World Sexual Health Day: Expert advice for ensuring well-being
World Sexual Health Day, celebrated on September 4, highlights the importance of a positive and responsible approach to sexuality to ensure physical, mental, and social well-being. In 2025, given the rise in sexually transmitted infections and reproductive health challenges in the Châteaubriant region and Loire-Atlantique, it is essential to be informed about best practices and local resources. Experts recommend honest communication between partners, regular medical checkups, and the consistent use of appropriate protection such as Durex, Skyn, and Manix condoms, which are essential for protection against STIs.
The fundamentals of sexual health: communication, prevention, and regular checkups
Healthy sexuality relies first and foremost on open communication between partners. It is crucial to discuss health issues together, including medical history, tests performed, and contraceptive methods being considered. This transparency helps build trust and allows partners to choose the protection best suited to their individual needs. Healthcare professionals strongly recommend a comprehensive check-up before beginning a new sexual relationship, including testing for sexually transmitted infections. In the Pays de la Mée region, gynecological, urological, and general practitioner consultations provide easy access to these examinations through the CC Châteaubriant-Derval inter-municipal community.
Vaccination is another cornerstone of prevention, particularly against HPV and hepatitis B. These measures significantly reduce the risk of contracting serious infections and promote long-term sexual health.
If, despite these precautions, some partners have not been tested, the consistent use of condoms is essential. Reputable brands like Durex, Skyn, and Manix offer effective protection against most STIs and unwanted pregnancies, with an efficacy rate of 80 to 95% when used correctly.
| It is important to remember that condoms must be changed between each type of sexual activity (vaginal, oral, anal) and that intimate items must remain strictly personal and be thoroughly cleaned. This ensures an effective barrier to limit any risk of infection or contamination. | Best Practices | |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | Local Example | Clear communication with your partner |
| Building trust and preventing risks | Consultations at the Espace Plaisir in Châteaubriant | Regular medical checkups |
| Early screening for STIs | Gynecological and urological consultations in Loire-Atlantique | Systematic use of condoms |
Sur le meme sujet
Protection against STIs and pregnancy
Manix, Durex, and Skyn products available at local pharmacies
Male medical examination: screening and maintaining sexual health in 2025
For men, maintaining good sexual health requires monitoring adapted to age and personal circumstances. For adolescents, a consultation with a pediatric urologist is essential to check for conditions such as varicocele, which can affect sperm quality and future fertility.
In the Châteaubriant area, men under 30 with stable lives and no particular complaints can simply rely on an annual checkup with their general practitioner. This check-up includes a complete blood test, urine analysis, kidney tests and possibly a urological ultrasound, ensuring early detection of any abnormalities.
- After age 45, it is recommended to include a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test in your routine checkups to monitor prostate health and detect any signs of disease early. This proactive approach is available at local healthcare facilities in the Châteaubriant-Derval area.
- Paying attention to these checkups is crucial given the increasing risks of sexual disorders and conditions related to age, stress, or environmental factors. Early prevention and treatment avoid serious complications.
- Pediatric consultations for adolescents (varicocele)
- Annual checkups with a general practitioner
Specialized examinations after age 45 (PSA test)
Lifestyle monitoring and smoking cessation support
Personalized advice from urologists such as Oleg Kalashnyk
Sur le meme sujet
How do stress and mental health impact male sexuality?
Chronic stress and mental health disorders directly influence libido and sexual performance. Depression, lack of sleep, and the use of antidepressants can decrease erections and sexual desire. It is therefore essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, restorative sleep, a balanced diet, and psychological support when needed.
In Châteaubriant, organizations like Espace Plaisir encourage the creation of a safe and respectful environment, fostering fulfilling relationships in a calm atmosphere.
- Female medical examination: screening and monitoring for balanced sexual health in Loire-Atlantique
- Regular gynecological monitoring is key to optimal female sexual health. It includes annual consultations with a clinical examination, a cervical smear (Pap test), and, from age 35, a combined HPV screening test to detect human papillomavirus infections responsible for many cancers.
