Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), screening, contraception… Here are the main concerns of French women regarding their sexual health.
- In 2023, 18,926 women contacted the SIS Association lines.
- Their main concern was the risk of transmission of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
- The most commonly questioned STI was chlamydia.
SIS ASSOCIATION summarized the concerns that most French women encounter regarding their sexual health.
“SIS ASSOCIATION has historically been committed to working alongside women in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Our helplines offer them a space to speak and listen without judgment,” the institution said in a press release. “We propose to highlight the difficulties encountered by callers on our various systems”she adds.
“Nearly fifty listeners are present to support and accompany people in difficulty and often in distress. We provide personalized information, decision-making assistance and guidance towards medical, paramedical or associative services,” explains Dr Arame Mbodje, director of SIS ASSOCIATION.
Sexual health: what is the main concern of French women?
In 2023, 18,926 women contacted the SIS Association lines, the most represented age group being 25-39 years old.
Of the four main themes discussed during these discussions, the risk of transmission remains the first for all callers. “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 do not know who to contact. In particular, they are trying to determine whether they need to be tested,” says Arame Mbodje.
Across all age groups, when a risk context is mentioned, 51% of screening requests relate to situations of sexual violence.
We also observe a different distribution for the other themes when the callers are under 25 years old and when they are over 25 years old. For example, requests concerning screening are ranked second in the ranking of themes for women under 25 in 2023, while for those over 25, psychological and relational aspects will occupy second place.
Sexual health of French women: “the most questioned STI is chlamydia”
The authors of the survey also note a lack of knowledge about sexual health among the youngest, making them more vulnerable to STIs. The most frequently questioned STI is chlamydia (37%), although HPV is the most prevalent among those over 25. “This reality heard on the SIS lines corroborates that observed by Public Health France regarding the increase in chlamydia infection in our territory”analyze members of the non-profit organization.
“Furthermore, difficulties in adopting contraception have been noted among women under 25,” they continue.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, SIS ASSOCIATION offers a remote support relationship using free, anonymous and confidential telephone and internet services:
– a telephone line: 0 800 006 907.
– An Internet site : www.sexualites-info-sante.fr.
– A LiveChat service (available from the website).
– An email response service (available from the website).