[The influence of technical products on sexual activity and gender relations: oral contraceptive, condom, oral treatments of sexual disorders].

Over the past fifty years, sexuality has been marked by an increasing interest in sexual and reproductive health. This progression can be seen in changes in legislation, in social norms, in sexual practices and in gender relations. It is also characterised by the introduction and use of various technical products, which have a direct impact on both sexual activity and its consequences: contraception, methods of sexually transmissible infections prevention and treatment for male impotence. Irrespective of their usefulness or their technical effectiveness, these different products are endowed with a symbolic identity that reflects dominant representations of sexuality and the sexual roles of men and women. An analysis of the way in which these products are used illustrates how they have contributed to the development of scenarios of sexual relations, by distributing specific roles to men and to women. Three models of sexuality associated with each product have been analysed: liberated sexuality, protected sexuality, and functional sexuality.