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Sexual Health

Sexual Health

Sexual Health publishes contributions on sexual health from the widest perspectives including HIV/AIDS, STIs, issues of sexuality, and reproductive health. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Jason Ong and Joseph Tucker

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Sexual Health is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 13 October 2025

SH25053Clinical characteristics of neurosyphilis in people with and without HIV infection: a stratified analysis by symptom status

Shi Zou 0000-0003-0681-5123, Jie Liu, Xi Liu, Zhengxi Song, Shihui Song, Miao Tan, Qianhui Chen, Qian Du, Mingqi Luo, Wei Guo and Ke Liang
 

Neurosyphilis (NS) is increasingly common, particularly among people living with HIV (PLWH), but diagnosis remains challenging due to diverse symptoms. We compared clinical features and outcomes between PLWH and HIV-negative patients. Visual impairment was more frequent in PLWH, while muscle weakness was more common in HIV-negative individuals. Cerebrospinal fluid protein levels were higher in asymptomatic PLWH. Despite similar treatment efficacy, distinct symptom patterns highlight the need for improved diagnostic approaches in NS, especially among PLWH.

SH25053 Abstract  | PDF (218 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 07 October 2025

SH25044Preferences on the uptake and completion of single- or three-dose regimen of benzathine penicillin G injection for the treatment of late syphilis: a discrete-choice experiment

Nang Nge Nge Phoo 0000-0002-1527-574X, Richard Norman, Daniel Vujcich, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Laurens Manning, Rochelle Tobin, Thel Hla 0000-0002-5233-4438 and Jonine Jancey 0000-0002-7894-2896
 

Syphilis cases are increasing in Australia, particularly among men who have sex with men, but adherence to the current multi-dose treatment is often low. This study found that most men who have sex with men preferred a single high-dose benzathine benzylpenicillin G injection over the standard three-dose regimen. These findings support the development of a simpler, one-dose treatment, which could improve adherence and help control the spread of syphilis more effectively.

SH25044 Abstract  |  SH25044 Full Text  | SH25044PDF (665 KB)  | SH25044Supplementary Material (389 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 October 2025

SH25077Genitourinary syndrome of menopause in Chinese-speaking sex workers attending an urban Australian sexual health clinic: a quality improvement project

Ying Zhi Zhou, Arthur Wong 0000-0003-4043-1895, Maggie Ma, Luming Xu, Xiaoxin Shi 0009-0006-8181-8411 and Rosalind Foster
 

Menopausal symptoms can be especially challenging for women working in physically demanding jobs, such as sex work. This study found that Chinese-speaking sex workers in Sydney experience menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness. Addressing these concerns with culturally sensitive healthcare could improve their quality of life and access to the support they need, highlighting the importance of tailored healthcare services for commercial sex workers.

SH25077 Abstract  |  SH25077 Full Text  | SH25077PDF (243 KB)

Published online 06 October 2025

SH25100Acceptability of intrauterine device insertion without sedation for young nulliparous people: a mixed-methods study

Sarah M. Wright 0000-0003-2079-9131, Prudence Kidman, Clare Boerma and Jessica R. Botfield 0000-0001-6157-9739
 

Although nulliparous young people in our study found the intrauterine device (IUD) insertion very painful, they reported the procedure as acceptable. Higher acceptability was associated with reports of sufficient pain relief, that the insertion went as expected, and that the benefits of the IUD outweighed the discomfort.

SH25100 Abstract  |  SH25100 Full Text  | SH25100PDF (224 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 September 2025

SH25055An outbreak-driven emergency department screening program for syphilis in North Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

Leah Moncrieff 0009-0006-7671-6808, Luke Lawton, Leanne Hall, Katie Edmondson, Arun Menon and Clare Heal
 

The syphilis outbreak in regional Australia disproportionately impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, highlighting a critical need for effective screening solutions. An opt-out syphilis screening program was developed in a regional emergency department and identified a 0.68% prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 15–40 years. The findings from this audit suggest valuable improvements for the program and offer a model for hospitals in similar outbreak regions.

