Prevalence of Regular Gynecological Follow-up Among Women of Childbearing Age

The French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé, HAS) recommends regular gynecological follow-up, specifying that it is considered regular when it is annual. The objectives of this gynecological follow-up are multiple: to support women in the choice and management of contraception as well as in their sexuality; to screen for cervical cancer and breast cancer; to diagnose and to take care of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and to diagnose and treat gynecological conditions such as adenomyosis, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. Regarding cervical cancer screening, the HAS recommends performing a Pap smear (cervical cytology) starting at the age of 25 and up to the age of 65.

Several studies, such as those by Henry et al. in 2020 and Owokuhaisa et al. in 2024, have identified major barriers to access to gynecological care for women. These barriers include very long waiting times, lack of privacy, lack of understanding or access to appropriate information, discomfort or fear during consultations, shortage of physicians, past negative experiences, etc. These factors may contribute to women postponing or even forgoing their gynecological consultations. A study by Landy et al. in 2021 also showed that women diagnosed with advanced-stage cervical cancer had not undergone regular screening or gynecological follow-up.