Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning (Sir Winston Churchill, 1942).

Every change in leadership is accompanied by a honeymoon period. Euphoria reigns supreme as the anticipation of a change in direction takes hold. This is applicable to all walks of life and to International Journal of Impotence Research (IJIR): The Journal of Sexual Medicine in particular.

IJIR underwent a change in leadership effective January 2005. The inaugural issue contained my editorial,1 in which I pledged to maintain a high academic standard for the journal. The expansive nature of the field of both male and female sexual dysfunction was duly noted, and manuscripts in each of these areas were invited for inclusion. A new beginning was upon us.

As with every new venture, there was uncertainty. IJIR was no longer a society-affiliated journal. What toll would this take? Naysayers forecasted a limited future. The excitement of the beginning of the new era was dampened by unfounded anxiety.

Much to my delight, and more importantly, much to the benefit of the sexual medicine community, the journal has received support and endorsement from all corners of the globe. Basic scientists and clinical researchers selected IJIR as their publication home. Advertising support remains strong and IJIR's circulation remains vibrant. Each issue highlights the very best that sexual medicine has to offer.

Now that 2 years have passed since I have assumed the role of editor, I fear that the end of the beginning is upon us. The ‘beginning’ has been nothing short of spectacular. I am indebted to the many wonderful friends and colleagues who have supported IJIR and me over this time frame. They are too numerous to list. I can only offer my thanks for their assistance with timely reviews; submission of manuscripts and wonderful ideas. Acknowledgment is in order to our pharmaceutical patrons who supported the journal at this critical time. Accolades and kudos go to those who have contributed support and encouragement to IJIR's ‘beginning’.

My fear of the ‘end of the beginning’ is unfounded and represents an opportunity for transition into a period of growth. The excitement must now be redirected, augmented and perhaps even supplanted with strength, vision, wisdom and creativity as the journal celebrates its 20th birthday next year. IJIR continues to welcome high-level manuscripts from all disciplines of sexual medicine. The outstanding papers in this issue attest to the widespread appeal and acceptance of IJIR as a leader in the field. There is no doubt that the journal will remain a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge Nature Publishing Group (NPG) and my editor, Joyce-Rachel John. NPG sets a high bar that paves the way for continued excellence in publishing.

I have been very fortunate to have had a wonderful beginning as the IJIR Editor-in-Chief. I respectfully ask the sexual medicine community to continue its support, as the journal transitions from its liftoff or its new ‘beginning’. Doing so ensures equity, balance and continuity in this exciting field.