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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 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 
Published online 23 June 2025

SH25004Extending the use period of hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive devices in Australia: exploring patterns of use in a cohort of users before and after COVID-19 guidance

Tahlee B. Stevenson 0000-0002-6513-4005, Alice R. Rumbold, Kelly Hall, Jenni Ilomaki, Deborah Bateson 0000-0003-1035-7110, Danielle Mazza and Luke E. Grzeskowiak
 

As the COVID-19 pandemic placed pressure on health services and limited accessibility, ‘off-label’ recommendations suggesting extended use periods for long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) devices emerged internationally. Despite these recommendations, typical usage patterns were maintained in Australia, with extended use periods observed in less than 10% of LARC users. As these extended use periods have since been made permanent in regulatory documents and clinical guidelines, targeted education for providers and consumers will be required to support uptake and consistent implementation.

SH25004 Abstract  |  SH25004 Full Text  | SH25004PDF (379 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 June 2025

SH25047Exploring syphilis activity for personalized treatment strategies in latent syphilis: a 2-year cohort study

Jia-Wen Xie, Ya-Wen Zheng, Shu-Hao Fan, Yin-Feng Guo, Ying Zheng, Yu Lin, Man-Li Tong and Li-Rong Lin 0000-0003-4503-9382
 

Latent syphilis, a hidden infection with no symptoms, has surged globally, yet current treatments often rely on uncertain disease staging. This study reveals that a simple antibody test (nontreponemal immunoglobulin M) can identify active infections, showing patients with positive immunoglobulin M take longer to recover and need tailored therapies. By personalizing treatment based on antibody levels, doctors can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, especially in vulnerable groups, such as older adults, improving care and easing healthcare burdens.

SH25047 Abstract  |  SH25047 Full Text  | SH25047PDF (639 KB)  | SH25047Supplementary Material (187 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 June 2025

SH24123Recruiting participants via social media for sexual and reproductive health research

Jacqueline Coombe 0000-0002-9520-5724, Helen Bittleston 0000-0002-5768-3223, Teralynn Ludwick 0000-0003-4160-7354, Megan S. C. Lim 0000-0003-3136-6761, Ethan T. Cardwell, Linde Stewart 0000-0003-0642-2610, Louise Bourchier 0000-0003-0617-2690, Amelia Wardley 0000-0002-9203-0332, Jane L. Goller 0000-0001-5580-360X, Cassandra Caddy and Jane S. Hocking 0000-0001-9329-8501
 

Social media is increasingly being used to recruit participants to social research. Here, we provide a practical guide to using social media to recruit for sexual and reproductive health research, and include examples throughout from our own studies. We outline our triumphs and pitfalls in using this recruitment strategy, the challenges we have faced and the lessons we have learnt.

SH24123 Abstract  |  SH24123 Full Text  | SH24123PDF (1.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 June 2025

SH24230Factors associated with time to presentation to Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Australia, after STI contact notification

K. Hall 0000-0001-5889-1692, K. Hall 0000-0001-5889-1692, H. Lu 0009-0005-1465-363X, H. Lu 0009-0005-1465-363X, A. Wong 0000-0003-4043-1895, A. Wong 0000-0003-4043-1895, A. McNulty 0000-0003-3174-1242, A. McNulty 0000-0003-3174-1242, C. Bourne 0000-0001-7391-3941 and C. Bourne 0000-0001-7391-3941
 

When diagnosed with an STI, people are advised on partner notification (PN); however, little is known about those who receive this important information. Our study found that people who received spoken PN had slower presentation times for STI testing compared with those who received electronic PN. Electronic PN was the most popular method in the study. Wider use of electronic PN could improve STI management, and further research into its effectiveness is required.

SH24230 Abstract  | PDF (561 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 03 June 2025

SH25003Attitudes towards and use of point-of-care tests for STIs: results from a survey of STI conference attendees in 2023

Yu-Hsiang Hsieh, Yukari C. Manabe, Charlotte A. Gaydos 0000-0002-1021-3195, Matthew M. Hamill 0000-0002-1277-819X, Haneefa Saleem, Golsa M. Yazdy 0000-0002-5607-7651, Anne M. Rompalo and Susan Tuddenham
 

Newer point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become increasingly available since the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known regarding the use of these tests in clinical practice as well as the potential challenges of integrating them into care. Survey data from individuals attending an international STI conference is presented, highlighting practice trends and barriers to implementation.

SH25003 Abstract  | PDF (388 KB) - $35.00   | SH25003Supplementary Material (265 KB)
Published online 02 June 2025

SH24188A pilot study, auditing digital communication to conduct sexual and reproductive health service outreach to Chinese- and Thai-speaking sex workers in Sydney

Katherine Coote 0000-0002-8990-7295, Maggie Ma, Birdie Thirapat, Limin Mao 0000-0003-0995-5789 and Rick Varma 0000-0002-0402-0506
 

It is important to engage culturally and linguistically diverse sex industry workers with sexual health care. A large sexual health service has piloted the implementation of WeChat and LINE digital platforms to enhance outreach to Thai- and Chinese-speaking sex industry workers operating in inner-city Sydney. Results indicated that the platforms are both effective in reaching new clients and are utilised by existing sex industry worker clients of the sexual health service for service navigation and booking appointments.

SH24188 Abstract  | PDF (295 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 29 May 2025

SH25017Position statement on doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial sexually transmissible infections in Aotearoa New Zealand: the New Zealand Sexual Health Society

Julia Scott 0009-0008-6347-2941, Massimo Giola 0009-0007-9327-3671 and Jeannie Oliphant
 

This position statement from the New Zealand Sexual Health Society outlines the background, process and recommendations of a cross-sectoral meeting on doxycycline prophylaxis to prevent bacterial STIs. The New Zealand Sexual Health Society recommends that this prevention strategy be considered as part of a comprehensive STI prevention approach, and this statement provides guidance for clinicians in Aotearoa New Zealand on when to consider and how to prescribe doxycycline prophylaxis. STI diagnostic considerations, and monitoring and surveillance are discussed.

SH25017 Abstract  | PDF (197 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 27 May 2025

SH24159Turkish adaptation, validity and reliability study of the sexual and reproductive empowerment scale for adolescents and young adults

Sila Gül 0000-0002-5375-4864 and Nuriye Büyükkayaci Duman
 

Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults in Turkey face various difficulties in sexual and reproductive health. It has been observed that there is a need for a scale to assess the sexual and reproductive health empowerment of adolescents and young adults in Turkey. This study found that the Sexual and Reproductive Health Empowerment Scale for Adolescents and Young Adults is a valid and highly reliable instrument for the Turkish population.

SH24159 Abstract  | PDF (270 KB) - $35.00 

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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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  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

  14. 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

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: 03 Jun 2025

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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