Article Feed - This Week in Sexual Health

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Abstract

Social network-based reproductive decisions are critical. This study compares the effect of an older peer contraceptionuse on her younger peer's use, as they share the closest social network within the household, and tend to influence one another for reproductive decisions. In this study we considered peers as two sister-in-law living in the same household.

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Article Details

Title:
Inter-generational impact: Exploring the influence of older sister-in-law's contraceptive choices on her peer contraception adoption in India.

Author(s):
Bansal A; Kant Dwivedi L; Bhatia M; Subramanian SV

Summary:
This study looks at how two sisters-in-law living in the same house can affect each other's choices about using birth control. It shows that an older sister-in-law can influence the younger one in making decisions about having children.

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pubmed id: 39043032 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

While previous studies guided by evolutionary life history theory have revealed several important socioecological moderators of the influence of population density (PD) on reproduction, absent is an understanding of how individual-level factors such as personal resources and sex differences might interact and play a role. Using data from a large sample of clients (N = 4,432,440) of an online dating company spanning 317 states nested within 23 countries, we contributed a robust multilevel analysis of life history effects by assessing the interaction between state-level PD and individual-level income on offspring quantity, and we further qualified this analysis by sex. Consistent with previous research, PD was negatively correlated with having children. Consistent with our novel hypotheses, this negative relationship was moderated by income such that the link between PD and low fertility became weaker with increasing levels of income and these patterns were stronger for men than for women. These results held despite controlling for a variety of country-level, state-level, and individual-level confounds. Findings are discussed together with theoretical and practical implications for the management of fertility based on evolutionary life history perspectives.

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Title:
Income and Sex Moderate the Association Between Population Density and Reproduction: A Multilevel Analysis of Life History Strategies Across 23 Nations.

Author(s):
Yong JC; Lim CH; Jonason PK; Thomas AG

Summary:
Researchers used data from an online dating company to study how where people live and their income affect having children. They found that in places with more people, people tend to have fewer kids, but if someone has a higher income, this effect is less strong, especially for men. These findings were consistent even after accounting for various other factors.

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pubmed id: 39039341 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Substance-involved rape is increasing among college students, particularly women (Koss et al., 2022). Addressing rape requires first measuring it accurately in surveys to understand its true scope and nature. We used cognitive interviews with 40 young adults to qualitatively test the construct validity of an alcohol- and other drugs (AOD)-involved rape item in the Sexual Experiences Survey by asking participants to comment on different operationalizations of this construct. Our findings revealed that different phrasings elicited different interpretations of the items by participants. Specifically, the results indicated that (1) respondents viewed the different operationalizations as a sequence of events with varying severity; (2) some participants focused on the intentionality and responsibility of the perpetrator as opposed to opportunistic perpetration; and (3) study participants consistently chose one of the operationalizations as describing "being roofied" (being drugged without consent). Participants also contributed additional scenarios not described in the questionnaire and shared their interpretations of the items. The results underscore the importance of refining survey language to properly measure AOD-involved rape and allow us to understand how to tailor appropriate questions for best comprehension. The findings indicate the benefit in including several items about AOD-involved rape in questionnaires such as the Sexual Experiences Survey, with each item addressing different scenarios of victim intoxication. The results could also have important implications for sexual violence prevention programs, which should discuss consent, intentions, and responsibility specifically in the context of AOD consumption.

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Title:
"I Think You Covered the Three Levels of Drugs and Consent": Qualitatively Testing Different Operationalizations of an Alcohol and Other Drugs-Involved Sexual Violence.

Author(s):
Gesser N; Katz BW; Chiu T; Burmeister EM; Anderson RE

Summary:
The study looked at how college students understand questions about being raped when alcohol or drugs are involved. Researchers found that different ways of asking questions made people think about the events differently. The study suggests changing how surveys ask these questions to help prevent sexual violence better.

