thematic dossier
Sexually transmitted infections
Les infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST) se transmettent principalement lors des rapports sexuels. Il existe de nombreux virus ou bactéries transmissibles de cette manière.
PrévIST: Launch of a Study on Sexually Transmitted Infections in France
What percentage of the French population has a sexually transmitted infection? What are the associated risk factors? In November 2022, Santé publique France, in collaboration with Inserm, the National Reference Center for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, and the National Reference Center for Papillomaviruses, launched a national study of the general population: the PrévIST study.
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been on the rise since the early 2000s and represent a major public health challenge due to their prevalence, the risks of complications such as upper genital tract infections or ectopic pregnancy, long-term consequences such as infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.
Santé publique France, together with its partners, monitors the epidemiological trends of STIs in France and produces indicators to identify the most at-risk populations and regions, thereby contributing to the planning and evaluation of prevention efforts within the framework of the National Sexual Health Strategy (2017–2030). The PrévIST study—launched among the general population in France—will estimate the prevalence of several bacterial sexually transmitted infections and human papillomaviruses. To this end, a self-collection test to be performed at home will be offered to randomly selected participants. These results will help in the fight against STIs and, if necessary, in adapting French recommendations for the screening and treatment of these infections.
What are the objectives of the PrévIST study?
To estimate the proportion of people aged 18 to 59 who are carriers of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng), or Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg), and of people aged 18 to 29 who are carriers of human papillomavirus (HPV).
To study the risk factors associated with these infections.
To measure the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in women (recommended for adolescents since 2007), and to obtain baseline prevalence data immediately following the introduction of vaccination for boys (recommended since 2021).
A study conducted as part of the third major national survey on “Health, Emotional, and Sexual Well-being”
The national survey “Health, Emotional, and Sexual Life” is conducted by Inserm, promoted and funded by ANRS | Emerging Infectious Diseases. 37,000 people aged 15 to 89, selected at random, living in metropolitan France and in four overseas territories (French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion) will be interviewed by phone about their emotional and sexual lives. The goal of this survey is to improve sexual and reproductive health prevention.
Anyone who completes the entire survey will be invited to participate in the PrévIST study if they meet two conditions:
Be between the ages of 18 and 59
Have had sexual intercourse at some point in their life
Learn more: https://www.santecsf.fr/
Understanding STIs Better to Provide Better Information
The infections examined by the PrevIST study are often asymptomatic and can lead to serious complications, such as reduced fertility, if they are not detected and treated in time.
To build effective prevention strategies, it is essential to better understand their risk factors and their distribution within the population. These results will support frontline workers and public health initiatives. As part of its “sexual health” program, the results of this study will enable the Agency to develop messages tailored to the various affected populations and to emphasize the importance of protection and screening tests.
These messages will be disseminated through Santé publique France’s information and prevention resources dedicated to sexual health:
QUESTION SEXUALITE, Santé publique France’s sexual health information website for the entire adult population
SEXOSAFE offers quick and easy access to information and prevention tools tailored to the needs and situations of men who have sex with men (MSM)
ON S’EXPRIME: The website that answers questions from 11- to 18-year-olds about sexual health
Let's express ourselves
First experiences, puberty, romantic relationships, and safe sex—the Onsexprime website is dedicated to young people’s sexuality and everything related to it, offering educational...
Safe Sex
HIV and STI prevention, testing, and sexual orientation—the Sexosafe website addresses issues related to sexuality among men.
Sexuality
A website that provides answers to questions about sexuality, anatomy, sexual practices, pregnancy, STIs, and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