SH25055 Abstract  |  SH25055 Full Text  | SH25055PDF (393 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 September 2025

SH25063Exploring user preferences for PrEP service delivery models in Japan: a discrete choice experiment among men who have sex with men

Chunyan Li 0000-0001-9388-1799, Kailu Wang, Junko Tanuma, Akira Shibanuma, Stuart Gilmour, Curtis Chan 0000-0002-9581-1011, Nittaya Phanuphak 0000-0002-0036-3165, Warittha Tieosapjaroen 0000-0001-9712-9262, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Lei Zhang 0000-0003-2343-084X and Benjamin R. Bavinton 0000-0001-5834-8278
 

The high cost of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the limited number of providers present challenges for expanding PrEP access in Japan. This study explored PrEP use behaviors and preferences among adult MSM in Japan using an online cross-sectional survey that used a discrete choice experiment to assess people’s preferences by asking them to choose between different service options. Results indicated strong sensitivity to financial costs and side effects, with participants preferring less intrusive delivery methods (such as injections or implants) and community-led services.

This article belongs to the collection:  Awareness, Preferences, and Use of PrEP in Asia Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women: Findings from the PrEP APPEAL Study.

SH25063 Abstract  |  SH25063 Full Text  | SH25063PDF (350 KB)  | SH25063Supplementary Material (232 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 September 2025

SH25121Epidemiology of notified chlamydia infections, Queensland, 2000–2019

Troy A. Laidlow 0000-0003-3360-9309, Kathleen Lynch 0000-0001-8335-8259, Satyamurthy Anuradha 0000-0002-1006-7191, Craig Thompson, Davoud Pourmarzi, Jane Hocking 0000-0001-9329-8501 and Stephen B. Lambert 0000-0002-2709-193X
 

Understanding chlamydia trends is essential to improve control in the highest-risk age groups. Our analysis reveals a notable increase in infections among those aged 20–24 years in Queensland between 2000 and 2019, contrasting with a decline among those aged 15–19 years since 2010. These findings emphasise the need for ongoing research to understand these trends and guide strategies for combating chlamydia in young populations.

SH25121 Abstract  |  SH25121 Full Text  | SH25121PDF (2.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 September 2025

SH25076A scoping review of parent-based barriers to parent–child communication about sexuality

Neelam Punjani 0000-0001-9615-0430, Shannon D. Scott 0000-0002-2251-3742, Amber Hussain, Tammy Lu, Farah Bandali, Sheila McDonald, Lisa Allen Scott, Sonia Sultan and Megan Kennedy
 

Open and supportive communication between parents and children about sexuality is vital for children’s well-being, yet many families struggle to have these important conversations. In our review of 59 studies, we found that parents face major barriers, such as discomfort, lack of knowledge, cultural norms and fear of judgment, that limit effective sexuality education at home. Tackling these barriers through culturally sensitive support and inclusive resources is essential for improving sexual health outcomes for all children and youth, especially those from marginalized communities.

SH25076 Abstract  |  SH25076 Full Text  | SH25076PDF (516 KB)  | SH25076Supplementary Material (846 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 September 2025

SH25025Shifting power dynamics in global health through youth engagement: a participatory mini-designathon

P. K. Chima 0000-0002-0271-5160, Y. Babatunde 0000-0002-9183-8233, S. Vorkoper, J. Durham, A. Goi, J. Iwelunmor and J. D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181
 

This study introduces a mini-designathon – a brief participatory activity that fosters equitable collaboration between youth and researchers. Piloted in Kenya, it used creative expression (e.g. poetry, dance) to shift power dynamics between researchers, policymakers and youth. Unlike traditional community engagement approaches, the mini-designathon format encourages shared decision making and flattens hierarchies. Mini-designathons offer a practical, low-resource model for meaningful youth engagement, particularly in low- and middle-income settings.