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pubmed id: 39039340 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Clinical decision-making for individuals with 46,XY disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) remains unsettled and controversial. The North American DSD Clinician Survey examines the recommendations of a large group of clinical specialists over the last two decades. Active members of the (Lawson Wilkins) Pediatric Endocrine Society and the Societies for Pediatric Urology were invited to respond to a web-based survey at three different timepoints: 2003-2004 (T1), 2010-2011 (T2), and 2019-2020 (T3). Data from 429 participants in T1, 435 in T2, and 264 in T3 were included in this study. The participants were presented with three XY newborn clinical case scenarios-micropenis, partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, and iatrogenic penile ablation-and asked for clinical management recommendations. The main outcomes assessed included the recommended gender of rearing, surgical decision-maker (parent or patient), timing of genital surgery, and age at which to disclose medical details and surgical history to the patient. For all scenarios, the overwhelming majority recommended rearing as male, including a significant increase across timepoints in those recommending a male gender of rearing for the infant with penile ablation. The proportions recommending female gender of rearing declined significantly across timepoints. In general, most recommended parents (in consultation with the physician) serve as surgical decision-makers, but these proportions declined significantly across timepoints. Recommendations on the timing of surgery varied based on the patient's gender and type of surgery. There has been a shift in recommendations away from the "optimal gender policy" regarding gender of rearing and surgical interventions for patients with XY DSD.

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Title:
Recommendations for 46,XY Disorders/Differences of Sex Development Across Two Decades: Insights from North American Pediatric Endocrinologists and Urologists.

Author(s):
Khorashad BS; Gardner M; Lee PA; Kogan BA; Sandberg DE

Summary:
Doctors have different opinions on how to help kids with a condition called 46,XY DSD. A study asked many doctors what they recommend, and most think raising these kids as boys is best. Over time, more doctors think kids should have more say in surgery decisions and when to tell them their medical history.

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pubmed id: 39039338 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

In general (i.e. in heteronormative and cisgendered samples), authenticity appears protective against threats to well-being. Authenticity may also, in part, protect well-being against the minority stressors experienced by sexually minoritized (LGB; lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals. In this scoping review, we examined the relation between authenticity and well-being in LGB samples experiencing minority stress. We hypothesized that (i) LGB minority stress relates to decreased authenticity (i.e. inauthenticity), (ii) authenticity relates to increased well-being, and (iii) authenticity influences the relation between LGB minority stress and well-being. We identified 17 studies ( = 4,653) from systematic searches across Medline, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Scopus using terms related to sexual identity, minority stress, authenticity, and well-being. In almost all studies, proximal (but not distal) stress was associated with inauthenticity, and inauthenticity with decreased well-being. In all but one study, the association between proximal stress and well-being was associated with inauthenticity. Although these results are consistent with our hypotheses, the included studies were limited in scope and heterogenous in their methods, instruments, and samples, restricting conclusions regarding mediation or moderation. The results require replication, well-powered direct comparisons between LGB and non-LGB samples, and consideration of the varied ways authenticity can be conceptualized and measured.

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Article Details

Title:
Authenticity, Well-Being, and Minority Stress in LGB Individuals: A Scoping Review.

Author(s):
Roberts ER; Lee MF; Simpson K; Kelley NJ; Sedikides C; Angus DJ

Summary:
The study looked at how being true to oneself, or authentic, helps LGB people feel better in the face of stress. They found that when people felt less true to themselves, they felt worse overall. Most of the studies showed that stress and feeling less true to oneself were linked to feeling worse, but more research is needed.

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pubmed id: 39028856 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

A recent wave of academic research has highlighted the wide-ranging and negative impacts that stigma against kink has on kinksters. As scholarship continues to explore prejudice and discrimination around kink, this article argues that fresh insight can be found by drawing on adjacent work around other stigmatized sexualities. Over the previous decades, scholars in sexuality studies and queer studies have developed a powerful conceptual framework of "phobias" and "normativities" for thinking about the marginalization of sexual differences. This framework has its origins in the concepts of homophobia, heteronormativity and homonormativity, but its naming conventions and analytical insights have since been extended to address reproduction, romantic love, monogamy, gender identity, etc. This article argues that this conceptual framework should be expanded once again, this time to encompass kink. Building on the nascent use of this conceptual framework within kink scholarship, this article defines and expands on the concepts of and , and introduces the new concept of . This article demonstrates how these concepts can help us better talk about and think through the marginalization of kink.

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Article Details

Title:
The Marginalization of Kink: Kinkphobia, Vanilla-Normativity and Kink-Normativity.

Author(s):
Bennett T

Summary:
This research talks about how people who like kink can feel left out or treated poorly because of it. The study suggests using ideas from other studies to better understand and help people who enjoy kink. It introduces new ways to think and talk about this issue.

