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Since the introduction of dating and hook-up apps, these social and sexual networking sites have been a familiar feature of young people’s lives, creating new opportunities for connection, interaction and communication; and giving rise to new risks as well as practices of self-care. However, a great deal remains to be learnt about users’ consumption and patterns of use, in order to inform Australian sexual health and relationship organisations’ education and health promotion delivery in relation to the app environment.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are very effective in preventing pregnancy but they require a health professional trained in IUD insertion to carry out the insertion procedure. Intrauterine devices are most commonly inserted by physicians in Australia. However, registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners in other countries have increasingly been inserting IUDs, which reduces the need for physician availability to provide this service.

A secondary data analysis was undertaken of the 45 and Up Study data to investigate 1) the prescribing practices of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) among men, and 2) the prevalence of urinary leakage among women. The 45 and Up Study is an ongoing cohort study of healthy ageing in New South Wales, Australia, conducted by the Sax Institute. Further information about the study is described here: https://www.saxinstitute.org.au/our-work/45-up-study/.  

Family Planning NSW, with Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, is implementing a pilot study which aims to address the relatively high cervical cancer incidence and mortality amongst Aboriginal women, through utilising a combined screening approach with same-day treatment (if indicated and requested). A ‘same-day’ approach may benefit women who may otherwise be lost to follow up.

An evaluation is being undertaken by the University of Newcastle to explore the acceptability of this approach for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women and the relevant health workforce.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are highly effective in preventing pregnancy; however, uptake remains relatively low in Australia.

A cost-benefit analysis was undertaken to assess the impact of two scenarios for Australian women (over five years), with economic modelling based on the latest published contraception rates and discontinuation rates.

Scenario 1: Switching from an oral contraceptive pill to a LARC.

Scenario 2: Initiating the use of a LARC for women not currently using any form of contraception.

In 2013, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre, Family Planning NSW and Domestic Violence NSW (formerly NSW Women’s Refuge Movement) commenced a NSW Cancer Institute-funded health promotion project based within supported accommodation services.

The aim of the project was to increase cervical cancer screening rates for women experiencing socio economic disadvantage, who were homeless and living in supported accommodation or accessing support services within SLHD.