Young French women under the age of 25 will now be offered free contraception from next year, country’s health minister recently announced.

All women under the age of 25 will not be charged for medical appointments, medicines, tests and all other medical procedures related to birth control.

"This will cover hormonal contraception, biological tests that go with it, the prescription of contraception and all care related to this contraception up until the age of 25,"&nbsp;Olivier Véran said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-warns-hospitals-to-not-let-covid-patients-have-sex-with-visitors-411852">Ardern warns hospitals to not let Covid patients have sex with visitors</a>

The decision was taken after the government noticed a stark decline in usage of contraception in certain age groups and many locals admitted that the reason was solely financial.

"There is a decline in the use of contraception among a certain number of young women and the main reason for this is financial. It costs too much. It is unacceptable that women cannot protect themselves, cannot have contraception if that’s their choice obviously, because they cannot afford it,"&nbsp;Véran explained.

Another reason that the government chose the age cap to be 25 is that from the age of 25, young people are no longer part of their parents’ complementary health insurance, which is also known as mutuelle in France.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-in-six-states-to-adopt-law-similar-to-texas-anti-abortion-law-410641">Republicans in six states to adopt law similar to Texas anti-abortion law</a>

Experts believe that due to that, women were opting out of contraception as they felt it was getting expensive for them.

This new programme will cost the French government’s health system, also known as the Assurance Maladie, nearly €21m a year.

Last year, the government noticed that nearly 1,000 girls aged between 12 and 14 had conceived a child and 770 of those had opted for abortion.

Since 2013, contraception has been free for women aged 15 to 18 and since August 2020 it was extended to under 15s too. This programme had led to a decline in number of abortions in the country.

The government is hoping that this new initiative for under 25 women will help them practice safe sex without having to compromise on their health.

Young French women under the age of 25 will now be offered free contraception from next year, country’s health minister recently announced. All women under the age of 25 will not be charged for medical appointments, medicines, tests and all other medical procedures related to birth control.

Young French women under the age of 25 will now be offered free contraception from next year, country’s health minister recently announced. All women under the age of 25 will not be charged for medical appointments, medicines, tests and all other medical procedures related to birth control. "This will cover hormonal contraception, biological tests that go with it, the prescription of contraception and all care related to this contraception up until the age of 25," Olivier Véran said. Also read | Ardern warns hospitals to not let Covid patients have sex with visitors The decision was taken after the government noticed a stark decline in usage of contraception in certain age groups and many locals admitted that the reason was solely financial. "There is a decline in the use of contraception among a certain number of young women and the main reason for this is financial. It costs too much. It is unacceptable that women cannot protect themselves, cannot have contraception if that’s their choice obviously, because they cannot afford it," Véran explained. Another reason that the government chose the age cap to be 25 is that from the age of 25, young people are no longer part of their parents’ complementary health insurance, which is also known as mutuelle in France. Also read | Republicans in six states to adopt law similar to Texas anti-abortion law Experts believe that due to that, women were opting out of contraception as they felt it was getting expensive for them. This new programme will cost the French government’s health system, also known as the Assurance Maladie, nearly €21m a year. Last year, the government noticed that nearly 1,000 girls aged between 12 and 14 had conceived a child and 770 of those had opted for abortion. Since 2013, contraception has been free for women aged 15 to 18 and since August 2020 it was extended to under 15s too. This programme had led to a decline in number of abortions in the country. The government is hoping that this new initiative for under 25 women will help them practice safe sex without having to compromise on their health.

French women under the age of 25 to be given free contraception: Government

Monogamy is difficult to maintain. Sure, it&rsquo;s easy enough at times when your life is devoid of temptation. But unless you and your partner live in isolation in a cottage in the woods, there are no guarantees that an attractive &ldquo;other&rdquo; will not emerge &mdash; to lure you away and challenge the sanctity of your relationship.

&ldquo;Oh no,&rdquo; you think. &ldquo;Not me. I adore my partner. Things are still so fresh. And I have so much to lose if I were to stray.&rdquo;

Yes, of course. But research makes it clear that our best intentions are often worthless in the face of a compelling, and possibly unexpected, attraction to another person &mdash; someone intent on connecting with us. Those who report having had an extramarital relationship say it was with a close friend, co-worker or long-term acquaintance; these tend not to be random strangers.

