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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 30 January 2025

SH24053Chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and positivity within an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service 2016–2021

Condy Canuto 0000-0001-8460-9646, Jon Willis, Joseph Debattista, Judith A. Dean 0000-0002-2513-2013 and James Ward
 

A recent study examined the trends in testing, positivity, and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among individuals aged ≥15 years at an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service from 2016 to 2021. The findings revealed variation in testing rates, with higher rates among young adults and females, and highlighted sex disparities in treatment and follow-up care. The research underscores the importance of targeted public health strategies to improve sexual health outcomes in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

SH24053 Abstract  |  SH24053 Full Text  | SH24053PDF (539 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24075Cascade of testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea inclusive of an annual health check in an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service

Condy Canuto 0000-0001-8460-9646, Judith A. Dean 0000-0002-2513-2013, Joseph Debattista, Jon Willis, Federica Barzi, Jonathan Leitch and James Ward
 

A recent study examined the trends in testing, positivity, and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among individuals aged ≥15 years at an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service from 2016 to 2021. The findings revealed variation in testing rates, with higher rates among young adults and females, and highlighted sex disparities in treatment and follow-up care. The research underscores the importance of targeted public health strategies to improve sexual health outcomes in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples populations.

SH24075 Abstract  |  SH24075 Full Text  | SH24075PDF (255 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24070Using a novel and validated survey tool to analyze sexual functioning following vaginoplasty in transgender individuals

Alyxandra Ramsay 0009-0001-7889-0416, Jo Blankson, Lara Finnerty-Haggerty, Jiaxin Wu, Joshua D. Safer and John Henry Pang
 

Previous research on gender-affirming surgery outcomes has suffered from inadequate sampling and a lack of emphasis on the self-reported experience of transgender patients. Using a novel validated survey tool (the Affirming Surgery Form and Function Individual Reporting Measure), this study demonstrated a significant improvement in pleasurable sensation and genital functioning over 12 months following vaginoplasty. Our findings support existing literature on the success of vaginoplasty, and call for additional investigations of gender-affirming surgery using tools validated for the transgender population.

SH24070 Abstract  | PDF (261 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 30 January 2025

SH24140The gonorrhoea care cascade in general practice: a descriptive study to explore gonorrhoea management utilising electronic medical records

J. Jung 0000-0003-1041-9588, J. L. Goller 0000-0001-5580-360X, P. Chondros, J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, R. Biezen, D. Pires, D. Capurro, N. Faux and J. A. Manski-Nankervis
 

Gonorrhoea is the second most common notified sexually transmissible infection in Australia with increased concern of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance strains. Our study found that approximately half of gonorrhoea cases did not have guideline-recommended dual antibiotic prescriptions recorded, and two-thirds of gonorrhoea cases were not retested within the recommended retesting timeframe. Further work in integrating Australian STI guidelines into primary routine care and understanding care pathways for people with gonorrhoea infection is urgently needed.

SH24140 Abstract  |  SH24140 Full Text  | SH24140PDF (891 KB)  | SH24140Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24170Characteristics and determinants of quality non-directive pregnancy options counselling: a scoping review

Kari Dee Vallury 0000-0003-0243-7663, Amanda Asher, Olivia Sarri and Nicola Sheeran
 

This review synthesises global evidence regarding determinants of access to and characteristics of quality non-directive pregnancy options counselling (POC), a crucial component of reproductive health care that supports informed decision making. It finds anti-abortion policies and professionals’ abortion-related attitudes are primary determinants of access and quality. Upskilling health professionals to deliver non-directive POC and embedding referral pathways to non-directive POC throughout the health system will support Australia is to achieve its commitments to universal access to reproductive health care by 2030.

SH24170 Abstract  |  SH24170 Full Text  | SH24170PDF (289 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

SH24250‘Does human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cancer?’ – A cross-sectional study of HPV awareness among sexual minority men in Nigeria

Connor R. Volpi 0000-0002-6292-6306, John Chama, Natalia Blanco, Ruxton Adebiyi, Kareshma Mohanty, Ayuba Doroh, Jumoke A. Aigoro, Christiana Katu, Uche Ononaku, John Maigida, Abayomi Aka, Ashley Shutt, Patrick Dakum, Man Charurat, Sylvia Adebajo and Rebecca G. Nowak 0000-0001-8404-4569
 

HPV-associated cancers are likely to rise as survival with HIV increases. Knowing the community levels of understanding of personal risk would help tailor educational strategies to promote prevention-seeking behavior. Our study suggests a low understanding of HPV’s carcinogenicity, but those aware of its carcinogenicity are more likely to identify male-associated cancers, suggesting that HIV care centers have an opportunity to expand education on cancer risk among their aging population.

