Contraception, HIV screening, long consultation… For several years, actions aimed at better managing the sexual health of the French have multiplied.
- Right now, from June 5 to 9, 2024, the third edition of Sexual Health Week is taking place.
- “Coordinated at the national level by the Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity, Public Health France and the ARS, this communication campaign aims to strengthen prevention around 4 priority subjects”, indicates the General Directorate of Health (DGS) in a press release.
- It is also an opportunity to take stock of the initiatives recently developed in our territory in order to better support the sexual health of the French.
While the third edition of Sexual Health Week is currently taking place until June 9, it is clear that in three years, many positive things have been put in place in France to improve this problem.
What are the objectives of Sexual Health Week?
“Coordinated at the national level by the Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity, Public Health France and the ARS, this communication campaign aims to strengthen prevention around 4 priority subjects”, noted the General Directorate of Health (DGS) in a press release.
4 areas are thus highlighted in this year 2024: the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, consent and sexual dysfunctions (libido disorders, pain, erection problems, etc.).
Sexual health of the French: 6 major developments
As a reminder, here are the six major developments that have affected the sexual health of the French over the last three years.
1/ Contraception
Since January 1, 2022, all methods of contraception reimbursed by Health Insurance are 100% covered for young women under 26, which represents approximately 3 million people. We are talking here about 1st or 2nd generation hormonal pills, hormonal contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices. Doctor or midwife consultations, examinations and medical procedures related to contraception are also reimbursed for young French women who wish to use them.
2/ The “long sexual health consultation”
Accessibility to prevention has also been improved thanks to 100% coverage without advance payment of the “long sexual health consultation” open to all persons under 26 years of age.
3/ Emergency contraception
Since January 1, 2023, emergency contraception has been available in pharmacies without a prescription and is 100% covered by Health Insurance, with no age limit.
4/ Condoms
Condoms are now available without a prescription in pharmacies and are 100% covered by Health Insurance for those under 26. More than 19 million condoms have been reimbursed for this age group since the system was implemented on January 1, 2023. Eight brands are now reimbursable (compared to 2 in June last year), including 3 types of condoms for internal use.
5/ HIV screening
HIV testing is now available without a prescription directly in a medical biology laboratory and is 100% covered. “Work to finalize the extension of this system to other ISTs is currently being finalized, allowing its launch soon”indicates the General Directorate of Health.
6/ The website QuestionSexualite.fr
Finally, the website QuestionSexualite.fr now provides the general public with precise information on all topics related to sexual health.