What&rsquo;s more, an act of infidelity is often understood as the &ldquo;dealbreaker&rdquo; in relationships. And few people are abhorred more than those known to have &ldquo;cheated.&rdquo; Movies, songs and literature are replete with stories depicting the appalling retribution believed owed to those who stray.

Despite all this, studies show that most people have in fact engaged in some type of infidelity in the past or have experienced a partner&rsquo;s infidelity.

The question arises then: Is it time to ditch, or rethink, monogamy as a standard?

Optimistic expectations

Research shows that most people both expect romantic and sexual exclusivity to be in place very early in their relationships and that they denounce infidelity.

Interviews with newlyweds in the United States indicate that many people expect they and their partner will remain monogamous, despite admitting to having experienced a range of extramarital thoughts and behaviours already, such as flirting with another or feeling aroused in the presence of another.

All industrialized countries, even those purporting to have more tolerant beliefs around the importance of exclusivity, report that monogamy is the dominant pattern in their societies.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/200051/original/file-20171219-4968-1y4ni3z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
Are jealousy and suspicion undermining your monogamous relationship? (Shutterstock)

Despite strong universal disapproval of infidelity, and despite optimistic expectations, studies show that infidelity remains, year after year, the primary cause of relationship break-ups and divorce.

Now, if you factor in the distress, distrust and discord that infidelity causes to those relationships it does not destroy, you begin to understand the weight of its consequences.
</figcaption>
</figure>

Fantasizing about a celebrity lover?

Is monogamy reasonable? Can we ever reconcile the improbability of spending a lifetime (also known as many years) with a partner without ever being drawn to another?

Can we admit that our partners might not meet all of our needs at all times? That we could experience attraction to another without a complete surrender of our rights to a loving and respectful relationship or a wish to abandon our lives to race off with the other person?

These questions are more poignant in light of research indicating that intimate relationships are becoming less rewarding over time even as our expectations of what they should deliver steadily increase.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/200064/original/file-20171219-4957-1ps3u7y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
Singer Adam Levine is one of the most fantasized about celebrities. (Shutterstock)

In most Western countries, belief in the importance of monogamy is strong, yet relatively few individuals actually discuss with their partner what monogamy must entail.
</figcaption>
</figure>

Is online flirting with an ex you will never see again &ldquo;cheating?&rdquo; Is fantasizing about a celebrity lover being untrue to your One True Love?

Jealousy and suspicion are the tools

A series of studies by psychologist Ashley Thompson makes clear that we are notably inconsistent in the monogamy standards that we hold for ourselves versus those we hold for our partners. For example, we are far more lenient and tolerant in explaining our own versus our partner&rsquo;s behaviour.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/200053/original/file-20171219-4965-8p3m2n.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
Proponents of polyamory march at the 2017 Toronto Pride Parade. (Shutterstock)

Those who endorse alternative approaches &mdash; such as &ldquo;consensual non-monogamy&rdquo; which allows for romantic or sexual relationships beyond the primary relationship, with the partner&rsquo;s consent &mdash; argue that monogamous relationships are far less stable because people use jealousy, monitoring and suspicion as tools to hold their partners to this difficult standard.

Individuals in supposedly monogamous relationships are also less likely to practise safe sex when they cheat (putting their primary partner&rsquo;s health at risk) than are those in consensually non-monogamous relationships. And questions arise about whether you are really practising &ldquo;monogamy&rdquo; if you&rsquo;re exclusive but in relationship after relationship after relationship &mdash; that is, for those who change primary partners after just a few years.

Rewriting the fairytale
</figcaption>
</figure>

To discuss dealbreakers in one&rsquo;s relationship, it is essential for a couple to define what constitutes a betrayal, violation of trust or act of dishonesty.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/200063/original/file-20171219-4965-z1uhjg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
Negotiating guidelines with your partner can help you both be on the same page, about what types and expressions of connection with others are acceptable. (Shutterstock)

If a couple can plan ahead of time for the possibility than one or both partners might have an intimate moment with another person at some point, this can reinforce the flexibility, tolerance and forgiveness required to adjust if that happens.
</figcaption>
</figure>

It all depends on the circumstances, of course, but accepting that another person might offer something that we or our partners need can leave couples better-positioned to move forward and adjust or negotiate if necessary, without an entire and irreversible relationship disintegration.

