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call for testing after an increase in sexually transmitted infections

“This is the first year in five years that I have had so many new cases of HIV.” This is the observation of Hélène Ferrand, infectious disease specialist at the Robert-Boulin hospital in Libourne.

About a million people live in France with a sexually transmitted infection (IST). Their number has been increasing steadily in recent years. And this year it’s even worse. “There is no real time data, but we are discovering many more cases of HIV this summer than in previous summers,” she says. Among the main infections, we therefore find HIV, which, if not diagnosed or treated in time, can turn into a disease: AIDS. “Taking an interest in the infection makes it possible to detect very early, before the appearance of symptoms, and not to reach this stage of the disease”, she continues.

“The mask, but also the condom”

Among STIs, cases of syphilis, which can lead to serious neurological disease, are on the rise. “There is also chlamydia, a bacterium which is transmitted especially in young people, which causes urinary tract infections and can be a source of infertility”, she adds. These infections affect everyone. “In Libourne, it goes from 13 to 73 years old, and of any orientation.”

The Covid-19 is the first reason for this increase. “We only did that [du dépistage de Covid-19, NDLR] During three months. Many already infected people did not come to consult during this period. Thus, the number of STIs diagnosed was more numerous in a shorter period. Despite this, I find that there are a lot of them. “We note a relaxation with regard to the means of contraception.” In the summer, there are a lot of exchanges and meetings. You have to think about protecting yourself. There is the mask, but there is also the condom. “

Several screening possibilities

The first place of screening is the free screening and diagnostic information center (CeGIDD)? There are two in Gironde: at the Libourne hospital, managed by Hélène Ferrand, and at the Departmental Health Center, in Bordeaux.

“You have to make an appointment by phone. You get it the next day or two, or even immediately if there is an emergency,” explains the infectious disease specialist. Then there is an anonymous questionnaire, mainly on the latest sexual practices. If everything is in order, we screen. It lasts 30 minutes. The results then arrive after a week. The time may be shorter if an STI is detected. “

AIDS prevention However, recommends waiting six weeks after taking a risk (unprotected sex or with multiple partners) before doing this test, which is completely free. It can also be done in private laboratories, if you have a prescription. Finally, there is a rapid diagnostic orientation test (TROD) in pharmacies, or in associations. “It is found in pharmacies, on average for 20 euros without a prescription. A drop of blood is taken, like diabetics, she describes. The result arrives in a few minutes.”

Screening reservations at CeGIDD of Libourne can be done on 05 57 55 71 36.

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