Faced with the increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in France, the Ministry of Health has announced the possibility of being screened free of charge in a laboratory.
Unprotected sex, multiple partners… Infections that are transmitted sexually are increasing in France and can have dramatic consequences for women and men (sterility, AIDS). Also, since September 1, 2024, the Ministry of Health has authorized screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the request of the patient and without a prescription, covered by health insurance at 100% for those under 26 and 60% for the rest of the population (mutual insurance companies can intervene on the remaining cost). The decree of July 8, 2024 sets out the list of sexually transmitted infections that can be screened in a medical biology laboratory and the procedures for these screenings.
Until now, only screening for the AIDS virus (HIV) was possible without a prescription (since 1er January 2022). From now on, all men and women regardless of their age can freely go to a testing laboratory and ask to be tested for the following STIs (in addition to HIV):
- chlamydia trachomatis,
- gonococcus,
- syphilis
- and hepatitis B
In the laboratory, the patient must complete a self-questionnaire. This allows the biologist to direct him/her towards the most relevant screenings and the most appropriate self-sampling methods (vaginal, urine, etc.), in light of his/her sexual practices.
In case of positive result to one or more STIs, the medical biologist informs the patient directly by telephone call or during their visit and directs them to the most appropriate health professionals: general practitioner, midwife, CeGIDD or hospital structure. The reports of the results, whether positive or negative, include sexual health prevention messages (risk of pregnancy, risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections to partners, etc.).
For information, between 2020 and 2022 the incidence rate of infections with Chlamydia trachomatis increased by 16%, that of gonorrhoea by 91% and that of syphilis by 110% in metropolitan France. “It’s a very good measure. We have experience with HIV testing without a prescription, it’s generally a success.” commented Professor Gilles Pialoux, head of the infectious and tropical diseases department at Tenon Hospital in Paris and vice-president of the French Society for the Fight against AIDS, on the Medscape website.
