Is the gynecological health of young women threatened?
This is what a study by the Qare teleconsultation platform, published on Tuesday January 18, implies in parallel with a viral campaign entitled #StopAuSacrificeGyneco.
According to the results of the survey, carried out by the Ifop institute among 1,003 people (1), 31% of 18-24 year olds surveyed say they have never been to a gynecologist.
"The younger the women are, the more they tend to neglect their contraception", comments the press release of the study.
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Disastrous consequences
“It's dramatic when you know the disastrous consequences of an unwanted pregnancy and a voluntary termination of pregnancy, underlines Isabelle Héron, president of the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology (FNCGM).
Consequences that could be avoided precisely thanks to the information and prevention messages delivered in the office by gynecological care professionals”.
Another consequence of the absence of gynecological follow-up?
The upsurge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to the doctor: “there is a drop in the number of STI screenings among young people.
This contributes to increasing the risk of contracting chlamydia infections and in the long term of developing infertility”, reports Dr. Isabelle Héron.
If there is no prerequisite age for a first consultation, the gynecologist reminds us that it is recommended to use it from the start of sexual life and the first questions about contraception, before the very first smear. cervico-vaginal from 25 years old.
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Intimate discomfort, waiting times
What are the reasons for this renunciation of care?
33% of respondents under 25 say they feel uncomfortable with their own body.
“The gynecological consultation touches on the intimate, yet, adolescent girls have a complicated relationship with nudity, sexuality, admits Isabelle Héron.
But let us remember that apart from worrying symptoms, the gynecological examination is not systematic, in particular for the first consultation, which is more a matter of a medical interrogation and a listening time.
Teenage girls have a complicated relationship with nudity and sexualityisabelle héron
In addition, all ages and socio-professional categories combined, 60% of the women questioned believe in total that they have already postponed or canceled gynecological care.
Among the other reasons cited: a schedule and excessive professional and family responsibilities, and above all excessively long waiting times.
The fault, among other things, of a shortage of medical gynecologists throughout the country.
Between 2007 and 2020, France lost 5.2% of its workforce, or 1,022 doctors in 13 years.
The solutions ?
To remedy this, Dr Isabelle Héron mentions the possibility for patients to turn to their general practitioner or to a midwife, who “can take charge of gynecological care only for questions of prevention and contraception.”
Teleconsultation can also be a solution, suggests the Qare platform, which specializes in this area.
“It's an interesting tool that helps build trust with the healthcare professional.
However, it should not replace a face-to-face consultation, nuance Dr Isabelle Héron.
The prescription of the pill, for example, must always be accompanied by a measurement of blood pressure and weight.
In the absence of worrying symptoms (pelvic pain, unusual losses or growths), the gynecologist recommends a consultation on average every two to three years.
(1) Survey carried out by Ifop for Qare, from December 1 to 3, 2021 on a sample of 1,003 women aged 18 and over, representative of the French population and structured according to the quota method.
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