SH25025 Abstract  |  SH25025 Full Text  | SH25025PDF (382 KB)  | SH25025Supplementary Material (223 KB)

Published online 04 September 2025

SH24238Access to gender-affirming hormone therapy is positively associated with uptake of STI testing

Ruby Lucas 0009-0004-9972-4312, Emerson Dusic, Jessie M. Garcia Gutiérrez, Audren J. K. Bambilla, Daphne Suen, Nathaniel M. Widmann, Aleks Martin, Alic Shook, Baer Karrington, Deborah Schwarz, Genya Shimkin, Vanessa Grandberry, Xero Xanadu, Marta G. Wilson-Barthes, Timothy Souza, Stephaun Wallace, Renee Heffron, Omar Galarraga, Don Operario, Kristi E. Gamarel and Arjee Restar
 

Access to gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy, may increase STI testing for transgender individuals due to removal of barriers, such as insurance or discrimination. Our study explores whether there is a relationship between receiving types of gender-affirming care and STI testing. Our findings support building inclusive clinics to improve the use of preventative sexual health services for trans communities.

SH24238 Abstract  | PDF (314 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 19 August 2025

SH25021Barriers and facilitators to engagement with the PrEP care continuum among sexual minority men in China: a systematic review

Chenglin Hong 0000-0002-9652-388X, Liying Wang, Yilin Wang, Yuqing Wang, Lingxiao Chen, Frank Y. Wong, Jane M. Simoni, Ian W. Holloway and Steven A. John 0000-0002-1316-3920
 

This systematic review synthesized evidence from 50 studies, identifying five key barriers and facilitators to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement among Chinese sexual minority men: (1) sexual behaviors and perceived HIV risk; (2) PrEP-related stigma and homophobia; (3) history of HIV/STI care engagement; (4) perceptions of PrEP efficacy, side-effects and adherence; and (5) structural barriers, such as cost, insurance and residency status. Cross-agency collaboration is crucial to develop and implement effective strategies to improve PrEP uptake in this population.

SH25021 Abstract  | PDF (373 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 11 August 2025

SH24224Associations between extreme weather events and HIV vulnerabilities among refugee youth in a Ugandan refugee settlement: cross-sectional survey findings

Carmen H. Logie 0000-0002-8035-433X, Miranda G. Loutet, Moses Okumu, Simon Odong Lukone, Nelson Kisubi, Peter Kyambadde, Lawrence Mbuagbaw, Frannie MacKenzie and Zerihun Admassu
 

Extreme weather events (e.g. drought, flooding) are linked with HIV acquisition risks, yet limited studies have assessed these associations with refugee adolescents and youth in humanitarian contexts. Among refugee youth in a Ugandan refugee settlement, we found extreme weather event exposure was associated with multiple HIV vulnerabilities, including reduced sexual relationship power, reproductive autonomy and condom use self-efficacy, and increased transactional sex and intimate partner violence. Current findings support the need for climate-informed, youth-tailored HIV prevention strategies with refugee youth.

SH24224 Abstract  | PDF (336 KB) - $35.00   | SH24224Supplementary Material (220 KB)
Published online 11 August 2025

SH25113Metabolic safety of gender-affirming hormonal treatment in transgender females

Charalampos Milionis 0000-0003-2442-3772, Konstantina Barouti, Vassiliki Papadopoulou, Foteini Pouliasi, Efthymia Karlafti, Sofia Makrydima, Stavroula Karampa, Evaggelia Venaki and Eftychia Koukkou
 

As more transgender women pursue hormonal therapy to align their bodies with their gender identity, questions remain about the potential long-term health impact of this treatment. This study monitored changes in body weight and key metabolic markers over the first 18 months of therapy and found it to be generally safe, with only mild shifts and no serious adverse outcomes. These findings help strengthen confidence in hormonal treatment and support more informed, inclusive health care for transgender females.

SH25113 Abstract  | PDF (281 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 11 August 2025

SH25022Co-creating inclusive sexual health services for middle-aged and older adults, including disabled people, in England: an innovative participatory approach within the field of sexual health

Hayley Conyers 0000-0002-2059-0402, Yoshiko Sakuma 0009-0004-3751-0837, Tracey Jannaway, Alex Cowan, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181, Eneyi E. Kpokiri 0000-0003-1180-1439 and Dan Wu 0000-0003-0415-5467
 

This methodology piece used co-creation methods to engage middle-aged and older adults, including disabled individuals, in shaping inclusive sexual health services in England. Working alongside community leaders, the team co-designed workshops and interviews. Reflections highlighted key strengths – shared decision-making, co-leadership and co-facilitation – as well as challenges, such as accessibility, recruitment and time constraints. The findings demonstrate the value of co-creation in sexual health research, and call for further work across diverse populations to support inclusive service development.