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pubmed id: 39028679 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Sexual compliance (i.e., consensually engaging in sex despite a lack of desire for it) is common in committed intimate relationships, but the consequences of compliance for the well-being of the individual and the relationship are poorly understood. We investigated the perceived consequences of sexual compliance and perceptions of factors contributing to negative/positive consequences by applying qualitative content analysis to free-text retrospective survey responses from 107 (mostly) Finnish adults. We identified five themes of personal consequences (emotions and mood, sexual experience, sexual desire, pressure and violations, and physical pain), four of relational consequences (relationship satisfaction, partner's response, relationship interaction, and value alignment), and nine of possible factors contributing to negative/positive consequences (communication, self-esteem, motives for sex, relationship factors, agency and self-knowledge, mental health and stress, psychological flexibility, societal norms, and past negative experiences). Perceived consequences varied widely across individuals, both in terms of whether any positive or negative consequences were experienced and whether compliance was perceived as improving or worsening specific domains of well-being. We discuss the themes identified in relation to previous theories of sexuality and intimate relationships and offer hypotheses that can be tested in future quantitative studies.

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Article Details

Title:
A Qualitative Content Analysis of Perceived Individual and Relational Consequences of Sexual Compliance and Their Contributors.

Author(s):
Gunst A; Alanko K; Nickull S; Dewitte M; Källström M; Antfolk J; Jern P

Summary:
The study looked at why people sometimes agree to have sex even if they don't want to and how it affects them and their relationships. Researchers found different outcomes such as feelings, relationship satisfaction, and self-esteem, and they noted that these effects can be positive or negative. They also identified factors like communication and mental health that can influence these outcomes.

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pubmed id: 39026074 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Although smell is sometimes treated with little regard, it is invested with cultural meaning and conveys a great deal of information, including about gender, sexuality and identity. This article draws on interviews with 11 transgender and nonbinary people who have accessed gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), and focuses on how they understand and explain changes in how their own bodies smell. Although it is well documented that GAHT causes changes in skin oiliness, changes in smell are inconsistently documented, and within the medical literature are often commented on only in passing. Taking a discourse analytic approach, the article finds that participants noticed changes in their own smell during hormonal transition, that in many cases this change was understood as significant in some way, and that these changes could be experienced as affirming. Understandings of what changes in bodily smell meant were often derived relationally or socially, although participants' discussion of the experience frequently focused on their own embodiment. Smell seems to form part of a process of (re)identification with the physical self and gender affirmation that can be facilitated by GAHT.

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Article Details

Title:
'Boy smell': transgender and nonbinary people's experiences of bodily smell.

Author(s):
Easterbrook-Smith G

Summary:
The study talked to 11 transgender and nonbinary people who noticed changes in their body smell after taking hormones. These changes in smell were important to them and helped them feel more like their true selves.

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pubmed id: 39023180 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Although it is an effective HIV prevention method, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is underutilized in the Southern US. Many people who use drugs (PWUD) have increased susceptibility to HIV which could be lessened by using PrEP. Potential barriers to PrEP use include lack of awareness of PrEP, low knowledge about HIV prevention, low self-efficacy for HIV prevention, inaccurate risk perceptions, and anticipated stigma. The current study examined predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that may predict interest in PrEP. The purpose of the current study was to explore factors associated with interest in and willingness to use daily oral and long acting injectable PrEP among sexually active adult PWUD. The data were collected from adult participants (n = 270) residing in Harris County, TX, who self-reported problematic substance use and who reported oral, anal, or vaginal sex in the six months prior to completing the survey. The survey was distributed and completed online via Qualtrics Panels in March of 2022 and included measures of PrEP and HIV knowledge, PrEP stigma, sexual health self-efficacy, experiences of discrimination, health literacy, and medical mistrust. The majority of participants reported circumstances or behaviors that increased their susceptibility to HIV. Findings indicated that PrEP user stereotypes and PrEP anticipated disapproval by others were associated with interest in using daily oral PrEP and willingness to use long acting injectable PrEP. These results provide insight into reasons for low PrEP uptake among PWUD who live in a high HIV prevalence jurisdiction. Implications for HIV prevention intervention are discussed.

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Article Details

Title:
Interest in and Willingness to Use PrEP: A Cross-Sectional Study of Individuals with Problematic Substance Use Residing in a High HIV Prevalence Jurisdiction.

