Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise because condoms are used less and less

According to Santé Publique France, three sexually transmitted diseases have seen a sharp increase in France between 2020 and 2022: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilisFrance Inter reported.

The percentage of infections to chlamydia increased by 16% compared to 2020, that of gonorrhea by 91%and that to syphilis exploded by 110%.

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According to scientists, several reasons explain this surge in infections: firstly, the increase in screening, which inevitably leads to a greater number of positive cases. But they also notice a decrease in condom use.

Individuals protect themselves less and less

In a report published by the radio, this protection tool would no longer be a priority for many individuals. What it testifies Samuel50 years old, who is in Prep (HIV prevention treatment), sees that his partners very often go without a condom: “ People will tell me they want to have fun “, he told France Inter. One of their reactions to the condom, as Samuel summarizes: “ What is this 20th century thing? ! »

According to him, behaviors have changed in recent years. With the increase in unprotected sex, he fears that a new epidemic could one day break out.

Gilles Pialouxprofessor of infectious diseases at the Tenon hospital in Paris, remembers that protection is there essential : “There are condoms and screening, which is a prevention tool. (…) You also have Prep. You have all these tools that are effective and can be combined. We didn’t turn off the seatbelt when we put the airbags on. », he states to his colleagues FranceInter.