French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that condoms would be made available for free in pharmacies for young adults in the ages 18- 25, from January 1, 2023. This move comes in an attempt to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies among young people.
"It's a small revolution for contraception," Macron said during a health debate with young people in Fontaine-le-Comte, a suburb of Poitiers in western France. On sexual education, he added, "we are not very good on this subject. The reality is very, very different from the theory. It's an area where we need to much better educate our teachers."
The new move also comes after the French government began offering free birth control this year for all women under 25, expanding a scheme to ensure young women do not stop taking contraception because they cannot afford it.
Condoms are already reimbursed by France's national healthcare system if prescribed by a doctor or midwife, to fight the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Health authorities in France estimate that the rate of STDs rose by about 30% in 2020 and 2021.
STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. This can be through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. They can also spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, however, this is not very common. There are more than 20 types of STDs. Some of the common ones include chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, HPV, pubic lice, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
Can sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) be prevented from condoms?
Correct usage of latex condoms can greatly reduce the risk of catching or spreading STDs. However, it will not completely eliminate the risk. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can also use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid sexually transmitted infection is to not engage in anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
(With inputs from AFP)
