This month's PPE Program is now available!
The Points Paris Emploi (PPE) offer a reception, information and general guidance service for all Parisians seeking employment, professional reorientation or training.
Every month there's a new PPE program, check out this month's right here:
Where can I get tested in Paris?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted through sexual contact and intercourse. Being well-informed about how they are transmitted, how to test for them and how to treat them means you can enjoy a fulfilling sexual life with fewer risks.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential to health and sexual health. Formerly known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), sexually transmitted infections refer to infections that can be transmitted during sexual relations. The most common STIs are syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV. These infections are not always symptomatic and can have serious consequences on health, sexuality, fertility and the health of children when they affect pregnant women, so it's important to prevent and screen for them.
- Screening is the only way to know if you have an STI
- The frequency of screening depends on your situation
- Screening is recommended if in doubt.
- Getting tested means taking care of your health
Even if you protect yourself, it is important to get tested regularly when you have several partners.
Certain events are good opportunities to get tested:
- starting or ending a relationship
- decide to stop using condoms
- return from a trip during which you had casual relations
- planning to conceive a child
- think you've been exposed
Internal and external condoms offer effective protection against sexually transmitted infections and are a means of contraception. They are free in pharmacies for people under 25, and for everyone on presentation of a prescription. Vaccines are also available against three STIs (hepatitis A and B viruses, and certain HPV viruses responsible for cancer).
Where can I get tested?
There is a wide range of free public screening services, with more than 10 free screening and diagnosis centers (CeGIDD) and 24 sexual health centers in Paris. Numerous grassroots associations are also involved in screening, with highly innovative initiatives in close proximity to local populations.
- Paris dépiste, Paris Protège 2023 card
- Make an appointment at a prevention and screening center: all contact details on the "Health care facilities in Paris" page.
- Find a healthcare professional
HIV testing and prevention
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is transmitted through blood and sexual relations. The only way to find out if you're infected with HIV is to get tested. If you've never been tested before, it's highly recommended. To test for HIV, you can go to a sexual health center or a free information, screening and diagnosis center (CegiDD).
It may be necessary to repeat the test regularly, especially if you have occasional partners.
- every three months if you are a man who has sex with other men.
- every year if you come from countries with a high prevalence of HIV infection, notably sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, or if you are an injecting drug user (IDU).

Condoms offer effective protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They are also a good means of contraception, and are free in pharmacies for those under 25, and for everyone with a prescription.
What is combined HIV prevention?
Combined prevention is based on three main strategies:
Condom use
Promotion of screening, including rapid diagnostic tests (TROD or autotest) and the VIHtest system, which offers free HIV screening without prescription or appointment in all medical analysis laboratories for people of legal age and with health coverage.
Advances in treatment : TASP, PrEP, TPE
What is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP)?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug that protects against HIV. It can be prescribed to HIV-negative people, depending on their level of exposure.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is aimed at people who are not infected with HIV, particularly in groups or situations of high exposure.
Today, the drug prescribed for PrEP can be prescribed by a general practitioner or hospital doctor, or in a free information, screening and diagnosis center (CeGIDD), and requires regular medical follow-up.
What is post-exposure treatment (PET)?
Post-exposure treatment (PET) is an emergency treatment to prevent HIV contamination. It should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 4 hours of exposure, and for up to 48 hours.
The earlier TPE is taken, the more effective it is. In the event of exposure to HIV, go to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.
What is "Treatment as prevention" or TasP?
Today, drugs are available to prevent transmission of the virus and enable people to live long, healthy lives with HIV.
HIV treatments make the viral load undetectable (the amount of virus in the blood becomes minimal). Treatment as prevention, or TasP, ensures that an HIV-positive person does not transmit HIV sexually to an HIV-negative partner. A couple can have HIV-uninfected children when one partner is HIV-positive, on treatment with an undetectable viral load.
What is VIHTEST?
VIHTEST is a no-cost, no-prescription, no-appointment HIV testing service available in all medical laboratories for adults with health insurance. Testing is the only way to find out if you are infected with HIV. Don't hesitate, get tested!
With VIHTEST, those affected can be taken into care more quickly, and treatment offered as quickly as possible.
If you are over 18, you can go to a medical analysis laboratory:
- free of charge
- without prescription
- with your carte vitale or social security number
- without appointment
The test performed by your biologist is a classic blood test, perfectly reliable for any exposure dating back more than 6 weeks. The test is reimbursed at 100% by the Assurance Maladie. You don't have to pay anything, and you don't have to pay the laboratory in advance!
Together, let's put an end to the HIV epidemic! By taking a VIHTEST you contribute to the collective effort to achieve zero new HIV infections by 2030.
Where can I get a VIHTEST?
What to do with your HIV test results
If your test is negative
A negative test means that you are not infected with HIV, if your last unprotected sexual encounter was more than six weeks ago.
If not, repeat the test in a month and a half to check the result.
If your test is positive
A positive test means you may be an HIV carrier. A confirmatory test and a control test are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Today, medication is available to enable you to live a long and healthy life with HIV. It's very important that you have rapid access to medical follow-up and treatment.
As part of the VIHTEST system, your medical biologist will suggest an appointment at the hospital of your choice within 48 hours, in conjunction with your GP if you wish.
The hospital doctor will prescribe an antiretroviral treatment suited to your situation. Generally simple to take and well tolerated, these drugs stop the progression of the infection, protect the immune system and prevent transmission of the virus during sexual relations.
There is no cure for HIV at the moment, but it is possible to live in good health thanks to medication.
If you have any questions
You can contact Sida Info Service on 0 800 840 800
The student guide to Paris!
Books by students, for students !
The City of Paris, through its Maison étudiante, has taken an interest in this project to bring you the Paris version of the student guide and give you all the tips you need to make the most of your years of study and beyond.
For a long time now, the Maison étudiante has been trying to combat the lack of access to rights, so as to avoid missing out on a good plan or public service that could have made all the difference.
This guide is the fruit of an intense collaboration between the team at éditions génépi, Rim Yehya, director of the Student House, and her team (notably Hamery De Melo and Damien Baloge), who took part in writing the book.
You'll find 6 chapters covering all aspects of student life:
- "Paris Ville Campus", presenting student life in the capital;
- "Housing and Finance", to manage your daily life ;
- "Academic and Professional", to optimize your studies and your career;
- "Taking care of yourself to maintain your well-being;
- "Social life", which promotes integration and relationships ;
- "Administrative declaration", which simplifies the necessary formalities