Sexual health最新文献

{"title":"Periods of hardship: a scoping review of menstrual health challenges among young people experiencing homelessness.","authors":"Darcy Blasic, Belinda Tominc, Ekaterina Bogatyreva, Courtney B Munro","doi":"10.1071/SH26123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/SH26123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Millions of people worldwide lack resources to manage menstruation in a safe and dignified way. Period poverty in high-income countries affects vulnerable populations, including young people experiencing homelessness. This leads to poor menstrual health and negatively affects physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. This review examines the available evidence on menstrual health among people experiencing homelessness to inform understanding of the menstrual health challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR methodology. Three online databases (CINAHL, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched for articles focused on menstrual health among people experiencing homelessness. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and relevant articles assessed. Additional articles were identified through citation searching.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria. Three key themes were identified for people experiencing homelessness: (1) challenges to menstrual health management, (2) mental health implications of poor menstrual health, and (3) strategies to improve menstrual health. There was a dearth of literature specific to young people experiencing homelessness.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights menstrual health for people experiencing homelessness as a public health and human rights issue. A multi-sectoral approach is required to overcome barriers to accessing menstrual products, clean water, sanitary facilities, and health care in this population. Future research should prioritise understanding the menstrual health experiences and outcomes of young people experiencing homelessness.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149220638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adolescents' perceived difficulty in accessing sexual and reproductive health services before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Julia C Bond, Shira I Dunsiger, Lynsie R Ranker, Jacquelin Sauer, Michele Ybarra, Kimberly M Nelson","doi":"10.1071/SH26029","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH26029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic widely disrupted access to sexual health care but little is known about how these disruptions were perceived by adolescents. We evaluated changes in adolescents' perceived difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare products and services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a cross-sectional analysis within an online longitudinal study of adolescents aged 13-17 years (N = 1721) recruited between 2022 and 2023 (QuaranTeen Health). Participants rated perceived difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare products and services (i.e. birth control/contraception, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and other sexually transmitted infection [STI] testing, condoms, and appointments with healthcare providers [HCP]) for three time points: (1) before the pandemic; (2) during the acute phase of the pandemic; and (3) within the past 2 months using a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pre-pandemic, 30% (475/1594) of participants reported perceived difficulty accessing birth control, 29% for condoms (462/1591), 25% for HIV/STI testing (400/1588), and 17% for HCP appointments (294/1685). Perceived difficulty accessing all services was higher during (vs before) the acute phase of the pandemic: 37% for both birth control (590/1582) and condoms (589/1578); 38% (612/1580) for HIV/STI tests; and 42% for HCP appointments (701/1668). Perceived difficulty accessing birth control and HIV/STI tests persisted (38%, 424/1107 and 37%, 410/1095, respectively). The perceived difficulty of getting condoms or an HCP appointment decreased (30%, 320/1079 and 31%, 347/1121, respectively) but remained higher than pre-pandemic.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic increased perceived difficulty in accessing sexual and reproductive health products and services, and these perceived difficulties may persist.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13674471/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148707803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis in Canada: systematic review and meta-analysis, 1981-2025.","authors":"Mahmoud Yousef, Mlaak Rob, Rwedah A Ageeb, Rayane El-Khoury, Manale Harfouche, Laith J Abu-Raddad","doi":"10.1071/SH26066","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH26066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize evidence on Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence in Canada, describe epidemiological patterns across populations and anatomical sites, and assess associations with prevalence.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence studies was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses generated pooled mean prevalence estimates, and meta-regression analyses explored epidemiological and methodological predictors of prevalence variation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 169 publications were included, contributing 437 prevalence measures spanning 1981-2025. The pooled mean prevalence in the general population was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.6-5.2%) for current urogenital infection and 50.3% (95% CI: 44.5-56.1%) for ever infection. Among men who have sex with men and transgender people, prevalence estimates were 1.8% (95% CI: 0.6-3.5%) for urogenital infection, 6.6% (95% CI: 3.7-10.1%) for anorectal infection and 0.7% (95% CI: 0.0-2.1%) for oropharyngeal infection. Prevalence was substantially higher among symptomatic populations, reaching 18.6% (95% CI: 9.3-30.2%) in women and 24.3% (95% CI: 13.7-36.7%) in men. Meta-regression analyses explained >40% of the observed variation in prevalence, indicating that prevalence was approximately 30% lower among individuals aged ≥25 years compared with those aged <25 years, with no significant sex differences. Prevalence declined over time at a relative rate of 3% per year.