Author(s):
Heads AM; de Dios C; An K; Yoon JH; Suchting R; Gilmore-Thomas A; Schmitz JM

Summary:
In the Southern US, not many people use a medicine called PrEP that can stop HIV. The study looked at why some people who use drugs might want to use PrEP and found that fear of what others think can stop people from using it. The study helps us understand how to help more people use PrEP to stay safe from HIV.

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pubmed id: 39020242 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This study aimed to understand the experiences that trans, masculine presenting, non-binary and gender diverse (TMNG) people who menstruate have with period product packaging and marketing, and identified opportunities for improvement through an inclusive communication design framework. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with nine TMNG consumers, allies and advocates. These revealed positive and negative experiences with the current design of period product packaging and marketing throughout the entire 'user journey', including purchasing, use and disposal. A thematic analysis of the interviews confirmed that problems exist with the lack of representation through imagery and language on period product packaging and marketing. The resulting three themes were engaged with to develop an inclusive communication design framework that included: the need for an improvement in the physical experience of periods; the need for improved mental health and emotional relationship to periods; and the need for the consideration of broader social issues such as sustainability and accessibility in relation to period product packaging and marketing.

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Article Details

Title:
Helping to destigmatise the use of period products for trans, masculine presenting, non-binary and gender diverse (TMNG) consumers through an inclusive communication design framework.

Author(s):
Connory J; Tyagi S

Summary:
This study looked at how some people who use period products felt about the packaging and ads. They found that the packaging could be better by showing more different types of people and using kinder words. They also suggested ways to make the products and packaging more helpful and caring for people.

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pubmed id: 39018157 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Despite growing understanding and acceptance of the concept of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) among gay men, HIV stigma remains a burden for people living with HIV. This study explored perceptions of HIV among HIV seronegative gay men in Sweden in this new context. Using snowball sampling, 15 gay men born between 1980 and 2000 were recruited to the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. Men grew up experiencing gay stigma and were repeatedly informed by parents, schools, communities, peers, and popular culture about the dangers of HIV, and that gay men were a high-risk group. As men grew older, and the premise of HIV shifted dramatically due to U = U, some remained emotionally anchored to the pre-U = U era, while others realigned their perceptions, often after a process of reconciling emotional responses (e.g. HIV = death) with the logical-rational claims made about U = U. The study highlights key areas for future efforts, namely establishing a balance between HIV education strategies and stigma reduction initiatives. Study findings underscore the need to care for the memory of those lost during the crisis years, while also addressing the stigma faced by those currently living with HIV.

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Article Details

Title:
Growing up in the shadow of HIV: post-AIDS generation of HIV-negative men who have sex with men in Sweden and their perceptions of HIV and stigma.

Author(s):
Dennermalm N; Sjöland CF; Christiansen M; Nilsson Schönnesson L; Laine K; Kanon E; Suarez D; Ekström AM; Mølsted Alvesson H

Summary:
This study looked at how gay men in Sweden think about HIV today. It found that many still feel old fears about HIV, even though they know new facts that show it's not as scary. The study says we should focus on teaching people about HIV while also trying to stop the stigma against those who have it.

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pubmed id: 39012361 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

People with a sexual interest in children face significant barriers to seeking and receiving mental health treatment. This review aims to bridge the gap between the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles, and the services aiming to support them. Reviewers screened 1705 database hits and extracted findings from 22 qualitative, 15 quantitative, and 3 mixed-method studies on the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles. Research suggests that this population experiences significant levels of distress, depression, and anxiety related to their sexual interest. Many individuals belonging to this population would seek (median = 42.3%), or have sought (median = 46.5%), treatment to cope with their sexual interest or with potential related mental health repercussions. Their experiences in treatment have been mixed, with some reporting positive experiences with empathic therapists and others reporting rejection. Most frequently, pedohebephiles report fear of exposure and rejection as barriers to seeking treatment, in addition to fear of the legal repercussions. The current study is the first to summarize and discuss previous findings on the treatment needs and experiences of pedohebephiles. The findings indicate that the treatment needs of pedohebephiles often remain unaddressed. Suggestions to increase the fit between treatment services and the needs of pedohebephiles are put forward.

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Article Details

Title:
The Treatment Needs and Experiences of Pedohebephiles: A Systematic Review.

