of nursing care as a protective and supportive component of the treatment process.
This international participation not only made the academic expertise of the Eastern Mediterranean University Department of Nursing in the field of health sciences visible on a global platform, but also made a significant contribution to the international sharing of the university’s scientific studies on chronic diseases, sexual health, and holistic care.