This is key: If we can admit to ourselves that a fleeting attraction, or more meaningful connection, with another partner might not irreparably harm our primary relationship &mdash; and indeed might supplement it &mdash; then our relationships might survive longer and better.

A new viewpoint requires a willingness to supplant the fairytale &mdash; a belief (often cherished) that one person can forever meet all your emotional, romantic and sexual needs.

Lunch is ok, touch is out

This is unlikely to be easy for most of us. The idea of a partner being distracted by another can induce panic in the most stalwart and confident. But insisting upon a fairly unreasonable standard (lifelong exclusivity or else!) can in fact harbour the possibility of secrecy and betrayal.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/200061/original/file-20171219-4965-v7f1ph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>Negotiate with your partner and make guidelines such as &lsquo;Lunch is ok, touching is not.&rsquo; (Shutterstock)</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The emphasis in relationships needs always to be on openness, caring and mutual consent.

This is not to say that you or your partner will ultimately connect intimately with another person in any way despite adopting a new viewpoint about exclusivity. It also does not mean you have to agree that &ldquo;anything goes,&rdquo; that your relationship becomes an open relationship in the broadest sense of that term, or that anyone at all can enter your private sphere.

It is wise to negotiate some guidelines with your partner &mdash; about who or what type of person might be invited to look in on that sphere, for a moment or longer, and what might be acceptable ways to connect with another person (e.g. lunch is okay, touch is out), should the need or want arise.

If you also discuss how best to talk about it, this approach can go far in keeping your relationship truthful, transparent and trusting &mdash; making the need for a dealbreaker that much less relevant altogether.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Can we ever reconcile the improbability of spending a lifetime (also known as many years) with a partner without ever being drawn to another?