SH24250 Abstract  |  SH24250 Full Text  | SH24250PDF (222 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 January 2025

SH24165Factors influencing experiences of non-consensual sex: results from a mixed data cross-sectional online survey of Australian university students

Kathryn Wenham 0000-0003-0585-7866, Jo Durham, Amy B. Mullens 0000-0002-0939-9842, Annette Brömdal 0000-0002-1307-1794, Joseph Debattista, Gianna Parma, Zhihong Gu, Armin Ariana, Charles F. Gilks, Sara F. E. Bell and Judith A. Dean 0000-0002-2513-2013
 

Recent studies demonstrate the concerning extent of sexual violence experienced by Australian university students and the resulting psychological, emotional, and physical harms. This study aims to understand experiences and contributing factors of non-consensual sex among university students in south-east Queensland, Australia. Findings demonstrate that interventions to reduce non-consensual sex and promote healthy sexual experiences need to reflect the complex, relational, and highly contextual nature of affirmative consent influenced by perceived behavioural control and subjective norms.

SH24165 Abstract  |  SH24165 Full Text  | SH24165PDF (311 KB)  | SH24165Supplementary Material (367 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 January 2025

SH24142Health provider perspectives on establishing service linkages for treatment and follow-up from an Australian, web-based STI testing service: a qualitative study

Teralynn Ludwick 0000-0003-4160-7354, Olivia Walsh 0009-0005-9339-7485, Ethan T. Cardwell, Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, Jane Tomnay, Jane S. Hocking 0000-0001-9329-8501 and Fabian Y. S. Kong 0000-0002-9349-3080
 

For individuals who test positive using web-based, sexually transmitted infection testing services, getting treatment can be challenging. Our study found that primary care providers in outer metro and regional Victoria were willing to treat individuals who used web-based services, but raised concerns about administering online prescriptions and lack of injectable antibiotics available on-site at clinics for free, same-day treatment. Capacity-building and additional resourcing of local, partner clinics may be needed to enable effective, client-centered referrals from online to in-person sexual health services.

SH24142 Abstract  |  SH24142 Full Text  | SH24142PDF (261 KB)  | SH24142Supplementary Material (286 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 January 2025

SH24199Higher female partner age and longer duration of marriage: key factors for less frequent sexual intercourse in infertile couples

Mohadese Dashtkoohi 0000-0003-3579-4181, Mostafa Saeedinia, Mohammad Dashtkoohi, Mohammad Haddadi, Masoumeh Masoumi and Zohreh Heidary
 

Understanding the factors influencing sexual frequency among infertile couples is essential for supporting their journey towards parenthood. This study examined the sexual behavior of couples undergoing fertility treatment. Our results indicate that younger women and couples with shorter durations of marriage tend to engage in sexual intercourse more frequently. These findings underscore the importance of providing targeted support programs to this demographic, aiming to optimize their chances of conception and promote their overall well-being.

SH24199 Abstract  | PDF (185 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 09 January 2025

SH24184Young people’s preferences and motivations for STI partner notification: observational findings from the 2024 Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll survey

Stephanie C. Munari 0000-0002-2296-7787, Jane L. Goller 0000-0001-5580-360X, Jacqueline Coombe 0000-0002-9520-5724, Ana Orozco 0009-0002-6325-713X, Sarah Eddy 0000-0001-6690-1918, Jane Hocking 0000-0001-9329-8501, Margaret Hellard and Megan S. C. Lim 0000-0003-3136-6761
 

Understanding young people’s preferences and motivations for partner notification can help to reduce the risks of STIs. Our survey of young people aged 15–29 years in Victoria, Australia, found that most want to notify and be notified by partners, regardless of age, gender or sexual identity, and prefer to notify regular partners face-to-face and casual partners via text message. Tailoring resources by communication method and partner type can support young people in undertaking this important step in STI control.