This article belongs to the collection: Sexual health among older adults: A multi-disciplinary collection.

SH25022 Abstract  |  SH25022 Full Text  | SH25022PDF (227 KB)  | SH25022Supplementary Material (790 KB)   Open Access Article

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  13. Awareness and willingness toward doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis use for bacterial sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men

    Sexual Health 22 (3)
    Yi-Ting Chen 0009-0001-6734-1593, Kuan-Yin Lin, Hsin-Yun Sun, Yu-Shan Huang, Wang-Da Liu, Yu-Chung Chuang, Po-Hsien Kuo, Sung-Hsi Huang, Kai-Hsiang Chen, Aristine Cheng, Wang-Huei Sheng, Szu-Min Hsieh, Sung-Ching Pan, Un-In Wu, Szu-Ting Huang, Tzong-Yow Wu, Wen-Chun Liu, Pei-Ying Wu, Yu-Zhen Luo, Hsi-Yen Chang, Ling-Ya Chen 0000-0001-8271-6595, An-Ting Peng, Pei-Yu Wang, Guei-Chi Li, Chien-Ching Hung 0000-0001-7345-0836

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Sexual health among older adults: A multi-disciplinary collection

Older adults (people 60 years and older) are often neglected in sexual health research, programs, and services. This special collection addresses this gap in the literature, drawing on a wide range of perspectives.

Collection Editors
Lianne Gonsalves (World Health Organization)
Dan Wu (Nanjing Medical University)
Eneyi Kpokiri (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
Titilola Gbaja-Biamila (Washington University in St Louis)
Huachun Zou (Fudan University)
Reena Rajasuriar (University Malaya Medical Centre)
Maggie L. Syme (Mass General Brigham)

Last Updated: 11 Aug 2025

Awareness, Preferences, and Use of PrEP in Asia Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women: Findings from the PrEP APPEAL Study

This collection of articles utilises data from the PrEP APPEAL Study, a cross-sectional survey of men who have sex with men and transgender women across 15 countries and territories throughout Asia. These include articles that demonstrate local needs for PrEP service delivery for specific countries and contemporary issues that transcend borders throughout Asia.

Collection Editors
Benjamin Bavinton (Kirby Institute)
Curtis Chan (Kirby Institute)
Heather-Marie Schmidt (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS ((UNAIDS)
Nittaya Phanuphak (Institute of HIV Research and Innovation)
Kim Green (PATH)

Last Updated: 07 Aug 2025

Hidden gems in Sexual Health: the use of technology to improve the control of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

This Collection highlights some recent publications in Sexual Health on using technology to optimise sexual health. By leveraging innovations such as rapid diagnostic tools, mobile health (mHealth), self-testing and artificial-intelligence-powered tools, we can empower individuals to take control of their sexual health, reducing risks and enhancing accessibility.

All papers in this collection are free to read for three months, from 13 September 2024.

Collection Editors
Jason Ong and Joseph Tucker

Last Updated: 13 Sep 2024

Emerging Sexual and Reproductive Health in Australia and New Zealand: Gaps, Challenges and Solutions

We are pleased to present this Collection on emerging topics in sexual and reproductive health in Australia and New Zealand. This collection of research articles underscores the pressing significance of addressing sexual and reproductive health matters, inviting an in-depth examination of challenges, solutions, and innovative approaches.

Collection Editors
Tiffany Phillips, Eric Chow and Jacqueline Coombe

Last Updated: 14 Sep 2023

STIs in MSM - long and the short of it

This Collection includes papers on rising rates of specific STIs in MSM, possible explanations for the rises, ways to improve surveillance and ways to prevent STIs. It also highlights a number of key papers relating to HPV-associated malignancies and potential approaches to reducing these. Fortunately for young MSM, at least Australia’s national childhood HPV vaccination program will prevent virtually all HPV-related malignancies.

Last Updated: 14 Jun 2017

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