Problems with frequent sexual urges, sometimes called ‘sex addiction’, are thought to make responding to a real partner difficult. We assessed participants’ difficulties with sexual urges that felt out of control and pornography history. These couples in the laboratory then engaged in a genital stroking exercise while monitoring their physiology. Concerns about out-of-control sexual urges did not impair responsiveness with a partner. Viewing more pornography actually predicted more sexual responsiveness with a partner.

COVID-19 restrictions effect sexual behaviour. We analysed sexual behaviour survey data corresponding with lockdowns and reduced restriction periods in Victoria, Australia; finding that lockdowns were associated with more frequent physically distanced activities (e.g. virtual dates) and less restrictive periods with more frequent reports of casual sex partners and using dating apps to support face-to-face activities. The importance of intimate connections for wellbeing should be considered within public health measures toward reducing COVID-19 transmission.

Since pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV became available through the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2018, questions remain about how people use PrEP in the real world outside the clinical trial setting. This study found that people who stopped taking PrEP were more likely to attend general practices with fewer patients prescribed PrEP and live in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, both typically outside of inner city high-prevalence gay areas. GP education and health promotion could be increased in these areas.

Young people are encouraged to have chlamydia tests; however, few studies have looked at the characteristics of those who do or do not undergo testing. In a population of sexually active young Australian women, testing was most likely in those without a partner or who reported a history of chlamydia infection. Women engaging in heavy episodic drinking and/or recent cannabis use were also more likely to be tested. In contrast, testing was less likely in overweight/obese women in a stable relationship.

COVID-19 may have presented a unique ‘circuit breaker’ opportunity to reduce the incidence of gonorrhoea in the community. Our study shows that the reduced rates of detection of gonorrhoea has been sustained 18 months since COVID-19 restrictions commenced. As COVID-related restrictions ease in Australia while service disruptions related to COVID-19 remain, ongoing health promotion to engage high-risk populations to test and treat for sexually transmissible infections could lead to a sustained reduction in infections.