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence in Canada is comparable to global levels. The ongoing persistence of infection underscores the need to enhance public health responses and expand investment in vaccine development as a cornerstone of long-term prevention and control.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148456683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Female orgasm frequency, correlates and measurement in the preconception period.","authors":"Julia C Bond, Samantha Schildroth, Katrina Kezios, Molly Hoffman, Caroline F Pukall, Lauren A Wise","doi":"10.1071/SH26013","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH26013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Orgasm can be an important component of sexual wellbeing broadly and specifically in the preconception period, yet epidemiologic research on orgasm is limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used cross-sectional data from Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a cohort study of females attempting conception with one male partner (N = 6022; 2020-2025), to descriptively evaluate orgasm frequency, its correlates and its relationship to orgasm intensity. We used self-reported data to assess orgasm frequency (Likert scale: never/rarely to always/almost always) and intensity (0-10). Across correlates (e.g. encompassing sociodemographic, medical, behavioral factors), we calculated the absolute difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) in the percentage of participants reporting the highest versus lowest orgasm frequency within levels of each correlate, standardized relative to the difference in the full sample.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over half of the sample reported orgasming 'always', 'almost always' or 'most times' during sexual activity. Partner support was a strong correlate; participants whose partner 'rarely' provided love/affection and emotional support reported less frequent orgasms (standardized percentage-point differences of -11.0, 95% CI -36.7, 14.7 and -27.5, 95% CI -44.4, -10.6, respectively). Irritable bladder syndrome (standardized percentage point difference -15.4, 95% CI -25.5, -5.3), diabetes (standardized percentage point difference -5.8, 95% CI -18.2, 6.7) and depressive symptoms (highest category standardized percentage point difference -11.6, 95% CI -19.3, -4.0) were strong correlates of less frequent orgasms. Participants with lower function on other domains of sexual function reported fewer orgasms.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Important correlates of preconception orgasm frequency spanned relational, clinical and sexual function factors. We discuss implications for conducting etiologic orgasm research.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13288757/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148302988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unpacking the complexity of contraceptive use among Chinese university students 2014-2024: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Wen Liu, Jia Shing See, Jason J Ong, Phyllis Lau, Lena Sanci, Meredith Temple-Smith","doi":"10.1071/SH26078","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH26078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High risks of unintended pregnancies and abortion have been reported among Chinese university students; however, their contraceptive use remains poorly understood. This study synthesised Chinese university students' contraceptive usage to inform the development of context-specific contraceptive investigations and interventions. We searched six databases from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2024. Studies with clear definitions and comprehensive data reporting the usage of any contraceptive among Chinese university students either in China or attending universities abroad were included. Eligible studies were independently appraised by two authors. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to estimate pooled proportions of any contraceptive use. Of 6476 records identified, 34 studies were included. The proportions of any contraceptive use were reported across three important dimensions, namely, frequency of use, duration of use and at a specific time point (first/last sex). Accordingly, using any contraceptive, using any contraceptive every time and using any contraceptive at first sex among sexually experienced Chinese university students were commonly reported measurements, with pooled proportions of 74.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 55.0-87.4%, I2 = 98.6%), 43.4% (95% CI: 33.6-53.8%, I2 = 97.5%) and 60.8% (95% CI: 51.4-69.4%, I2 = 96.8%), respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed; however, careful interpretation is required given the wide CIs, significant and unexplained heterogeneity, and the risk of bias. Findings revealed varied measurements of any contraceptive use substantiate the methodological challenges in assessing contraceptive behaviour among university populations. Future studies should adopt transparent, standardised and contextually justified measurement approaches in both global and local contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148456668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parent-child connectedness and its associations with sexual risk behavior and outcomes among young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Xiaotian RenChen, Bingxue Wu, Zhengyi Dang","doi":"10.1071/SH26102","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH26102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Significant