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This paper describes the strategies used by Aboriginal young people to build positive relationships and sexual wellbeing. It does so to counter the risk-focussed narratives present in much existing research and to showcase the resourcefulness of Aboriginal young people. We used peer-interview methods to collect qualitative data from 52 Aboriginal young people living in western Sydney, Australia. Participants reported a strong desire to stay safe and healthy in their sexual relationships and to achieve this they relied heavily on oral communication and yarning strategies. Participants viewed communication as a way to gain or give advice (about bodies, infections, pregnancy, relationships); to assess the acceptability and safety of potential partners; to negotiate consent with partners; to build positive relationships; and to get themselves out of unhealthy relationships. Participants also discussed 'self-talk' as a strategy for building sexual wellbeing, referring to narratives of self-respect and pride in culture as important in establishing Aboriginal young people's positive views of self and as deserving of respectful and safe sexual relationships. These findings suggest that future programmes and interventions based on yarning could be well-regarded, given it is a cultural form of pedagogy and a strategy Aboriginal young people already use to build positive relationships and identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pubic hair grooming (hair removal) has been linked to body image and sexual behaviour and, given the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on access to sexual partners and beauty salons, we explored these associations. Data derive from a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were aged 18 years or over and in Australia. All genders were included. We explored factors associated with changes to hair removal using logistic regression and analysed free-text responses using content analysis. Of 256 participants, 89 (34.8%) had changed their grooming practices. Multivariable analysis found that female participants had 4.5 times increased odds of changed grooming (95%CI 1.8, 11.0; p = 0.001) compared with males. Individuals who reported 'more' or 'less' oral sex compared with the previous year were more likely to report increased odds of changed grooming (AOR 3.2; 95%CI: 1.4, 7.7; p = 0.009 and AOR: 3.3; 95%CI:1.6, 6.7; p = 0.001, respectively). Most who changed their grooming practices said it had reduced, attributing this to lack of partners, inability to access beauticians, and the mental health effects of the pandemic. For most, this change had no impact on sexual behaviour or body image; however, some spoke of reduced sexual desire and willingness to receive oral sex. Partner expectations influenced whether reduced grooming had negative consequences, and women were more affected than men, highlighting a gendered impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rates of oral contraceptive pill use have declined over the past decade in Australia. While some women use highly effective methods, others rely on less effective methods such as condoms, withdrawal and fertility awareness. We aimed to understand motivations for relying on these methods among young women in Australia. Women aged 18–23 years who reported using less effective methods and participated in the Contraceptive Use, Pregnancy Intention and Decisions (CUPID) study formed the sample for this analysis. Using thematic analysis, we analysed 140 free-text comments. Findings suggest that less effective methods were used when they were assessed as being best suited to current reproductive needs. These methods were perceived as offering benefits that hormonal and more invasive methods did not, and participants were largely satisfied with them. By contrast, some less effective method use was driven by a lack of choice or alternative options, previous bad experiences with hormonal methods, a lack of appropriate information about alternatives and difficulty accessing other methods. It is therefore essential to move beyond 'LARC-first' contraceptive counselling approaches to ensure young women are provided with accurate information regarding all contraceptive options available (including how to negotiate their use) and how to use them to their greatest efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trans and gender diverse people are globally recognised as being under-served in clinical services, with significant implications for their health. During a national reorientation of the Australian cervical screening programme – from Papanicolaou smears to human papillomavirus screening – we conducted interviews with 12 key informants in cancer policy, sexual and reproductive health and trans health advocacy to understand how trans people's needs and experiences were being accounted for and addressed in health policy and practice. Themes captured the complexities of increasing visibility for trans people, including men and non-binary people with a cervix. These complexities reflect the extensive system and cultural change required in asking policymakers and practitioners to think differently about who is at risk of a disease typically associated with cisgender women. Informants drew on the language of trauma to explain the resistance many trans people feel when engaging with clinical services, particularly relating to sexual and reproductive health. In doing so, they argued for increasing resources and processes to elicit trans people's willingness to put their trust in such services. Thinking critically about the relationship between the politics of trans visibilities, trauma and trust can support effective and inclusive approaches to transgender health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive coercion and abuse is defined as behaviour that deliberately interferes with a person's reproductive autonomy. It is typically perpetrated by men against women in a context of fear and control and includes forcing a woman to become pregnant or to terminate a pregnancy. There is a dearth of qualitative research investigating experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse, particularly for women from minority ethnic backgrounds. In this study, we address this gap through qualitative analysis of data from six focus groups with service providers in Australia. Three main themes were developed: 1) exploiting structural inequalities; 2) women as reproductive property; and 3) pregnancy as a form of control. Findings confirm the complex interplay between reproductive coercion and abuse, intimate partner and sexual violence, and suggest that community attitudes towards women's role in sex and reproduction and structural risk factors may complicate this nexus even further for minority ethnic women. It is important for service providers supporting minority ethnic women – particularly in antenatal and abortion care – to be aware of reproductive coercion and abuse. Similarly, policies concerning access to financial support for minority ethnic women should acknowledge the critical role this could play in facilitating or preventing abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this qualitative study, 28 young adults (18-29-year-olds) living in Sydney define 'safe sex', report on their experiences of sex education, and reflect on the relationship