Monogamy is difficult to maintain. Sure, it’s easy enough at times when your life is devoid of temptation. But unless you and your partner live in isolation in a cottage in the woods, there are no guarantees that an attractive “other” will not emerge — to lure you away and challenge the sanctity of your relationship. “Oh no,” you think. “Not me. I adore my partner. Things are still so fresh. And I have so much to lose if I were to stray.” Yes, of course. But research makes it clear that our best intentions are often worthless in the face of a compelling, and possibly unexpected, attraction to another person — someone intent on connecting with us. Those who report having had an extramarital relationship say it was with a close friend, co-worker or long-term acquaintance; these tend not to be random strangers. What’s more, an act of infidelity is often understood as the “dealbreaker” in relationships. And few people are abhorred more than those known to have “cheated.” Movies, songs and literature are replete with stories depicting the appalling retribution believed owed to those who stray. Despite all this, studies show that most people have in fact engaged in some type of infidelity in the past or have experienced a partner’s infidelity. The question arises then: Is it time to ditch, or rethink, monogamy as a standard? Optimistic expectations Research shows that most people both expect romantic and sexual exclusivity to be in place very early in their relationships and that they denounce infidelity. Interviews with newlyweds in the United States indicate that many people expect they and their partner will remain monogamous, despite admitting to having experienced a range of extramarital thoughts and behaviours already, such as flirting with another or feeling aroused in the presence of another. All industrialized countries, even those purporting to have more tolerant beliefs around the importance of exclusivity, report that monogamy is the dominant pattern in their societies. Are jealousy and suspicion undermining your monogamous relationship? (Shutterstock) Despite strong universal disapproval of infidelity, and despite optimistic expectations, studies show that infidelity remains, year after year, the primary cause of relationship break-ups and divorce. Now, if you factor in the distress, distrust and discord that infidelity causes to those relationships it does not destroy, you begin to understand the weight of its consequences. Fantasizing about a celebrity lover? Is monogamy reasonable? Can we ever reconcile the improbability of spending a lifetime (also known as many years) with a partner without ever being drawn to another? Can we admit that our partners might not meet all of our needs at all times? That we could experience attraction to another without a complete surrender of our rights to a loving and respectful relationship or a wish to abandon our lives to race off with the other person? These questions are more poignant in light of research indicating that intimate relationships are becoming less rewarding over time even as our expectations of what they should deliver steadily increase. Singer Adam Levine is one of the most fantasized about celebrities. (Shutterstock) In most Western countries, belief in the importance of monogamy is strong, yet relatively few individuals actually discuss with their partner what monogamy must entail. Is online flirting with an ex you will never see again “cheating?” Is fantasizing about a celebrity lover being untrue to your One True Love? Jealousy and suspicion are the tools A series of studies by psychologist Ashley Thompson makes clear that we are notably inconsistent in the monogamy standards that we hold for ourselves versus those we hold for our partners. For example, we are far more lenient and tolerant in explaining our own versus our partner’s behaviour. Proponents of polyamory march at the 2017 Toronto Pride Parade. (Shutterstock) Those who endorse alternative approaches — such as “consensual non-monogamy” which allows for romantic or sexual relationships beyond the primary relationship, with the partner’s consent — argue that monogamous relationships are far less stable because people use jealousy, monitoring and suspicion as tools to hold their partners to this difficult standard. Individuals in supposedly monogamous relationships are also less likely to practise safe sex when they cheat (putting their primary partner’s health at risk) than are those in consensually non-monogamous relationships. And questions arise about whether you are really practising “monogamy” if you’re exclusive but in relationship after relationship after relationship — that is, for those who change primary partners after just a few years. Rewriting the fairytale To discuss dealbreakers in one’s relationship, it is essential for a couple to define what constitutes a betrayal, violation of trust or act of dishonesty. Negotiating guidelines with your partner can help you both be on the same page, about what types and expressions of connection with others are acceptable. (Shutterstock) If a couple can plan ahead of time for the possibility than one or both partners might have an intimate moment with another person at some point, this can reinforce the flexibility, tolerance and forgiveness required to adjust if that happens. It all depends on the circumstances, of course, but accepting that another person might offer something that we or our partners need can leave couples better-positioned to move forward and adjust or negotiate if necessary, without an entire and irreversible relationship disintegration. This is key: If we can admit to ourselves that a fleeting attraction, or more meaningful connection, with another partner might not irreparably harm our primary relationship — and indeed might supplement it — then our relationships might survive longer and better. A new viewpoint requires a willingness to supplant the fairytale — a belief (often cherished) that one person can forever meet all your emotional, romantic and sexual needs. Lunch is ok, touch is out This is unlikely to be easy for most of us. The idea of a partner being distracted by another can induce panic in the most stalwart and confident. But insisting upon a fairly unreasonable standard (lifelong exclusivity or else!) can in fact harbour the possibility of secrecy and betrayal. Negotiate with your partner and make guidelines such as ‘Lunch is ok, touching is not.’ (Shutterstock) The emphasis in relationships needs always to be on openness, caring and mutual consent. This is not to say that you or your partner will ultimately connect intimately with another person in any way despite adopting a new viewpoint about exclusivity. It also does not mean you have to agree that “anything goes,” that your relationship becomes an open relationship in the broadest sense of that term, or that anyone at all can enter your private sphere. It is wise to negotiate some guidelines with your partner — about who or what type of person might be invited to look in on that sphere, for a moment or longer, and what might be acceptable ways to connect with another person (e.g. lunch is okay, touch is out), should the need or want arise. If you also discuss how best to talk about it, this approach can go far in keeping your relationship truthful, transparent and trusting — making the need for a dealbreaker that much less relevant altogether. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why you might want to rethink monogamy in 2018

Worried about your local chemist&rsquo;s judgemental looks every time you ask for a condom? Well, here&rsquo;s some good news for you. You can now get condoms home delivered, that too for free.

Yes, you heard that right. No, this isn&rsquo;t a joke.

On Wednesday, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) launched &lsquo;Love Condoms&rsquo; as a measure to reduce new cases of HIV/AIDS in India. According to the United Nations, 2.1 million people in India are infected with HIV.&nbsp;

AHF said the initiative was the first of its kind.

