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What are the main sexual health problems encountered by French women? The French association Sexualité Ifo Santé carried out the survey.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), screening, contraception… When it comes to sexual health, there are many concerns. These issues concern – and worry – many French women.
Screening and sexual violence
In 2023, 18,926 women aged on average between 25 and 39 years old contacted the lines of Sexualité Info Santé – SIS Association, an actor in the social and solidarity economy acting to promote sexual health. Among the four main themes discussed during these discussions, the risks of transmission of STIs appeared to be the callers’ primary concern.
“In 2023, the vast majority of callers contacted us after taking a risk (most often not wearing a condom). These women are often lost and don’t know who to turn to. In particular, they seek to determine whether they need to be tested“, reveals Arame Mbodje, director of SIS ASSOCIATION.
Furthermore, when risky situations were mentioned, 51% of screening requests concerned sexual violence (all age groups combined), the association adds.
Interesting fact: age strongly influenced the concerns of French women. Questions concerning screening, for example, come in second place in the ranking of topics discussed among women under 25, while among those over 25, they are “psychological and relational aspects” who took second place.
Chlamydia, an STI that worries young people
On the subject of diseases, chlamydia – a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis – was the most frequently cited, despite the fact that human papillomavirus (HPV) predominates in those over 25).
“This reality heard on the SIS lines corroborates that observed by Public Health France concerning the increase in chlamydia infection in our territory“, analyze the members of the association.
This resurgence is partly explained by the lack of knowledge among young people regarding sexual health.
Finally, the teams have “Difficulties in using contraception noted among women under 25“, they continue.
A phenomenon, which can be attributed to the lack of sex education at school or at home, to taboos around sexuality and contraception in certain communities (some young women may fear being stigmatized if they seek to obtain contraceptives) or even everyday obstacles, such as limited access to certain health services (shortage of gynecologists in certain territories, etc.).
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