SH24184 Abstract  |  SH24184 Full Text  | SH24184PDF (303 KB)  | SH24184Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 December 2024

SH23085High interest for long-acting injectable PrEP among men who have sex with men at most risk for HIV in San Francisco, 2021

Christopher J. Hernandez 0000-0002-6478-7856, Caitlin M. Turner, Dillon Trujillo, Moranda Tate, Jerry Quintana, Glenda Baguso, Katherine C. McNaughton, Sean Arayasirikul, Willi McFarland and Erin C. Wilson
 

Men who have sex with men bear the bulk of new HIV infections in the United States. Interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that prevents HIV when taken as directed, have reduced HIV infections greatly; however, there are gaps in protection. New tools such as a long-acting injectable form of PrEP can promote further drops in HIV incidence. In this study, we investigate who might be interested in transitioning to this new modality.

SH23085 Abstract  | PDF (267 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 December 2024

SH24103Sexual satisfaction among people living with HIV in the era of biomedical prevention: enduring impacts of HIV-related stigma?

Thomas Norman 0000-0002-4773-4285, Adam Bourne, Jack Thepsourinthone, Dean Murphy, John Rule, G. J. Melendez-Torres and Jennifer Power 0000-0002-6566-3214
 

For people living with HIV (PLHIV), sexual satisfaction can be challenging because of stigma, discrimination, or fears surrounding onward transmission. This article investigates sexual satisfaction among PLHIV, demonstrating high levels of sexual dissatisfaction associated with avoiding sex due to HIV status, concerns about drug use, older age, and poor self-reported health. These findings highlight that supporting PLHIV extends beyond biomedical considerations (e.g. HIV treatment), demanding a holistic approach that tackles stigma and other health concerns.

SH24103 Abstract  |  SH24103 Full Text  | SH24103PDF (398 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 December 2024

SH24211Higher identity resilience – self-efficacy is associated with sexual risk behaviours in gay men

Rusi Jaspal 0000-0002-8463-9519 and Asrin Yenihayat
 

Understanding the relationship between psychological constructs, such as self-efficacy, and sexual risk-taking behaviours is key. This study examines associations between identity resilience – self-efficacy and frequency of both condomless sexual encounters and drug use in sexualised settings in a sample of heterosexual and gay men. Higher identity resilience – self-efficacy was found to be associated with greater sexual risk-taking behaviours in gay men only.

SH24211 Abstract  | PDF (169 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 16 December 2024

SH24016Sexual dissatisfaction and its association with health status among older adults in China: a nationwide study

Yiwen Diao 0009-0009-5211-2382, Yan Sun, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181 and Fan Yang
 

More than one in five Chinese adults aged 50 years or older might face sexual dissatisfaction, and compared with men, women are more likely to experience sexual dissatisfaction. Sexual dissatisfaction was linked to poor health status, such as depressive symptoms and comorbidities of common chronic diseases. Sexual satisfaction, a corner stone of sexual health, warrants scholarly and medical attention, especially for older adults and women, to ensure health longevity.

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

SH24016 Abstract  |  SH24016 Full Text  | SH24016PDF (427 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 December 2024

SH24173Comparing the impact of sexualised drug use with and without chemsex on sexual behaviours among men who have sex with men in China: a national multi-site cross-sectional study

Jiajun Sun 0000-0001-5529-6660, Bingyang She, Phyu M. Latt, Jason J. Ong 0000-0001-5784-7403, Xianglong Xu, Yining Bao, Christopher K. Fairley 0000-0001-9081-1664, Lin Zhang, Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X and Lei Zhang 0000-0003-2343-084X
 

This study examined how drug use during sex affects sexual behaviours among men who have sex with men in China. Through a nationwide survey of 796 participants, we found that men who used specific psychoactive drugs during sex (chemsex) showed different patterns compared to other groups. They reported more sexual partners, engaged in a wider variety of sexual activities, and showed distinct patterns of sequential sexual behaviours. These findings help identify risks and inform targeted health interventions.

SH24173 Abstract  |  SH24173 Full Text  | SH24173PDF (684 KB)  | SH24173Supplementary Material (2.5 MB)   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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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: 21 Nov 2024

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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