disparities in the sexual and reproductive health of young people persist globally. Although previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have largely focused on the effects of parenting practices, such as parent-child communication and parental monitoring, on sexual behaviors among young people, the effect size of parent-child connectedness (PCC) remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to explore the associations between PCC and sexual intercourse, unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and unintended pregnancy among young people. We searched and screened relevant literature published between January 2000 and May 2025 from six databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Ovid Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Education Resources Information Center, and APA PsycArticles. Eligible studies underwent quality assessment and data extraction. The meta-analysis used a multilevel mixed-effects model to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR). A total of 18 studies involving 78,284 participants were included. Meta-analysis indicated that a higher level of PCC was significantly associated with a lower risk of sexual intercourse (OR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.61-0.84), unprotected sex (OR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74-0.96) and unintended pregnancy (OR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.91) among young people. However, its association with multiple sexual partners was not statistically significant. Higher levels of PCC are associated with lower risks of sexual-related behaviors and outcomes. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously given the high heterogeneity and limited number of included studies. Further research should explore its effects in broader populations, and incorporate prospective designs.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148679853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of point-of-care nucleic acid amplification testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea in community outreach settings in Dallas, Texas, USA.","authors":"Hannah L Blanchard, Edgar Gonzalez, Jeremy Chow","doi":"10.1071/SH25267","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH25267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Point-of-care (POC) testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea has seen significant advancements, with nucleic acid amplification tests yielding results within 30 min. The aims of this study were to: (1) describe implementation of POC nucleic acid amplification testing in urban non-clinical outreach settings, and (2) explore demographic and symptom correlates of test positivity to inform testing strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A program evaluation and retrospective data review was conducted of individuals undergoing POC sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in non-clinical testing sites in Dallas, Texas, USA. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to investigate the association between positive test results with demographic characteristics and presence of symptoms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ninety-eight individuals were tested using the binx io CT/NG Assay. There were 12 cases of chlamydia and 5 cases of gonorrhea diagnosed within 30 min of testing, and all were referred for treatment within 1 day of testing. No statistically significant associations were detected between test positivity and demographics or symptoms; however, analyses were limited by small sample size.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>POC nucleic acid amplification testing enabled rapid diagnosis and referral in this urban outreach setting. Further evaluation of scalability, cost and treatment completion is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lived experiences of barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare for people with sensory and physical disabilities in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.","authors":"Tanyaradzwa Munengiwa, Perez Livias Moyo, Methembe Yotamu Khozah","doi":"10.1071/SH25229","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH25229","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Zimbabwe has ratified international agreements and developed national policies, such as the National Disability Policy (2021), promoting the rights of people with disabilities (PWD). However, a significant gap persists between policy and the lived reality of PWD accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of people with sensory and physical disabilities in accessing SRH services in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study was conducted in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province of Zimbabwe. Twenty participants with sensory and physical disabilities were recruited to represent diversity in gender, age, and disability type. In-depth, semi-structured phone or text message interviews depending on participant need and preference, until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, following a six-step process to ensure analytical rigour.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes were identified: (1) structural and infrastructural barriers; (2) financial exclusion due to multiplied costs; (3) systemic communication failures; and (4) pervasive stigma and discrimination from healthcare providers. These barriers intersect to limit SRH access and result in unmet sexual and reproductive needs, unwanted pregnancies, and avoidance of healthcare facilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite a progressive policy environment, the implementation of disability-inclusive SRH services in Bulawayo is critically weak. Urgent action is required, including mandatory disability sensitivity training for all healthcare workers, investment in accessible infrastructure and assistive communication devices, enforcement of accessibility standards through regular audits, and engagement with disability advocacy groups to monitor policy compliance. These measures are essential to bridge the gap between law and practice and uphold the SRH rights of PWD.