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From June 5 to 9, the week of sexual health remains as every year, the opportunity to raise awareness about contraception or the prevention of STIs. The National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology recalls that the work of information must continue.
Organized from June 5 to 9, the week of sexual health organized by Public Health France makes it possible to return regularly to the inventory of fixtures of all that affects our sexual health, including in particular questions of contraception, screening for STIs and prevention. On this occasion, the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology intends to recall that the presence in the field and the consideration of the different aspects of sexuality is a theme to be undertaken again and again, especially with the younger generations.
Contraception: women shun hormonal solutions, men need to be better informed
If the pill remains the most used contraceptive method in France, since 2021-2013 there has been a disaffection among women for hormonal contraception following a controversy over new generation pills. Result ? Santé Publique France points out that despite high contraceptive coverage, one in three pregnancies is unplanned and 64% of them result in voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG). Emergency contraception also remains underused. There is in fact a lack of information on contraception, which can take the form of intrauterine devices or intrauterine devices, diaphragms, spermicides, cervical caps, condoms and natural methods. On the men’s side too, they seem underinformed about so-called “thermal” male contraception, which consists of slightly increasing the temperature of the testicles. As for definitive solutions, they remain taboo for many men.
For Dr Elisabeth Paganelli, medical gynecologist and member of the Syndicate of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of France (Syngof), awareness is especially useful at a time when social networks convey false information: “We are faced with a lack of interest in hormones, while contraceptives, except the copper IUD, are hormones. As for the vasectomy, it is difficult to convince. Our job is to reassure and raise awareness of the different methods of contraception, to find a solution that does not scare.
STI: recall the means put in place
Prevention, screening, vaccination… Faced with STIs, health is on the move and offers solutions to better monitor your sex life. Unfortunately, the messages do not always reach their target. Several preventive actions deserve greater communication:
- Concerning the prevention of STIs, the vaccination of young women and young men is possible from the age of 11 against diseases induced by HPV viruses (Human Papilloma Virus). This vaccination, which can be carried out by the gynecologist, the midwife or the attending physician with the agreement of both parents;
- Condoms (male or female) are then the means of protection against STIs. Since 1er January 2023, they are delivered free of charge and without a prescription in pharmacies to young people under 26;
- In the event of unprotected sex, screening for HIV and STIs allows a reduction in the risk of transmission, early diagnosis and better medical care;
- HIV testing is also free and can be done without a prescription;
- Screening for STIs can be prescribed by a general practitioner, a gynecologist or a midwife;
- Screening for chlamydia trachomatis can be done by vaginal swab during the consultation or by self-sampling.
For Dr Catherine Fohet, a committed gynecologist, prevention is a daily battle: “We know that there is an increase in STIs, a disaffection with hormonal contraception and even prevention. But we must always remember the message and do prevention, because the young people who enter into sexuality ultimately change every year. The message is never acquired. This is why it is also important to publicize these efforts, because those who were not concerned become involved, and the next ones will follow”.
Consent and the first time: young girls in danger
Finally, this week of sexual health is also an opportunity to raise awareness among young women and those around them of the risks run especially by the fairer sex. Terpan Prévention thus reports alarming figures, which invite us to invest even better in the subject of consent:
- 20% of girls report having had a 1time times without consent;
- 45% of young girls say they have experienced one or more non-consensual intercourse, i.e. one in two young girls;
- 42% say that neither partner had a condom the first time they had sex. And yet, more than 93% confirm that they are well informed and aware of sexually transmitted infections.
Slide: Contraception: the most common mistakes