Author(s):
Chronos A; Jahnke S; Blagden N

Summary:
Some people who have an interest in kids need mental health help but are scared to ask for it because they might get in trouble or be rejected. A study looked at many other studies and found that these people are often stressed and worried and would like help. The study suggests more ways to make sure they get the treatment they need.

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pubmed id: 39009743 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The way people create social connections and access information has been altered greatly by technology in recent decades. Online browsing of visual profiles has become a common means for seeking potential partners for both short- and long-term relationships. Little is known, however, about how people prioritize mate quality information while viewing online profiles. Using eye-tracking methods and self-report, this study investigated how people evaluated profile-based facial attractiveness and text-based financial resources information, represented by income and occupation. Heterosexual male and female participants, aged between 18 and 27 years, viewed opposite-sex profiles while their eye-movements were recorded using a remote eye-tracking camera. In line with current theory, resources information had little effect on men's overall attention to women's faces, whereas women's overall attention to men's faces varied depending on the level of income and occupation. Women evaluated men's faces more when income and occupation were low, regardless of attractiveness. Unexpectedly, however, men marginally increased their attention toward unattractive women who showed a high-level of income and more esteemed occupation. Men self-reported a higher interest in women for a short-term relationship and women self-reported a higher interest in men for a long-term relationship. This work provides a foundation to further examine how people browse profile-based information and to investigate the mate selection process, with real-world implications for online dating app users, profile design, and content.

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Article Details

Title:
Visual Attention to Evolutionarily Relevant Information by Heterosexual Men and Women While Viewing Mock Online Dating Profiles.

Author(s):
Gale M; Torbay R; Lykins AD

Summary:
This study looked at how people check out online dating profiles using their eyes. It found that men mostly look at women's faces, while women pay more attention to men's jobs and money, especially if it’s low. Surprisingly, men looked more at women with good jobs and money, even if they weren't very attractive.

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pubmed id: 39009742 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals tend to live alone, mostly without children and with scarce support from nuclear family members or biological kin. Moreover, traditional resources may not suit their specific end-of-life care needs. While studies have examined these topics in general, they lack focus on end-of-life needs, care, and planning in Israel. Moreover, research on this topic among members of LGBTQ communities is specifically lacking. This study, therefore, aimed at identifying and understanding the attitudes, perceptions, and meanings of older LGBTQ individuals in Israel regarding their needs and challenges, as they age and near end of life. The phenomenological qualitative research methodology was applied, following the interpretive approach. Twenty-one middle-aged and older LGBTQ individuals in Israel, aged ≥ 55, participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews, conducted from November 2020 to April 2021, were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Experiences of loneliness, marginalization, and trauma, and coping through liberation; (2) ageism and exclusion of older adults; (3) elastic and challenging relationships; (4) end of life as reverting into the closet and heteronormativity; and (5) death as a source of generativity and creativity. The study demonstrates that loneliness is an existential experience, exacerbated by the intersectionality of LGBTQ communities. In turn, chosen family members play a minimal role in the end-of-life care of their loved ones. While conveying ambivalence toward social services and housing for the aging, participants in this study expressed fear of being discriminated against and having to re-enter the closet as they age. Ageism and end of life do not represent finality and extinction, yet instead, signify hope and revival. Following Sandberg and Marshall's (2017) concept of queering aging futures, this study refines our understanding of life courses, demonstrating that living and thriving in old age could be positive and desirable. As such, ageism and end of life do not necessarily represent finality and extinction, and may instead signify hope and revival. The unique challenges associated with family and social support of older adults who are LGBTQ members, and their implications on care, deserve further research and are important for practice.

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Article Details

Title:
Needs, Experiences, and Hopes for Aging Futures among Older Adults in the LGBTQ Communities: A Qualitative Study in Israel.

Author(s):
Sperling D

Summary:
This study looked at older LGBTQ people in Israel and found they often feel lonely and not supported by family. It also discussed how they fear being judged or having to hide who they are as they get older, but found that old age can still be a time of hope and renewal.

