17

This article examines the challenges and prospects for the institutional recognition of sexology in Europe, particularly in the Swiss, French, Belgian, and Italian contexts. Although recognized for its crucial role in sexual health, the practice of sexology still lacks official professional status. The persistence of stigma surrounding sexuality — influenced by sociocultural and religious norms, as well as a lack of public awareness of the importance of the role of sexologists — constitute a major obstacle to the legitimization of this profession. This article reviews the history of sexology in Europe, highlights the inconsistencies and lack of unity in the available training, and discusses recent legislative advances in relation to status and professional recognition. In addition, it addresses the need to integrate medical innovations into training courses, while placing sexual well-being at the core of the concerns addressed, thus calling for an inclusive dialogue between care, culture, and society. Finally, the importance of a clear legal framework and standards for accredited training programs is highlighted, aiming to consolidate the legitimacy of sexology as an autonomous profession dedicated to the sexual health of individuals.