what has changed, between practices, partners and new trends

A survey carried out by Inserm, ANRS and Santé publique France today paints a portrait of the sexuality of the French. In total, 21,259 people aged 15 to 89 living in mainland France participated in this research. 10,259 people living overseas were also interviewed, but the results have not yet been used. Since the last survey of this type dating from 2006, we have noted developments and transformations in our habits in bed.

First report later and drop in activity, but the French are more satisfied

The social map of the sexual habits of the French has evolved, starting with the discovery of sexuality which, after having declined significantly, is becoming later. In 2023, the median age of first sexual intercourse was 18.2 years for women and 17.7 years for men. In the 2000s, it was close to 17.5 years for both sexes.

Furthermore, sexual activity over the past 12 months and frequency of intercourse over the past 4 weeks decreased over time for both men and women at all ages. The satisfaction of the French is improving, however, after a decline in the early 2000s: in 2023, 45.3% of women and 39.0% of men say they “very satisfied” of their current sex life.

In terms of the number of partners, the gap between men and women remains significant. On average, women report having 7.9 sexual partners during their lifetime, while men have 16.4 on average. How to explain this difference? “LThe definition of “sexual partner” is not always similar for men and women, which may explain this discrepancy.», indicated during a press conference Nathalie Bajos, sociologist at Inserm, adding with a smile that men probably tended to declare all of their partners, when women only cited those who had really counted .

The number of women reporting having masturbated has increased significantly, from 42.4% in 1992 to 72.9% today. This increase is much more marked than among men.

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Diversification of sexual orientations and evolution of gender identities

This survey reveals a diversification of sexual practices, with a more frequent declaration of attraction to a person of the same sex compared to previous surveys. These trends are even more pronounced among 18-29 year olds, with 32.3% of women and 13.8% of men reporting having felt attraction to someone of the same sex at least once. At the same time, one in 1000 people say they have taken steps to change their gender.

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Transformation of sexuality in the digital age

Digital technology encourages an adaptation of sexuality, which is now shaped in these virtual spaces. In 2023, 33% of women and 46.6% of men say they have had a sexual experience online (which is not just using a dating site, but meeting a sexual partner thanks to an online application and/or the exchange of intimate images or videos). Here again, these practices are much more common among 18-29 year olds.

Prevention in sexual health remains essential

Between the early 1960s and the mid-2000s, there was a sharp increase in the use of contraception at first sexual intercourse. However, rates drop between 2006 and 2023, with men and women appearing less strict about wearing condoms at first intercourse.

Vaccination coverage against sexually transmitted diseases remains insufficient in 2023, with only 63.5% of women and 52.9% of men aged 15-29 vaccinated against hepatitis B. In this same age group, half of women and 20.2% of men appear to have been vaccinated against the papillomavirus. The rate of sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia, remains comparable to 2006 figures, with 2.2% of women affected and 1.9% of men. Concerning unwanted pregnancies, they will increase in 2023. Voluntary terminations of pregnancy (abortions) are also increasing, going from 13.9 abortions per 1000 women in 2016 to 16.8 per 1000 women in 2023.

In terms of contraception, this survey reveals several developments. The pill seems to be gradually being left aside, with 26.8% users in 2023 compared to 56.4% in 2000. The IUD, made of copper and hormonal, is becoming the first method of contraception used in women aged 18 to 49. .

Increasing reporting of sexual violence

In 2006, 15.9% of women aged 18 to 69 declared having experienced forced sex or an attempted forced sex. In 2023, this rate doubles, reaching 36.8%. We also note an increase in this declaration among men, with 12.4% indicating having suffered sexual violence. This development is probably due to a better ability to identify and qualify acts of sexual violence. Acts once perceived as “normal”, such as marital rape recognized by law only in 1992, can now be qualified as sexual violence.

Reports of sexual violence are particularly high among people with same-sex partners: 53.1% among women and 29.5% among men.