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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 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  | PDF (382 KB) - $35.00   | 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

Published online 07 August 2025

SH24172Towards zero discrimination: a survey on HIV-related stigma and discrimination among healthcare providers in a medical center in Southern Taiwan

Han Siong Toh 0000-0001-6645-1857, Hui-Chun Ku, Wang-Ping Chen, Hui-Chuan Wang, Hung-Jen Tang and Chia-Te Liao 0000-0003-2550-9607
 

Stigma and discrimination in health care can hinder people living with HIV from getting medical care. Our study in a Taiwanese medical center found that most healthcare workers took unnecessary precautions and held negative attitudes toward PLHIV, and over one-third were unwilling to care for groups at high risk of HIV infection. These findings highlight the urgent need for education and surveillance programs to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare facilities.

SH24172 Abstract  | PDF (375 KB) - $35.00   | SH24172Supplementary Material (252 KB)
Published online 07 August 2025

SH25070The awareness and preferences in PrEP access, type of service delivery, and willingness to pay among men who have sex with men in the Philippines: a discrete choice experiment

Rodenie Arnaiz Olete 0000-0003-0249-8706, Patrick Eustaquio 0000-0002-8522-1122, Warittha Tieosapjaroen 0000-0001-9712-9262, Kate Leyritana, Michael Cassell, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Heather-Marie A. Schmidt 0000-0002-2629-6407, Nittaya Phanuphak 0000-0002-0036-3165, Curtis Chan 0000-0002-9581-1011 and Benjamin R. Bavinton 0000-0001-5834-8278
 

With HIV cases rapidly increasing in the Philippines, particularly among MSM, understanding how to improve access to prevention is more urgent than ever. This study reveals which features of HIV prevention services (such as cost, convenience, type of medication and delivery location) matter most to Filipino MSM. The findings highlight diverse preferences across different subgroups, offering critical insights to guide person-centered, community-based programs that make HIV prevention more accessible, acceptable and effective across the country.

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

SH25070 Abstract  | PDF (595 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 04 August 2025

SH25056What information women want about intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants and where they want to receive this information: findings from an Australian online survey

Jacqueline Coombe 0000-0002-9520-5724, Ximena Camacho, Digsu N. Koye and Cassandra Caddy
 

Information about contraceptive options is important for informed decision making. We conducted an online survey with 1745 Australian women aged 18–45 years to understand their information needs about contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices. We found women considering using these contraceptive methods have clear information needs, that may not be met by traditional information sources.

SH25056 Abstract  |  SH25056 Full Text  | SH25056PDF (464 KB)  | SH25056Supplementary Material (236 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 August 2025

SH25054Prevalence of problematic pornography use: a meta-analysis

Peter K. H. Chew 0000-0002-5243-1481, Yong Jie Yow and Charlize S. Y. Tan
 

To date, there has not been a study that statistically summarised the prevalence rates of problematic pornography use (PPU) across different studies. This meta-analysis found an overall PPU prevalence rate of 13.00% across 22 studies. This prevalence rate was higher than other forms of behavioural additions (e.g. gambling disorder), suggesting that PPU is an important public health issue that warrants greater clinical and research attention.

SH25054 Abstract  |  SH25054 Full Text  | SH25054PDF (426 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 August 2025

SH25031Exploring perceived and enacted stigma with related factors among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Nepal

Md. Safaet Hossain Sujan 0000-0003-0313-2423, Antoine Khati, Kiran Paudel, Kamal Gautam, Anjila Pandey, Sanjay Sharma, Manisha Dhakal, Jeffrey Wickersham and Roman Shrestha
 

The present study examined perceived and enacted stigma among 842 gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Nepal through an online survey. Nearly half experienced enacted stigma and over half reported perceived stigma. Older age, HIV testing, anal sex engagement, and depressive symptoms were linked to higher perceived stigma. Enacted stigma was associated with depressive symptoms, chemsex or transactional sex and concealing one’s sexual orientation while sufficient sleep reduced it. The results highlight the necessity of stigma-reduction initiatives and supportive treatments, especially for GBMSM populations.

SH25031 Abstract  |  SH25031 Full Text  | SH25031PDF (634 KB)  | SH25031Supplementary Material (226 KB)

Published online 28 July 2025

SH24241Association between uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and infertility risk: evidence from a cross-sectional study

Huijuan Ni and Cuiping Cao 0009-0005-6357-9050
 

Infertility is a major reproductive health concern affecting millions of women worldwide. Our study reveals a significant association between uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) and female infertility risk, based on data from a large cross-sectional study. These findings suggest that UHR could serve as a potential biomarker for infertility risk assessment, providing new insights for early detection and intervention strategies.

SH24241 Abstract  |  SH24241 Full Text  | SH24241PDF (378 KB)

Published online 22 July 2025

SH24008A public health ethics analysis of Doxy-PEP: arguments for and against – the ‘no’ case

Shreyas Iyer and Bridget Haire 0000-0002-0657-9610
 

Using antibiotics preventatively could significantly reduce sexually transmissible infections in gay and bisexual men, but it may also contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. This presents a public health ethics dilemma: how should we weigh the benefits of STI control against risks to the health of future generations? Two authors tackle this issue, presenting arguments for and against doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, using an influential public health ethics framework.

SH24008 Abstract  |  SH24008 Full Text  | SH24008PDF (154 KB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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  7. 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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