This video analyzes the major changes in sexuality in France over the last twenty years, based on the initial results of the large national survey Context of sexualities in France 2023 (CSF-2023), The study, conducted by Public Health France, INSERM and ANRS with over 31,000 participants, puts two key indicators into perspective: the age of first sexual intercourse and the reporting of sexual violence.
The video begins by recalling the scope and importance of this survey, which is part of a long tradition of research on sexuality in France, initiated as early as 1970. The data presented concerns only metropolitan France and aims to inform public policies on sexual health for the years to come.
First lesson: the age of first sexual intercourse is increasing again. In 2023, the median age of first intercourse was 18, slightly later for girls (18.2 years) than for boys (17.7 years). This trend marks a break with the pattern observed since the 1960s. At that time, the age of first intercourse was around 20 for women and 19 for men, before falling rapidly in the following decades. For a long time, it remained stable at around 17 to 17.5 years. For the past ten years or so, there has been a gradual increase in this age, a phenomenon also observed in several European countries as well as in the United States.
The video then focuses on a much more worrying indicator: reported sexual violence during one's lifetime. Nearly 30% of women and nearly 9% of men aged 18 to 69 report having experienced forced sexual intercourse or attempted forced sexual intercourse, including during childhood. These figures have almost doubled in twenty years compared to the 2006 data. However, the video suggests a cautious interpretation of this increase. It does not necessarily reflect an explosion of violence, but rather a greater awareness of these phenomena, more precise identification of violent situations, and a greater ability to name and report them.
This hypothesis is reinforced by the evolution of another indicator: the decrease in consensual sex solely for the purpose of pleasing a partner. Among women, this practice has fallen from approximately 51% in the mid-2000s to fewer than 44% today, while the figure remains relatively stable among men. In other words, women are less frequently engaging in consensual sex without genuine desire, suggesting an improved understanding of consent and sexual autonomy.
The video also highlights broader trends. Sexual activity is declining overall at all ages, including among young people. At the same time, there is an observation of slight increase in sexual satisfactionMore than 45% of women and nearly 40% of men now report being very satisfied with their sex life or lack thereof. These results are encouraging, but they also show that a majority of people do not report being fully satisfied.
In conclusion, the video highlights that these positive and negative developments call for a strengthening of information and prevention policies. Improving understanding of sexuality, consent, and sexual violence requires, in particular, a generalization of education in emotional, relational and sexual life, with content adapted to each age group. It is under these conditions that we can promote more respectful, freer and more fulfilling sexual experiences, while reducing violence.