As the UK faces extraordinary political uncertainty, much of the world faces austerity, and sexual health services are squeezed in many places, much of the new evidence in this journal issue relates to resources, and relationships. Wherever cost is a high priority in sexual health, it is unsurprising to find a focus on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) – a group of methods with high cost-effectiveness, but also questions over acceptability and suitability in certain groups. One trial in HIV-infected individuals in this issue addresses the vexed question of whether LARC may increase HIV transmission, while other studies reassure us that missing intrauterine device (IUD) strings following postpartum insertion may reappear in due course, and confirm clear health benefits for disadvantaged women from free intrauterine system (IUS) access. Finally, both a subjective account and objective evidence remind us, if we needed it, of the power of strong, effective clinical relationships in delivering healthcare which is both acceptable and effective.