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Research spotlight: Preventive HIV drugs under prescribed to young women at increased risk

Research reveals disparities in access to PrEP among young cisgender females and males, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve HIV prevention. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 visits to a Boston-based clinic, finding that only 17% of visits received PrEP for under-age females.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2026

Kinsey Institute study shows lasting impact of limited sex education on adult relationships

A Kinsey Institute study found that gaps in sex education can have lasting impacts on adult relationships, including relationship struggles, lack of confidence, and reduced quality of life. Most participants learned only a few topics in school, with many lacking information on healthy relationships, consent, and communication.

SourceKinsey Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Sexual Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 10, 2025

Sexual health gaps persist for migrant youth in Canada, despite lower rates of sexual activity

A UBC-led study found that migrant youth in Canada are less likely to be sexually active than their Canadian-born peers, with declining contraception use among those who do participate. Systemic barriers, including language barriers and stigmatization, hinder access to accurate information and services.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2025

Boys can help break taboo around periods

A new study by University College London researchers suggests that lessons on periods in British schools should be more comprehensive, covering the impact on well-being and academic performance. The study also recommends involving boys in menstruation education to promote better understanding and support for friends and future partners.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalWomen s Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 19, 2025

More than 70% of young women suffer from itching, irritation, pain, and other symptoms in the genital area

A study found that 72.5% of young Brazilian women suffer from symptoms like itching, discharge, and pain during intercourse, negatively affecting quality of life and sexual health. The research suggests that vulvovaginal symptoms are often normalized, leading to undertreatment and emphasizing the need for more intimate health education.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBrazilian Journal of Physical Therapy·DateMay 28, 2025

Feminist mothers may be compromising their own children's sex education at home

A study by the University of Surrey found that self-identified feminist mothers in England often struggle to balance their values with the need to protect their children from gendered risks. Despite advocating for open and honest communication about sexual rights, safety, and wellbeing, they may adopt protective strategies that contrad...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSex Education·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2024

Most young adults in the UK consider non-consensual condom removal during sex to be wrong and a violation of consent, with almost 9 in 10 seeing it as a form of sexual assault, per survey of 18-25-year-olds

A UK survey found that most young adults view non-consensual condom removal during sex as wrong and a violation of consent. The study, which surveyed 18-25-year-olds, also showed that nearly all participants considered it a form of sexual assault.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2024

US sexual health curriculum could force LGBTQ+ students to seek potentially inaccurate education outside of school

A new study reveals that US sexual health curricula are leaving LGBTQ+ students without essential information, leading them to seek advice from unreliable sources. Experts argue that addressing this negligence could be life-saving and urge policymakers to include LGBTQ+ content in curricula.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeSurvey·DateJun 17, 2024

Only around half of individuals disclose or believe they should reveal having an STI prior to sexual intercourse, research to-date suggests

A review of research suggests that only around half of individuals feel comfortable disclosing their STI diagnosis to a partner before engaging in sexual activity. Comprehensive sex education is needed to prevent the spread of infections and support individuals with diagnosed STIs.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 6, 2024

Consultative support to pediatric primary care providers in providing gender-affirming care

A study found that access to consultative support increases pediatric primary care provider comfort in providing gender-affirming care. Providers with fewer than 10 years of experience and those trained in pediatrics were more likely to agree that consultative support would improve their ability to provide this care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024

Teenagers need better reproductive health education to tackle parenthood fears

Two new studies by UCL researchers found that nearly half of teenagers are worried about having children due to fear, self-doubt, and lack of education on reproductive health. The studies also highlighted gaps in sex education, with many students expressing concerns about endometriosis, infertility, and the impact of lifestyle on ferti...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalHuman Fertility·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 12, 2024

Chung-Ang University study highlights barriers preventing bystander help during gender-based violence

A recent study by Chung-Ang University reveals that lack of success in previous intervention attempts and negative emotions are significant barriers hindering bystander interventions. The research highlights the need for targeted education programs to address these barriers, particularly among university students and those experiencing...

SourceChung Ang University·JournalTrauma Violence & Abuse·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2024

Sports media use linked to belief in rape myths

A recent study found that young men who regularly consume sports media are more likely to accept rape myths, even after accounting for negative masculine norms. The researchers suggest that the production of sports media around athletic events contributes to this connection, portraying men as hyper-masculine aggressors and women as tro...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateAug 7, 2023

UK's young people at risk of leaving school without vital knowledge of reproductive health, study finds

A new study found significant gaps and variations in UK schools' curricula for sexual and reproductive health, with important topics like endometriosis and miscarriage missing. The research suggests better education is crucial for young people to understand their reproductive systems and make informed decisions about their lives.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Fertility·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2023

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Study finds sex education tool improves reproductive health knowledge among adolescent girls

A Marshall University study found that a virtual sex education tool improved reproductive health knowledge scores and measures of self-efficacy among adolescent girls. The online curriculum, www.marshallteentalk.org, was designed to provide accurate and accessible reproductive health information.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalSex Education·TypeSurvey·DateMay 30, 2023

Researchers find comprehensive sex education reduces homophobia, transphobia

A randomized controlled trial of High School FLASH, an LGBTQIA+ inclusive evidence-based sex education curriculum, found that the program reduced homophobic and transphobic beliefs among both LGBTQ and straight/cisgender students. The study also showed improved feelings of safety and connection to peers among LGBTQ students.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalPrevention Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2023

Uncovering sexual health topics for parents to address with their adolescent-aged GBQ male children

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that parents' early developmental discussions are critical for GBQ adolescent males' sexual health. The study suggests age-appropriate and inclusive conversations at home throughout adolescence, even in elementary school. This approach can reduce vulnerability to p...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 7, 2023

Children and young people need lessons in building strong relationships to counteract negative role models and “Disneyfied” portrayals of love, experts say

A new study suggests that schools should incorporate relationship education to promote good health and wellbeing. Experts argue that children need to learn how to build and sustain strong partnerships, managing expectations and conflict, to prevent public health problems such as alcohol misuse and poor mental health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

How can sex education training videos be more inclusive?

A new video training platform, SkillFlix for Educators, aims to improve educators' skills in facilitating inclusive sexuality education. The platform uses professional actors and film crew to simulate a classroom environment, incorporating LGBTQIA2S+ experts and actors into the production process.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2022

Do say gay: Understanding the significance of inclusive sexuality discussions between parent and son

A new study led by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing researchers found that inclusive parent-child sex conversations can reduce internalized stigma and promote support among adolescents. The study also underscores the significance of these conversations for heterosexual children, who can become allies to LGBTQ peers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Pediatric Health Care·DateSep 7, 2022

Federally funded sex education programs linked to decline in teen birth rates, new study shows

A new study finds that federally funded comprehensive sex education programs led to a significant decline in teenage pregnancy rates, with an average reduction of over 3 percent. The research analyzed data from 55 counties that received funding and compared them to over 2,800 unfunded counties.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Better education needed about oral sex disease risk, poll of young people shows

A new poll shows that most teens and young adults know it's possible to catch or spread a sexually transmitted infection by having unprotected oral sex, but over half underestimate the level of that risk. Young people also call for more education about the risks of oral sex and normalization of protection through popular culture.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2022

Netflix’s Sex Education lives up to its name – and challenges perceptions about teens and porn

The study analyzes how Sex Education fills the gap in sex education for teenagers, offering a more nuanced understanding of their needs. The show represents sex education as a conversation between teens, parents, and experts, challenging traditional gatekeeper ideas about adult protection.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInformation Communication & Society·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 11, 2021