From June 3 to 9, 2024, National Sexual Health Week is being held. The objective: to talk openly about sexuality, among young people, those not so young and within couples.
The sexologist doctor, Damien Mascret, reminds us that today, “more than ever, the notion of communication within the couple is developing for the benefit of a more direct exchange on tastes and desires in terms of sexual practices”.
What is sexual health? There is a simple definition, according to the WHO: it is “a state of physical, emotional, mental well-being, associated with sexuality”. It is therefore a global approach to sexuality, which goes well beyond health aspects and thus involves questions of respect for oneself and others, pleasure and/or procreation.
The advent of “positive sexuality”, the sexologist’s opinion
“Among young people, strongly imbued with porn scripts, the discovery of different practices is now happening at an accelerated pace.points out Dr Mascret, but we should not believe that highlighting the importance of consent has resolved the tension between ‘sex’ and ‘romantic feelings’. Fortunately, young people, especially girls, now have a lot of content that develops positive sexuality, without injunctions, based on consent and goodwill..”
More than ever, “the notion of communication within the couple is developing for the benefit of a more direct exchange on tastes and desires in terms of sexual practiceshe analyzes. Studies show that couples who have lived together for more than ten years and who communicate a lot and easily about their sexuality between partners also have happier lives..”
Furthermore, many seniors are now more demanding about the quality of their sex life, while being more indulgent with themselves. So, “the ‘performance’ model of sexuality is moving away, assures the sexologist. The desire for experimentation (sex toys, porn, lingerie, experimentation with BDSM for Bondage-Domination/Submission-Sado-Masochism, sex with others, realization of fantasies, etc.) is not enough.” We must also identify the points of friction in the cycle of desire. Talking about it with a sexologist is always interesting.
“For everyonehe advises, the discovery of sexuality without penetration is often the opportunity for a true renewal of sexuality.”
Talk, learn about sexual health
Over the last decade, we have made great progress in terms of risk prevention and information and dialogue tools. The Public Health France institutional website QuestionSexualite.fr provides precise and reliable information on all topics related to sexual health.
Because good sexual health involves a respectful approach to sexuality in the absence of discrimination and violence, as well as access to means of contraception and STI screening, the Ministry of Health and Prevention has also created a series of measures for the general public, and particularly for the youngest. Here are the ones.
Contraception, long sexual health consultation and condoms… 100% covered for those under 26
– Since January 1, 2022, all contraception ways reimbursed by Health Insurance are 100% covered for young women under 26 years of age (1st or 2nd generation hormonal pills, hormonal contraceptive implant, intrauterine device, doctor or midwife consultations, examinations or medical procedures related to contraception). This represents almost 3 million people.
– There long sexual health consultation is covered 100% with no advance costs. All people under 26 are affected.
Find a sexual health center (formerly family planning and education centers – CPEF) near you: here.
– There emergency contraception is available without age limit. It is available in pharmacies without a prescription and 100% covered by Health Insurance (since January 1, 2023). Everything you need to know about emergency contraception: here.
– THE condoms, it is without a prescription, 100% covered by Health Insurance for those under 26 years old. Already 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 refundable (compared to 2 in June 2023).
To find out more: “Access to contraception without advance cost for those under 26” on the Ameli Health Insurance website.
– THE HIV testing is now available without a prescription directly in the medical biology laboratory and 100% covered. Other STIs are expected to follow.
