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 
, Liying Wang, Yilin Wang, Yuqing Wang, Lingxiao Chen, Frank Y. Wong, Jane M. Simoni, Ian W. Holloway and Steven A. John
, Liying Wang, Yilin Wang, Yuqing Wang, Lingxiao Chen, Frank Y. Wong, Jane M. Simoni, Ian W. Holloway and Steven A. John
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.
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 , Miranda G. Loutet, Moses Okumu, Simon Odong Lukone, Nelson Kisubi, Peter Kyambadde, Lawrence Mbuagbaw, Frannie MacKenzie and Zerihun Admassu
, 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.
Published online 11 August 2025
SH25113Metabolic safety of gender-affirming hormonal treatment in transgender females
Charalampos Milionis , Konstantina Barouti, Vassiliki Papadopoulou, Foteini Pouliasi, Efthymia Karlafti, Sofia Makrydima, Stavroula Karampa, Evaggelia Venaki and Eftychia Koukkou
, 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.
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 , Yoshiko Sakuma , Tracey Jannaway, Alex Cowan, Joseph D. Tucker , Eneyi E. Kpokiri and Dan Wu
, Yoshiko Sakuma , Tracey Jannaway, Alex Cowan, Joseph D. Tucker , Eneyi E. Kpokiri and Dan Wu
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 , Hui-Chun Ku, Wang-Ping Chen, Hui-Chuan Wang, Hung-Jen Tang and Chia-Te Liao
, Hui-Chun Ku, Wang-Ping Chen, Hui-Chuan Wang, Hung-Jen Tang and Chia-Te Liao
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.
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 , Patrick Eustaquio , Warittha Tieosapjaroen , Kate Leyritana, Michael Cassell, Jason J. Ong , Heather-Marie A. Schmidt , Nittaya Phanuphak , Curtis Chan and Benjamin R. Bavinton
, Patrick Eustaquio , Warittha Tieosapjaroen , Kate Leyritana, Michael Cassell, Jason J. Ong , Heather-Marie A. Schmidt , Nittaya Phanuphak , Curtis Chan and Benjamin R. Bavinton
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.
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 , Ximena Camacho, Digsu N. Koye and Cassandra Caddy
, 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 , Yong Jie Yow and Charlize S. Y. Tan
, 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 , Antoine Khati, Kiran Paudel, Kamal Gautam, Anjila Pandey, Sanjay Sharma, Manisha Dhakal, Jeffrey Wickersham and Roman Shrestha
, 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.
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
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.
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
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 , Fang Lu, Bingyang She, Rui Zhao , Eric P. F. Chow and Lei Zhang
, Fang Lu, Bingyang She, Rui Zhao , Eric P. F. Chow and Lei Zhang
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
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 , Graham Brown, Sara Graham and Adam Bourne
, 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
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.
SH25025, Accepted 17 August 2025
Shifting power dynamics in global health through youth engagement: A participatory mini-designathon
Kelechi Chima , Yusuf Babatunde , Susan Vorkoper, Jenna Durham, Angelina Goi, Juliet Iwelunmor and Joseph Tucker
, Yusuf Babatunde , Susan Vorkoper, Jenna Durham, Angelina Goi, Juliet Iwelunmor and Joseph Tucker
SH24238, Accepted 14 August 2025
Access to gender-affirming hormone therapy is positively associated with uptake of STI testing
Ruby Lucas , Emerson Dusic, Jessie Garcia Gutiérrez, Audren Bambilla, Daphne Suen, Nathaniel Widmann, Aleks Martin, Alic Shook, Baer Karrington, Deborah Schwarz, Genya Shimkin, Vanessa Grandberry, Xero Xanadu, Marta Wilson-Barthes, Timothy Souza, Stephaun Wallace, Renee Heffron, Omar Galárraga, Don Operario, Kristi Gamarel and Arjee Restar
, Emerson Dusic, Jessie Garcia Gutiérrez, Audren Bambilla, Daphne Suen, Nathaniel Widmann, Aleks Martin, Alic Shook, Baer Karrington, Deborah Schwarz, Genya Shimkin, Vanessa Grandberry, Xero Xanadu, Marta Wilson-Barthes, Timothy Souza, Stephaun Wallace, Renee Heffron, Omar Galárraga, Don Operario, Kristi Gamarel and Arjee Restar
SH25076, Accepted 14 August 2025
A Scoping Review of Parent-Based Barriers to Parent-Child Communication about Sexuality Education
Neelam Punjani , Shannon Scott , Amber Hussain, Tammy Lu, Farah Bandali, Sheila Mcdonald, Lisa Scott, Sonia Sultan and Megan Kennedy
, Shannon Scott , Amber Hussain, Tammy Lu, Farah Bandali, Sheila Mcdonald, Lisa Scott, Sonia Sultan and Megan Kennedy
Most Read
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Preferences for the delivery of early abortion services in Australia: a discrete choice experiment
Sexual Health 21 (6)Jody Church, Marion Haas, Deborah J. Street, Deborah Bateson , Danielle Mazza
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Prevalence of problematic pornography use: a meta-analysis
Sexual Health 22 (4)Peter K. H. Chew, Yong Jie Yow, Charlize S. Y. Tan
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Do Australian sexual health clinics have the capacity to meet demand? A mixed methods survey of directors of sexual health clinics in Australia
Sexual Health 22 (3)Christopher K. Fairley, Jason J. Ong, Lei Zhang , Rick Varma , Louise Owen, Darren B. Russell, Sarah J. Martin , Joseph Cotter, Caroline Thng , Nathan Ryder , Eric P. F. Chow , Tiffany R. Phillips , for the Australian STI research group
