THE ESSENTIAL
- 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 asked STI was chlamydia.
SIS ASSOCIATION has summarized the concerns that the majority of French women encounter regarding their sexual health.
“SIS ASSOCIATION is historically committed alongside women in the fight against all forms of discrimination. Our helplines offer them a space to speak and listen without judgment”, indicates the institution in a press release. “We propose to highlight the difficulties encountered by callers on our various devices”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 devices,” specifies 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 4 main themes discussed during these discussions, that of transmission risks remains the first for all of the 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. They are particularly trying to determine if they need to get tested”, indicates Arame Mbodje.
All age groups combined, when a context of risk 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. Requests concerning screening are, for example, placed second in the ranking of themes among women under 25 for the year 2023, while among those over 25, it is the psychological and relational aspects which will occupy the top spot. second place.
Sexual health of French women: “the most questioned STI is chlamydia”
The authors of the survey also noted a lack of knowledge about sexual health among younger people, making them more vulnerable to STIs. The most frequently asked STI is chlamydia (37%), although HPV predominates among 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 non-profit organization.
“Moreover, difficulties in using 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.
– A website: www.sexualites-info-sante.fr.
– A LiveChat service (available from the website).
– An email response service (available from the website).