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pubmed id: 39009741 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Background Gonorrhoea notifications have increased substantially in Australia over the past decade. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is already highly resistant to several antibiotics and so, alternatives to first-line treatment are generally strongly discouraged. The penicillin allergy label (AL) on patient medical records has previously been shown to influence prescribing practices, to the detriment of best-practice management and antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to understand how the penicillin AL influences antibiotic selection for gonorrhoea treatment at Canberra Sexual Health Centre. Methods A retrospective chart audit of gonorrhoea cases treated at Canberra Sexual Health Centre between January 2020 and October 2023 (n =619 patients, n =728 cases). Antibiotic selection was assessed according to penicillin AL status. Ceftriaxone selection was assessed according to penicillin allergy severity reported in the medical records and as determined using a validated antibiotic allergy assessment tool. Results Cases with a penicillin AL were more likely to receive antibiotics other than ceftriaxone (n =7/41, 17.1%) than cases without the label (n =8/687, 1.2%, P n =28/41, 68.3%) to apply the assessment tool. Those reported as low-severity in the records were more likely to receive ceftriaxone (n =21/22, 95.5%) than those reported as moderate-high (n =7/11, 63.6%) or unreported (n =6/8, 0.75%). Conclusions Treatment of gonorrhoea in outpatient settings requires an understanding of penicillin allergy, and the ability to quickly and accurately identify penicillin-AL patients who can safely tolerate ceftriaxone. Institutionally endorsed penicillin allergy de-labelling protocols and access to easy-to-navigate prescribing advice within national sexually transmitted infection management guidelines would support this.

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Article Details

Title:
First-line treatment with ceftriaxone for infection less likely to be prescribed to patients with a penicillin allergy label: a retrospective audit of medical records.

Author(s):
Durban E; English K; Evans R; Martin S

Summary:
Doctors in Australia are seeing more gonorrhea cases that are hard to treat due to some people being labeled allergic to penicillin. The study found that people with a penicillin allergy label often get different medicine than those without, and understanding these allergies better might help doctors choose the right treatment. This could mean having clear advice and tools for checking allergies so more people can get the best medicine.

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pubmed id: 39008622 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

Decision-making on childbearing and safer conception use in HIV sero-different couples involves an intricate balance of individual desires and perceived HIV acquisition risk. This paper addresses an important knowledge gap regarding HIV sero-different couples' considerations and the relationship and power dynamics involved when deciding to use a safer conception method. Between February and June 2019, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews among 14 men and 17 women, representing 17 couples, who exited the SAFER study - a pilot study assessing the feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of a safer conception programme for HIV sero-different couples in Zimbabwe. All couples in SAFER were provided with a choice of safer conception methods and were followed for up to 12 months of pregnancy attempts and 3 months following pregnancy. While couples generally perceived their safer conception discussions to be easy and consensus-driven, the decision-making process also involved complex gender dynamics and trade-offs in relationship power, which resulted in differing interpretations of what constituted a joint or shared couple decision. Participants regarded effective couple communication as an essential component of and precursor to good safer conception conversations and requested additional training in couple communication. Couples relied on information from healthcare providers to kickstart their safer conception discussions. Safer conception programmes should address relationship power imbalances, promote effective couple communication and offer healthcare provider support to enable HIV sero-different couples to make informed choices about conception in a manner that upholds their safety and reproductive autonomy.

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Article Details

Title:
"". A qualitative study on safer conception decision-making among HIV sero-different couples in Zimbabwe.

Author(s):
Gitome S; Musara P; Chitukuta M; Mhlanga F; Mateveke B; Chirenda T; Mgodi N; Mutero P; Matubu A; Chareka G; Chasakara C; Murombedzi C; Makurumure T; Smith-Hughes C; Bukusi E; Cohen CR; Shiboski S; Darbes L; Rutherford GW; Chirenje ZM; Brown JM

Summary:
This research looked at how couples with one partner having HIV decide on having a baby safely. Couples said talking about safer ways to have a baby was important, but it could be tricky because of power differences in relationships. They wanted help from doctors and better ways to talk with each other.

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pubmed id: 39007699 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between sexuality education in U.S. public schools and women's pornography use. Utilizing quantitative methods, we examined a sample of women attending U.S. public schools who reported regular pornography use. Results revealed that, regardless of the type of sexuality education received, women exhibited similar rates of pornography use, with 60% reporting its use. A substantial portion (69%) of the women began using pornography during childhood or adolescence. Women who received abstinence only sexuality education reported higher frequencies of pornography use compared to their comprehensive sexuality education counterparts. About 79% of women using pornography perceived it as a source of sexuality learning, especially regarding sexual pleasure. However, they expressed reluctance in using pornography for sexual education and did not consider it a preferred method for learning about sexuality. The findings suggest the need for comprehensive sexuality education that addresses essential topics, such as sexual pleasure and sexual script development, to cater to women's diverse learning needs, ideally taught by parents or primary caregivers, but may be necessary for public education in the absence of parental instruction. Policymakers and educators should bridge these gaps to develop more effective sexuality education curricula. This study contributes valuable insights, highlighting the importance of an inclusive approach to sexuality education in U.S. public schools. Future research should explore the implications of different sexuality education approaches on women's sexual development and well-being, emphasizing comprehensive education to foster healthy sexual behaviors among women.