- These assessments can be supplemented by a pelvic ultrasound for a thorough evaluation of the reproductive system. In the presence of symptoms or a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), testing is essential, as these infections often develop silently and without obvious signs.
- Women in the Pays de la Mée region benefit from privileged access to specialized consultations and educational resources to address these issues with confidence. Awareness campaigns on preventative practices within the CC Châteaubriant-Derval inter-municipal community rely in particular on local initiatives and partnerships with responsible brands such as Love & Green and OuiOui Bio, which offer natural and ethically sourced menstrual hygiene products.
| Mandatory annual gynecological checkups | PAP tests and HPV screening from age 35 | Regular pelvic ultrasounds |
|---|---|---|
| STI screening if symptoms are present | Use of certified organic sanitary products | Age |
| Recommended examinations | Frequency | 18-35 years |
Sur le meme sujet
Clinical examination, cervical smear
Annual
35 years and over
Cervical smear + HPV test, pelvic ultrasound
- Annual or as advised by a doctor
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): understanding and protecting yourself in Châteaubriant and Loire-Atlantique
- By 2025, the rise in sexually transmitted infections necessitates a strengthened prevention effort throughout Loire-Atlantique. Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, as well as HPV, hepatitis B and C, HIV, and herpes represent a real threat. The CC Châteaubriant-Derval community of municipalities is implementing information and access programs to free screenings to stem this progression.
- The protection methods remain the same: condoms, particularly the Skyn and Manix single-use ranges, are recommended solutions for limiting risks. However, it is important to note that condoms do not completely protect against infections transmitted through skin or mucous membrane contact, such as herpes or certain forms of HPV, which reinforces the need for regular checkups. Local campaigns also seek to promote the female condom, offered by brands such as Durex or Orgakid, in order to broaden the available choices. Despite the clear benefits of this product, its use remains marginal and little known to the general public, according to observations from regional specialists.
| Mandatory use of condoms during every sexual encounter | Systematic screening in case of symptoms or new partner | HPV and hepatitis B vaccination |
|---|---|---|
| Promotion of the female condom and innovative brands | Sex education in local schools | Infection |
| Means of transmission | Effective protection | Gonorrhea, chlamydia |
| Vaginal, anal, and oral sex | Condom (Durex, Manix, Skyn) | HPV, herpes |
Skin/mucous membrane contact
Vaccination + screening
Hepatitis B and C
Contact with bodily fluids
- Vaccination + condom
- Sexual health in Châteaubriant: local resources and initiatives of the Châteaubriant-Derval Community of Municipalities
- The Châteaubriant-Derval Community of Municipalities is actively working to promote easier access to sexual health services. Various locations, such as Espace Plaisir, offer personalized advice, free or low-cost distribution of protective products (Durex, Skyn, Manix, Love & Green), and prevention workshops. These initiatives address the major challenges observed in the Pays de la Mée and Loire-Atlantique regions, particularly the alarming increase in STIs.
- In addition, regular awareness campaigns, educational initiatives in schools, and partnerships with organic brands such as OuiOui Bio and Orgakid help to foster a culture of responsibility and respect. These projects emphasize open dialogue that integrates the physical, mental, and social dimensions of sexual health.
- The geographical proximity allows all residents of Châteaubriant and surrounding towns to easily access these services. Collaborations between healthcare professionals and associations ensure comprehensive care tailored to all audiences.
Access to quality menstrual products (Durex, Skyn, Manix) at local distribution points
Programs in schools in the Pays de la Mée region
Psychological support and well-being workshops at Espace Plaisir
Annual prevention events coordinated by CC Châteaubriant-Derval
Partnerships with responsible brands OuiOui Bio, Love & Green, and Orgakid
How to communicate effectively with your partner about sexual health?
Honest communication allows you to address issues related to sexuality and also strengthens mutual trust. Sharing expectations and asking questions about health, medical history, or sexual preferences is essential for a fulfilling relationship.
What are the key examinations to ensure good sexual health?
Post Comment