This observation raises awareness and brings up a fundamental question: how can we reverse this trend when access to information has never been so vast? We're diving into the heart of a major public health issue that concerns all of us.
Alarming figures
Data released by Santé publique France reveals a continuous increase in bacterial STI diagnoses since 2022. In 2024, the picture is particularly striking : 61,100 chlamydia infections recorded ; 25,800 cases of gonorrhea registered, marking a dramatic rise of +35% between 2022 and 2024 (+40% among men) ; 6,500 cases of syphilis. And the curve currently shows no signs of slowing down.
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Chlamydia and mpox taking center stage among young people and in Paris
Among 15-25 year-olds, chlamydia diagnoses surged between 2023 and 2024: +13% among women and +21% among men. Extremely common in young adults, chlamydia often goes undetected due to the absence of symptoms, which makes regular screening all the more essential.
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Mpox (a viral infection transmitted through close physical or sexual contact) is also experiencing a sharp rise. In Île-de-France, 36 cases were recorded in April 2026 alone, representing an explosion of +300% in a single month. Profile of those affected: predominantly men (92%) and young adults aged 15 to 44 (86%).
Paris leading the way: nearly one in two cases in the region (49.4%) lived in Paris. Only 28.6% of people with known vaccination status had received at least one dose. Regarding HIV, between 2014 and 2023, new diagnoses jumped by +41% among 15-24 year-olds, while they decreased by -15% among 25-49 year-olds.
Less sex, but more risks: explaining the paradox
How can we explain such an increase when overall sexual activity is declining? In 2023, 28% of 18-24 year-olds reported having had no sexual relations in the previous 12 months (compared to just 5% in 2006).
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The main issue doesn't actually come down to how often you're having sex, but rather to condom use, which is far from being an automatic reflex. In 2023, during a first encounter with a new partner: 49.4% of women and 52.6% of men reported using one. In other words: barely one person out of two. Having sex less frequently doesn't protect you if your protection instinct takes a hit in the process.
The good news: simplified testing that's free and prescription-free
Faced with this situation, access to testing has become considerably easier. The Mon test IST program now lets you get tested directly at a lab, without a prescription and without an appointment. Between September 2024 and June 2025, 840,000 people have already taken the step. Among under-25s, the monthly number of HIV tests via this program has actually doubled.
Which disaccording to your age
Are you under 26? Take advantage of 100% free screening, no prescription needed and no appointment required at the lab for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis B.
For all adults: CeGIDD centers (Free Information, Screening and Diagnosis Centers) are anonymous and 100% free for all STIs throughout France. Plus, HIV screening at the lab via My STI Test is free and requires no prescription at any age (and is covered by Health Insurance for other STIs).
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Good practices: the right habits to adopt every day
Get the frequency right: Get tested regularly, ideally every 3 months if you have new partners or multiple partners.
Respect the detection window: Wait at least 2 weeks after a risky encounter before taking the test.
Use condoms systematically: during every new encounter with a partner to ensure effective protection.
Communicate with your partners: Talk openly about consent, testing, and each person's wellbeing.
Take care of your intimate hygiene: Remove your wet swimsuit quickly after swimming and choose gentle, non-irritating products that respect your microbiome.
To go further:
The podcast "Who Gave Me Chlamydia?": an unpretentious audio series that explores sexual health and STIs with humor and educational value.
Information guides and platforms: Sida Info Service, Fil Santé Jeunes, or On sexplique to get informed peacefully every day.
Protect yourself, get tested, and enjoy your sexuality with complete peace of mind!