People aged 15–24, a group particularly affected by STIs

In 2016, the number of people diagnosed with a Chlamydia infection was estimated at 267,097, representing a rate of 491 per 100,000 inhabitants. The infection is more prevalent among women (592 per 100,000 versus 380 per 100,000 among men). Young women aged 15–24 are the most affected (2,271 per 100,000), particularly in the Île-de-France region (5,682 per 100,000 inhabitants) and in the Overseas Departments (1,761 per 100,000).

The number of people diagnosed with gonococcal infection in 2016 was estimated at 49,628. Men are more affected than women across the country (131 per 100,000 versus 55 per 100,000), with the exception of the Overseas Departments, where gonococcal infections are more prevalent among women. Once again, 15- to 24-year-olds are the most affected by this STI, regardless of region (181 per 100,000).

Data show that the number of diagnoses of Chlamydia and gonococcal infections in 2016 tripled compared to estimates from 2012.

"The sharp increase in diagnoses of these infections observed in 2016 may be due to several factors. It can be explained first by an underestimation of cases diagnosed in 2012, but also by increased screening and improved sensitivity of the tests used, and finally, by the increased incidence of these STIs themselves," explains Florence Lot, head of the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and STI unit at Santé publique France.

Among those under 25, the high prevalence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections is the result of having a greater number of sexual partners combined with inconsistent condom use.

Screening: a simple and effective measure

Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections are transmitted through unprotected sex. Highly contagious and common, they can be asymptomatic and lead to complications (chronic pelvic pain, infertility, weakening of the mucous membranes, and increased risk of HIV infection, mother-to-child transmission, etc.).

Screening is the only way to establish a diagnosis. Simple and painless, it involves a swab test for women and a swab test or urine analysis for men. If the result is positive, it allows for the prescription of appropriate antibiotic treatment for the individual and their partners.

Screening can be performed following a consultation with your primary care physician, gynecologist, or dermatologist-venereologist, who will refer you to a laboratory, or for free at the Free Centers for Information, Screening, and Diagnosis (CeGGID) and family planning or family education centers.

New campaign: "A condom can save your life. Always carry one with you"

Along with testing, condoms are the most effective way to combat STIs. To better embed condom use into young people’s daily habits, Santé publique France is launching a digital campaign: “A condom can save your life. Always keep one on you.”

In tune with their culture, this campaign is based on the concept of “life hacking”—tips and techniques shared to make daily life easier, which are widespread on the internet and highly popular among young people. "Condoms are the best form of protection against STIs. But they aren’t always used consistently. The goal of our campaign is to encourage young people to always carry a condom with them. It should be seen as an everyday protective item," explains Lucile Bluzat, Social Marketing Manager for Sexual Health at Santé publique France.

The digital campaign, running from July 18 to August 17, playfully showcases the condom by highlighting its intrinsic qualities (strength, impermeability, etc.). The goal is to make it an indispensable everyday accessory.

The campaign takes the form of:

• videos in which young people can discover situations, other than sexual intercourse, where condoms can be useful, such as: starting a fire, keeping water-sensitive items dry, boiling water…

• creative posts sharing informative messages about condoms and sexually transmitted infections in a "survival" style. These "Life Cards" will be posted on Instagram and Facebook throughout the summer to spark a reaction among young people.

The entire campaign links to onSexprime.fr, the website dedicated to youth sexuality.

OnSexprime.fr is the go-to website that guides young people toward positive and responsible sexuality. It addresses this topic comprehensively: STI prevention, contraception, as well as emotional well-being, romantic relationships, the body, and violence... It relies on interactive tools popular with young people (videos, interactive modules, testimonials), uses social media (an active Facebook page, a YouTube channel), and develops new content in line with the latest technologies and trends.

To watch the video: A condom can save your life. Always keep one on you