Register      Login
Sexual Health Sexual Health Society
Publishing on sexual health from the widest perspective
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > Sexual Health

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.

Are you eligible for APC-free Open Access?

Download our Journal Metrics (PDF, 586KB)

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 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  | PDF (634 KB) - $35.00   | 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

Published online 22 July 2025

SH24213The use of saliva as a lubricant in relation to sexual behavioural patterns in men who have sex with men: an exploratory cross-sectional study

Gaixia Li, Yi Liu, Yawu Hu 0009-0005-8066-1814, Fang Lu, Bingyang She, Rui Zhao 0000-0002-1257-9617, Eric P. F. Chow 0000-0003-1766-0657 and Lei Zhang 0000-0003-2343-084X
 

The use of saliva as a lubricant during sexual activities among men who have sex with men (MSM) is understudied. We found that MSM who use saliva are more likely to engage in solo masturbation and kissing, and when using saliva as a lubricant, they first apply their saliva via their hands. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge on saliva use during sexual episodes, aiding the development and promotion of safe sexual practices among MSM.

SH24213 Abstract  |  SH24213 Full Text  | SH24213PDF (1.1 MB)  | SH24213Supplementary Material (833 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 July 2025

SH24013A public health ethics analysis of Doxy-PEP: arguments for and against – the ‘yes’ case

Sam Templeman and Bridget Haire 0000-0002-0657-9610
 

Using antibiotics preventatively could significantly reduce STIs 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 health both in the immediate future and to future generations? Two authors tackle this issue, presenting arguments for and against doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, using an influential public health ethics framework.

SH24013 Abstract  |  SH24013 Full Text  | SH24013PDF (166 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 June 2025

SH24126Engage and adapt: peer-led implementation of HIV navigation in Australia

Timothy Krulic 0000-0002-5174-1920, Graham Brown, Sara Graham and Adam Bourne
 

Alongside partnership, adaptation is one of the enduring themes of the Australian response to HIV. This article presents a case study to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of peer navigation programs for people living with HIV run by community organisations in partnership with providers of clinical care. Its findings guide the improvement of service and policy systems and similar programs aimed at empowering better treatment outcomes and quality of life for people living with HIV.

SH24126 Abstract  |  SH24126 Full Text  | SH24126PDF (244 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 June 2025

SH25001The relative importance of socio-ecological factors in regard to psychosexual health among adolescent students: based on dominance analysis

Xiuqing Fang 0009-0002-9453-6393, Mengfan Zhang, Mengjie Yang, Wenjing Liu, Linpei Dong, Yawen Ren, Wenguang Wang, Ting Liu and Li Yang
 

Adolescent psychosexual health is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of youth development, shaping lifelong well-being and behavior. This study explores the key factors influencing psychosexual health among Chinese vocational students, revealing that peer relationships and parent–adolescent communication play the most significant roles. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that strengthen peer and family dynamics, offering a roadmap for educators and policymakers to support healthy sexual development in vocational education settings.

SH25001 Abstract  | PDF (298 KB) - $35.00 

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.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

  4. 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

  19. Strategies to sustain HIV prevention interventions among adolescents and young adults: analysis of data from a crowdsourcing open call in Nigeria

    Sexual Health 22 (3)
    Ujunwa Onyeama 0000-0002-0455-7100, Lauren Fidelak, Weiming Tang 0000-0002-9026-707X, Susan Nkengasong, Titilola Gbaja-Biamila, Lateef Akeem, Adesola Zaidat Musa, Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu, Tomilola Musari-Martins 0000-0001-9961-1300, Jane Okwuzu, Aishat Adedoyin Koledowo, Suzanne Day, Temitope Ojo, Olufunto A. Olusanya, Kadija M. Tahlil, Donaldson F. Conserve, Oluwaseun Adebayo Bamodu, Nora E. Rosenberg, Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Chisom Obiezu-Umeh, Collins Airhihenbuwa, Oliver Ezechi, Juliet Iwelunmor, Joseph D. Tucker 0000-0003-2804-1181

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

Committee on Publication Ethics

Submit Article

Visit the journal’s submission site

Sexual Health Submissions

Submit in the format of your choice with Format-Free Submission.

Collections

Explore more information on upcoming Collections and calls for papers.

Advertisement