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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, 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 , An-Ting Peng, Pei-Yu Wang, Guei-Chi Li, Chien-Ching Hung
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Engage and adapt: peer-led implementation of HIV navigation in Australia
Sexual Health 22 (4)Timothy Krulic, Graham Brown, Sara Graham, Adam Bourne
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Assessing and projecting the global impacts of female infertility: a 1990–2040 analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study
Sexual Health 22 (2)Hanjin Wang, Bengui Jiang
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A public health ethics analysis of Doxy-PEP: arguments for and against – the ‘no’ case
Sexual Health 22 (4)Shreyas Iyer, Bridget Haire
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Recruiting participants via social media for sexual and reproductive health research
Sexual Health 22 (4)Jacqueline Coombe, Helen Bittleston , Teralynn Ludwick , Megan S. C. Lim , Ethan T. Cardwell, Linde Stewart , Louise Bourchier , Amelia Wardley , Jane L. Goller , Cassandra Caddy, Jane S. Hocking
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Preferences and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV among men who have sex with men in mainland China and Hong Kong
Sexual Health 22 (3)Jiajun Sun, Jason J. Ong , Heather-Marie Schmidt , Curtis Chan , Benjamin R. Bavinton , Kimberly Elizabeth Green , Nittaya Phanuphak , Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Nicky Suwandi, Doug Fraser, Weiming Tang , Michael Cassell, Hua Boonyapisomparn, Edmond Pui Hang Choi , Lei Zhang , Warittha Tieosapjaroen
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Stigma, support, and messaging for people recently diagnosed with HIV: a qualitative study
Sexual Health 21 (6)Loretta M. Healey, Shirin R. Markham, David J. Templeton, Lionel Rabie, Anthony K. J. Smith
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Factors influencing experiences of non-consensual sex: results from a mixed data cross-sectional online survey of Australian university students
Sexual Health 22 (1)Kathryn Wenham, Jo Durham, Amy B. Mullens , Annette Brömdal , Joseph Debattista, Gianna Parma, Zhihong Gu, Armin Ariana, Charles F. Gilks, Sara F. E. Bell, Judith A. Dean
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A public health ethics analysis of Doxy-PEP: arguments for and against – the ‘yes’ case
Sexual Health 22 (4)Sam Templeman, Bridget Haire
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Extending 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
Sexual Health 22 (4)Tahlee B. Stevenson, Alice R. Rumbold, Kelly Hall, Jenni Ilomaki, Deborah Bateson , Danielle Mazza, Luke E. Grzeskowiak
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A holistic evaluation of sexual health disease investigation: case study of the 2022 Mpox outbreak in Santa Clara County, California
Sexual Health 22 (1)Harit Agroia, Leyla Mousli, Disha Nangia
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Co-creation and community engagement in implementation research with vulnerable populations: a co-creation process in China
Sexual Health 21 (6)Liyuan Zhang, Katherine T. Li, Tong Wang, Danyang Luo, Rayner K. J. Tan, Gifty Marley, Weiming Tang, Rohit Ramaswamy, Joseph D. Tucker , Dan Wu
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Improving engagement with sexual and reproductive health services among young African migrants in Australia
Sexual Health 22 (2)Humaira Maheen, Negin Mirzaei Damabi, Zohra S. Lassi
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Young people’s preferences and motivations for STI partner notification: observational findings from the 2024 Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll survey
Sexual Health 22 (1)Stephanie C. Munari, Jane L. Goller , Jacqueline Coombe , Ana Orozco , Sarah Eddy , Jane Hocking , Margaret Hellard, Megan S. C. Lim
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The use of saliva as a lubricant in relation to sexual behavioural patterns in men who have sex with men: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Sexual Health 22 (4)Gaixia Li, Yi Liu, Yawu Hu, Fang Lu, Bingyang She, Rui Zhao , Eric P. F. Chow , Lei Zhang
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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, Lauren Fidelak, Weiming Tang , Susan Nkengasong, Titilola Gbaja-Biamila, Lateef Akeem, Adesola Zaidat Musa, Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu, Tomilola Musari-Martins , 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
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Exploring syphilis activity for personalized treatment strategies in latent syphilis: a 2-year cohort study
Sexual Health 22 (4)Jia-Wen Xie, Ya-Wen Zheng, Shu-Hao Fan, Yin-Feng Guo, Ying Zheng, Yu Lin, Man-Li Tong, Li-Rong Lin
Collections
Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area
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
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
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
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