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium among female sex workers in China: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Jiangmin Lu, Peizhen Zhao, Liji Liang, Fangyuan Zheng, Qingqing Xu, Yuzhen Chen, Shujie Huang, Bowen Shu, Mingzhou Xiong, Wentao Chen, Yaohua Xue","doi":"10.1071/SH25279","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH25279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is an important sexually transmitted pathogen associated with cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and adverse reproductive outcomes. Female sex workers (FSWs) are at elevated risk; however, data on MG epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance in this population in China remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence of MG infection, associated risk factors and resistance-related mutations among FSWs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2022 in four cities in Guangdong Province. FSWs were recruited through venue-based outreach. Participants completed structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors. Urine and blood samples were collected for laboratory confirmation of MG, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum and HIV. MG-positive specimens were subjected to Sanger sequencing to detect macrolide resistance mutations in the 23S rRNA gene, and fluoroquinolone resistance mutations in the gyrA and parC genes. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with MG infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 955 FSWs, the prevalence of MG was 6.6%, whereas the prevalences of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, T. pallidum and HIV were 14.0%, 1.7%, 1.4% and 0.1%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed higher odds of MG infection among women with monthly income ≤3000 RMB (aOR 2.61, 95% CI: 1.08-6.31), primary school education or below (aOR 2.87, 95% CI: 1.12-7.37), work in mid-level venues (aOR 2.64, 95% CI: 1.37-5.09) and C. trachomatis co-infection (aOR 3.30, 95% CI: 1.81-6.01). Among MG-positive samples with successful amplification, macrolide resistance-associated mutations in the 23S rRNA gene were detected in 70.27% (26/37). Fluoroquinolone resistance-associated mutations were identified in 78.95% (30/38) of amplifiable parC samples and in only one amplifiable gyrA sample. The S83I substitution in parC was the most prevalent, accounting for 66.67% (20/30) of parC mutations. Dual resistance-conferring mutations in both macrolide (23S rRNA) and fluoroquinolone (parC) targets were observed in 51.35% (19/37) of samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MG infection persists at a relatively high level among FSWs, accompanied by alarmingly high rates of macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance mutations. These findings highlight the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, improved access to molecular diagnostics, and tailored prevention and treatment strategies to curb MG transmission and preserve antimicrobial efficacy in this high-risk population.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147843020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Untransmittable but unequal? Sexual wellbeing disparities in the context of PrEP and U=U.","authors":"Thomas Norman, G J Melendez-Torres, Dean Murphy, Adam Bourne, Donna Sombrea, Jennifer Power","doi":"10.1071/SH25159","DOIUrl":"10.1071/SH25159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Biomedical prevention technologies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, treatment as prevention and the principle of Undetectable = Untransmittable, have transformed HIV care and opened new possibilities for enhancing the sexual wellbeing of people living with HIV. Yet, the psychosocial and relational benefits of these tools, particularly their impact on sexual wellbeing, remain underexplored, especially across diverse subpopulations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using data from 669 people living with HIV participating in a large-scale survey of people living with HIV in Australia, this study developed the Sexual Wellbeing through Biomedical Prevention scale, a five-item measure assessing sexual wellbeing (e.g. confidence, enjoyment) in the context of biomedical HIV prevention (score range 0-20; higher scores = greater wellbeing). ANOVA tests examined differences in Sexual Wellbeing through Biomedical Prevention scores across demographic, relational, psychosocial and health-related variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exploratory factor analysis supported a single-factor structure. The mean Sexual Wellbeing through Biomedical Prevention score was moderate overall (M = 13.0), but varied significantly by gender, sexuality, relationship status, partner pre-exposure prophylaxis use, stigma and quality of life. Gay/queer men reported markedly higher scores than women and heterosexual participants. Higher scores were associated with partner pre-exposure prophylaxis use, reduced fear of transmission, and better self-reported health and quality of life. Participants who reported 'always' experiencing HIV-related stigma had significantly lower mean scores.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Biomedical advances have improved virological outcomes, but their sexual wellbeing benefits appear unevenly distributed. Targeted interventions that address stigma, strengthen HIV literacy and support sexual confidence, particularly among women and heterosexual people living with HIV, are essential to realising the full potential of biomedical prevention and advancing equity in wellbeing.</p>","PeriodicalId":22165,"journal":{"name":"Sexual health","volume":"23 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147676519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}