between the sex education received in school and the reality of sexual activity. Participants had a broadly neoliberal understanding of health and risk as something individuals should manage through an ideal of rational decision-making. Yet regardless of how comprehensive or limited their sex education experiences, most noted a wide gulf between safe sex as taught in the classroom and the reality of actual sexual encounters, arguing that sexual decision-making was rarely rational, and shaped by age and experience, drug use, sexual desire, and complicated interpersonal dynamics. Sex education that aims to empower by presenting individuals as sole decision-makers when it comes to prophylactic use fails to acknowledge the social contexts of sex described by participants. Significantly, young people defined 'safe sex' not only in biomedical terms such as disease transmission and pregnancy, but also in terms of the social and psychological consequences of sexual encounters, with an emphasis on consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young women in Australia disproportionately experience unintended pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). As the promotion of highly effective pregnancy prevention methods such as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) increases, concurrent use of condoms with LARC remains optimal for pregnancy and STI prevention. There is little data exploring condom use behaviour in young Australian women using LARC. In this qualitative study we interviewed twenty women using LARC about their experiences of making decisions regarding condom use. We used inductive thematic analysis to identify factors influencing participant decision-making. We found that while LARC had an impact on condom use and sexual practices, decisions regarding condom use were influenced by multiple factors including mood, menstrual changes related to LARC, and relationship dynamics. Participants' views of 'safe sex' extended beyond pregnancy and STI protection, to include desired outcomes such as pleasure, consent and communication. Access to STI testing and treatment was key to how participants managed STI risk. Findings highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to safer sex health promotion, and the importance of ensuring STI testing and treatment services continue to be available and accessible to all young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older lesbian and gay people are increasingly open about their sexuality but have also experienced a lifetime of discrimination. These groups have experienced a long history of changes to lesbian and gay rights, and many were also at the forefront of activist movements during the latter half of the 20th century. A deeper knowledge is needed of the life experiences of these groups, including how they view their lives in relation to younger lesbian and gay people. This would assist agencies working with older lesbian and gay people, such as health and support services, to provide more informed engagement, support, understanding, and culturally safe services. Drawing on 33 qualitative interviews with older (60+ years) lesbian and gay people, we explored their experiences during their younger years and their perspectives on how these experiences compare with those of younger lesbian and gay people today. Our findings note that older lesbian and gay people feel life is, in some ways, easier, and in others, still challenging for young lesbian and gay people, and they articulate a need for mutual respect across age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to explore the family planning perspectives and experiences of Afghan women and men living in Melbourne. A total of 57 Afghan women and men participated in six focus groups and 20 semi-structured interviews. The majority of participants indicated a preference for two or three children and were open to using modern contraception. However, many women described experiencing negative side effects when using hormone-based contraception and expressed difficulty negotiating condom use with their husbands as an alternative. Some women described how these difficulties resulted in inconsistent contraceptive practices and, at times, unintended pregnancy. Participants recognised that health professionals have an important role in addressing their family planning needs. This study highlights the ways in which Afghan women and men are changing in relation to their family planning beliefs and practices, and the opportunities, challenges and transcultural tensions they experience as they navigate these issues in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increases in hepatitis C (HCV) infections among gay and bisexual men have recently been reported in a number of countries, with sexual transmission being the primary route of infection. Given that in countries such as Australia most gay and bisexual men living with HIV are already engaged in clinical care - as are an increasing number of HIV-negative men - there is potential for reducing onward HCV transmission through proactive testing and treatment. This study explored knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HCV among 194 gay and bisexual men collected through an online survey in Australia. Overall, respondents had high levels of HCV knowledge; however, only 76% knew about the availability of new treatments for HCV. Men's knowledge of their own HCV testing history was uncertain, with one in six unaware if they had ever been tested. Among men who reported recent drug injecting, one-third had been injected by someone else, and two-thirds had injected someone else, indicating a subculture of cross-administering within sexualised drug-use networks. We argue that the robust sexual, socio-cultural and clinical infrastructure that has been developed by - and for - gay and bisexual men around HIV care and prevention creates the potential for reducing HCV in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) is increasingly popular. Medical organisations report concern about adverse outcomes and inadequate clinical indications. Given the Internet's role in health decisions, we aimed to discover what was being communicated about FGCS on Australian provider websites. Thematic analysis of 31 prominent websites identified six themes: seeking aesthetic perfection; resisting natural diversity; gaining from FGCS; indications for surgery; a simple procedure; and ethical practice. Desirable vulvas were represented as 'neat' and 'youthful'. Sites promoted a discourse in which to be 'feminine' means having no visible sex organs, consistent with the historical repression of women's sexuality. FGCS was constructed as a simple and empowering solution, improving women's comfort, hygiene, self-esteem and sexual relationships. The apparent primary concern was commercial. Attention was rarely paid to ethics. Sites reinforced women's responsibility to strive for aesthetic perfection, implied that vulvar diversity is pathological, made unfounded claims for the benefits of FGCS and downplayed adverse consequences. Findings have implications for public health and medical authorities in countries where FGCS is practised and advertised. Enforcing the first do no harm principle would reduce websites' capacity to promote discourses and practices that damage women's bodies and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)