We conducted a systematic review to assess proportions of syphilis testing among men who have sex with men and barriers to testing. Of 848 studies found in the initial search, 24 were included in the final review. Testing was higher in hospital or clinic-based samples (50–87%) compared with venue/community-based and online samples (31–38%). We identified socioeconomic factors, healthcare interactions and community/interpersonal factors as barriers to testing. Improving routine utilisation of healthcare services is an especially important focal point in testing promotion.

During March 2016 to March 2017, a total of 935 individuals with HIV and hepatitis C co-infection initiated new highly curative hepatitis C treatment (direct-acting antiviral treatment), with 93% to 97% completing their prescribed treatment course. It is estimated that 41% of the total population with HIV and hepatitis C co-infection in Australia initiated hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral treatment during this time.

Hepatitis A is an important issue for HIV-positive patients. This study examined the effectiveness of Taiwan’s free single-dose vaccination policy (2016 to present) as a preventative measure. Our findings indicate that the vaccine response rate doubled after implementation of the free vaccination policy, and we therefore conclude that similar publicly funded national measures are worth considering in the future.

Research on how first intercourse was experienced is scarce, especially the literature examining its impact on sexual behaviour. The study aimed to determine personal differences depending on the reason for regretting first vaginal intercourse and its effects on young adults' sexual behaviour. Results underline the significance to choose the right time and partner for first vaginal intercourse, and the importance of including partner respect and avoiding external pressure as part of sexual education.

Intramuscular injection can cause severe pain, which reduces its acceptability and use, and may limit vaccination and antibiotic treatment options within sexual health clinics. We identify specific patient-level characteristics, which are associated with the severity and duration of intramuscular injection pain. Knowledge of these characteristics will help clinicians identify and counsel those at greatest risk of injection pain, and inform future interventions to reduce injection pain.

Choosing an appropriate contraceptive method is critical to both short- and long-term family planning and can help women continue their desired trajectory. Our qualitative data suggest that pre-existing beliefs and attitudes about contraceptive options, as well as early use experiences, serve as critical input within each woman’s own contraceptive risk–benefit calculus. Understanding specific beliefs and attitudes can optimise support of risk–benefit calculations that can inform contraceptive counselling and improve development of new sexual and reproductive health methods.

One of the possible negative consequences of sexting is the non-consensual sharing of received-intimate content. In this national study, we aimed to determine the characteristics and motives of youths who shared received-intimate images without consent. The perpetration of a non-consensual sharing was reported by 15% of our participants, mainly males. The main motivations were for fun, showing off and failure to realise what they were doing. Prevention and research should focus more on non-consensual sharing and abusive sexting.

The ability to assess one’s risk of HIV is essential to effective HIV prevention. It is not fully understood why some people underestimate their risk of HIV infection. This study reveals that psychological wellbeing and a strong sexual identity enable gay and bisexual men to appraise their risk of HIV more accurately and that HIV prevention efforts should focus on tackling poor psychological wellbeing and identity issues among those at risk of HIV.

Rimming, an oro-anal sexual practice, between female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients is rarely studied. We surveyed 45 FSWs in March 2018 at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and we found that rimming is not rare. Compared with receptive rimming, insertive rimming is more commonly practised among FSWs.

Access to pre-exposure prophylaxis with tenovofir disoproxil fumerate and emtricitabine for the prevention of the transmission of HIV infection is restricted for some patients in Australia based on impaired kidney function. Here, we report the case of a patient whose pre-exposure prophylaxis was stopped because of reduced kidney function who subsequently became infected with HIV. We discuss the clinical and regulatory issues arising from this case.

Outreach services offering STI testing on-site in brothels were found to be a useful strategy to facilitate access to testing for Asian female sex workers in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. These potentially vulnerable sex workers were less likely to visit sexual health clinics and were more likely to test positive for chlamydia and gonorrhoea than their non-culturally and linguistically diverse counterparts.