The global charity has posted a video on YouTube titled India&rsquo;s first &lsquo;Free Condom Store&rsquo; in which they tell you how to get your hands on &lsquo;Love Condoms&rsquo;. It says you can either call on 1800 102 8102 (toll-free) or drop an email at <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="mailto:freecondomstoreahf@gmail.com">freecondomstoreahf@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;to get a supply delivered to their doorstep.

&ldquo;We encourage individuals and organisations to send in a request of minimum one box (144 pieces). Delivery will be made within a week to any major city of India,&rdquo; said Dr V Sam Prasad, AHF&rsquo;s programme director for India.

So what are you waiting for? Go on, place your order now!

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m3Bi1jvm7r8" width="560"></iframe>

(WION)

On Wednesday, AHF launched ?Love Condoms? as a measure to reduce new cases of HIV/AIDS in the country

Worried about your local chemist’s judgemental looks every time you ask for a condom? Well, here’s some good news for you. You can now get condoms home delivered, that too for free. Yes, you heard that right. No, this isn’t a joke. On Wednesday, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) launched ‘Love Condoms’ as a measure to reduce new cases of HIV/AIDS in India. According to the United Nations, 2.1 million people in India are infected with HIV. AHF said the initiative was the first of its kind. The global charity has posted a video on YouTube titled India’s first ‘Free Condom Store’ in which they tell you how to get your hands on ‘Love Condoms’. It says you can either call on 1800 102 8102 (toll-free) or drop an email at freecondomstoreahf@gmail.com to get a supply delivered to their doorstep. “We encourage individuals and organisations to send in a request of minimum one box (144 pieces). Delivery will be made within a week to any major city of India,” said Dr V Sam Prasad, AHF’s programme director for India. So what are you waiting for? Go on, place your order now! (WION)

Want free condoms delivered at your doorstep? Find out how

People returning from Zika-hit regions should practice safe sex for six months after that, World Health Organisation (WHO) said. 
 
The UN health body said people who show no symptoms should follow the advisory.&nbsp; 
 
Couples or women planning pregnancy should wait for six months before they go ahead with their plan, the guidelines further stated. 
 
In June, a WHO guideline had recommended men to practice abstinence or have safe sex for eight weeks after their return from an affected region. 
 
But new&nbsp;findings have shown the virus to remain in semen longer than previously assumed.&nbsp;The guidelines stated that Zika has been found in semen for as long as 188 days. 
 
As of August 26, 11 countries have reported cases of Zika which&nbsp;has been transmitted mainly through vaginal intercourse. 
 
&quot;Mounting evidence has shown that sexual transmission of&nbsp;Zika&nbsp;virus is possible and more common than previously assumed,&quot; the WHO said in the updated guidelines. 
 
The new recommendations will remain valid till November 2016, unless new findings bind the health body to further broaden or scale down its guidelines.&nbsp; 
 
Zika is a&nbsp;disease which shows no symptoms in four out of five symptomatic people. Pregnant women are the worst-affected&nbsp;as their babies have a high risk of developing head and brain defects, a condition known as microcephaly. 
 
The virus is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes. 
 
(WION)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The latest guidelines come after the health body found evidence of the virus remaining in semen longer than previously thought

People returning from Zika-hit regions should practice safe sex for six months after that, World Health Organisation (WHO) said. The UN health body said people who show no symptoms should follow the advisory. Couples or women planning pregnancy should wait for six months before they go ahead with their plan, the guidelines further stated. In June, a WHO guideline had recommended men to practice abstinence or have safe sex for eight weeks after their return from an affected region. But new findings have shown the virus to remain in semen longer than previously assumed. The guidelines stated that Zika has been found in semen for as long as 188 days. As of August 26, 11 countries have reported cases of Zika which has been transmitted mainly through vaginal intercourse. "Mounting evidence has shown that sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible and more common than previously assumed," the WHO said in the updated guidelines. The new recommendations will remain valid till November 2016, unless new findings bind the health body to further broaden or scale down its guidelines. Zika is a disease which shows no symptoms in four out of five symptomatic people. Pregnant women are the worst-affected as their babies have a high risk of developing head and brain defects, a condition known as microcephaly. The virus is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes. (WION)

WHO urges six-month safe sex for people returning from Zika-hit countries

safe-sex

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