If talking regarding your sexuality with your partner seems natural, addressing the issues of sexual diseases to those around you makes many French women uncomfortable. Talking regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is taboo for 29% of 34-54 year olds, according to a study conducted by Yougouv on March 2, 2022 among 453 women. Focus on the key figures of female sexual taboos in France.
Women complexed by their sexual health
And 97% of women are more daring to express their sexual desiresaccording to an Ipsos survey, addressing sexual health problems, still very taboo for them. According to this Yougouv study, 46% of French women – 1 in 2 women – find it difficult to confide in those around them regarding their intimate health and find it difficult.
We also learn that the taboos around sexual health mainly concern STIs, STDs, pregnancy, abortion, periods, endometriosiscontraception and menopause.
STIs the great taboo of women aged 34-54
The sexually transmitted infections represent the biggest taboo in sexual health for 24% of women surveyed and 29% for 34-35 year olds. Corn for 18-34 year olds, the real discomfort is around pregnancy issues and abortion. 23% of them feel embarrassed to talk regarding it, according to this Yougouv study.
“The promulgation of the Veil law on the right to abortion is 47 years old. Despite everything, the fear of tackling such delicate subjects and being judged is still very much present among the younger generations. And even following a well-considered decision, many women may experience different forms of distress following the abortion. This is particularly linked to our value system, to social pressure, but also strongly to individual life stories. (…)”, explains Dr. Maxime Cauterman, specialist in public health and social medicine and Medical Director at Livi
Endometriosis still taboo, even if more visible
If the speech is freed more and more regarding endometriosis and investments are being made to improve research and care, the fact remains that 15% of women find it taboo to talk regarding it. This disease, which affects between 2 and 4 million women in France, is ranked 4th behind STIs (24%)issues related to pregnancy and abortion (20%) and menstruation (15%).
Teleconsultation to free speech
If this study reveals that one in two French people finds it difficult to confide in those around them regarding their sexual health, 47% of them believe that teleconsultation would be a good way to remove inhibitions to talk regarding intimate matters.
Sexuality is not obligatory and it should not meet standards. The way it is expressed and experienced is personal and unique. In this sense, moving minds, freeing speech and adopting the screening reflex is essential.
When 11 million French people are affected by medical deserts and where appointments take a lot of time, the care of patients by teleconsultation thus seems to be acclaimed by many professionals and patients, to free up speech and have access to care.