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Article Details

Title:
Women's Pornography Use Patterns and Sexuality Education in U.S. Public Schools.

Author(s):
Fraumeni-McBride J; Willoughby BJ

Summary:
The study looked at how sexuality education in U.S. schools affects women's use of pornography. It found that many women use pornography, especially those who had abstinence-only education, and they often start young. The study suggests schools should teach more about sexual topics like pleasure to help women learn healthily.

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pubmed id: 38997575 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

A 45-year-old woman on treatment for HIV infection with highly active antiretroviral therapy for the past 10 years presented to us with a history of Raynaud's phenomenon and hyperpigmentation of the skin for 2 years. She was diagnosed to have pulmonary arterial hypertension 8 months ago. On examination, she had salt-and-pepper pigmentation and sclerodactyly. Her biochemical workup was normal. She had positive antinuclear antibody by indirect immunofluorescence method. Skin biopsy was consistent with systemic sclerosis. HIV has its own musculoskeletal manifestations. The paradox of autoimmunity in the background of immunodeficiency was intriguing. Treating autoimmunity in the presence of immunodeficiency was challenging. The attribution and differentiation of pulmonary hypertension were difficult. There has been a homology identified between human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV 1) and centromere B protein (CENP B). This case is reported because of the unusual occurrence of systemic sclerosis in an HIV patient.

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Article Details

Title:
An unusual duo: Immunodeficiency disorder and scleroderma.

Author(s):
Ramadoss I; ArulRajamurugan P; Varadhan MS; Ramamoorthy R; Priya SV

Summary:
A woman with HIV got a new disease called systemic sclerosis, which is rare for someone with HIV. She had some skin changes and other symptoms, and it was tricky for doctors to treat these problems. This case was special because it showed a link between HIV and a new disease that affects the immune system.

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pubmed id: 38989079 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

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Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate whether differences exist between younger and older presenting adolescents at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria regarding psychological functioning and autistic traits. A total of 1487 consecutively assessed adolescents between 2000 and 2018 were divided in younger presenters (age ≤ 13.9 years) and older presenters (age ≥ 14 years). Of younger presenters, 227 (41.1%) were assigned male at birth and 325 (58.9%) assigned female at birth. In older presenters, 279 (29.8%) were assigned male at birth and 656 (70.2%) assigned female at birth. Behavioral and emotional problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). For autism traits, the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was used. Compared to younger presenters, on both the CBCL and YSR older presenters had higher Total Problem (β = 1.75, p = .005, CI 0.53-2.97, R = .04 and β = 4.20, p < .001, CI 2.99-5.40, R = .07, respectively) and Internalizing Problem (β = 4.43, p < .001, CI 3.13-5.74, R = .06 and β = 6.69, p < .001, CI 5.31-8.07, R = .12, respectively) scores. Regarding autistic traits, a higher mean SRS total score was found in older presenting assigned males at birth (β = 4.55, p = .036, CI 0.30-8.81, R = .34). In assigned females at birth, no statistically significant difference between older and younger presenters was found in mean SRS total score (β = 1.19, p = .063, CI - 0.07 to 2.45, R = .39). Differences in mental health exist between younger and older presenting adolescents and call for an individualized approach in the clinical care of transgender adolescents.

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Article Details

Title:
Mental Health Evaluation of Younger and Older Adolescents Referred to the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Author(s):
de Rooy FBB; Arnoldussen M; van der Miesen AIR; Steensma TD; Kreukels BPC; Popma A; de Vries ALC

Summary:
The study looked at younger and older teenagers with gender dysphoria to see if there were differences in how they felt and acted. They found that older kids had more problems reported on tests for behavior and emotions. Boys assigned at birth had more autism traits when they were older, but there wasn't a big change in girls.

Meta:
pubmed id: 38980647 Indexed on February 9th, 2025

Sexual Health Article Feed

February 9th, 2025

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