Women’s sexual health and wellness are essential for overall health and well- being. Sexual health encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. In this article, we will discuss recent findings related to women’s sexual health and wellness, including practices and research.

Recent Findings

Orgasm and sexual satisfaction – A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that women who engage in a variety of sexual activities, including oral sex and manual stimulation, are more likely to have orgasms and feel sexually satisfied.

Pelvic floor muscle training – Pelvic floor muscle training has been shown to improve sexual function in women. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that pelvic floor muscle training significantly improves sexual function in women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Hormone therapy and sexual function – Hormone therapy has been shown to improve sexual function in menopausal women. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that hormone therapy significantly improved sexual function, including desire, arousal, and orgasm, in postmenopausal women.

Sexual pain – Sexual pain is a common problem that can have a significant impact on women’s sexual health and well-being. A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that women who experience sexual pain are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction and have lower sexual satisfaction.

Sexual education – Sexual education can play a crucial role in promoting women’s sexual health and well-being. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that comprehensive sexual education programs can improve sexual health outcomes, including reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

Recent Practices

Telemedicine – Telemedicine has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it has been particularly useful in providing sexual health services to women. Telemedicine can be used to provide sexual health education, counseling, and treatment for a variety of sexual health concerns, including contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual dysfunction.

Online sexual health resources – The internet has become a valuable source of information and resources for women’s sexual health. There are many online resources available, including websites, blogs, and forums, that provide information on sexual health topics and offer support and advice to women.

Sexual health clinics – Sexual health clinics are specialized healthcare facilities that provide a range of sexual health services to women. These clinics offer services such as contraception counseling, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and sexual dysfunction treatment.

Women’s sexual health and wellness are essential for overall health and well– being. Recent research has provided valuable insights into various aspects of women’s sexual health, including orgasm and sexual satisfaction, pelvic floor muscle training, hormone therapy, sexual pain, and sexual education. Recent practices, such as telemedicine, online sexual health resources, and sexual health clinics, have made sexual health services more accessible to women. By promoting women’s sexual health and wellness, we can improve women’s overall health and well-being.

 Progress in improving women’s sexual health

Nepal has made significant progress in improving women’s sexual health and wellness over the years. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.

According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Nepal has made significant progress in increasing the use of modern contraceptives among women. In 2019, the contraceptive prevalence rate was 49.5%, an increase from 43% in 2011. This has led to a decline in the fertility rate from 4.6 in 2011 to 2.3 in 2019.

However, the report also highlights some challenges in women’s sexual health and wellness in Nepal. One of the main challenges is the high prevalence of child marriage and early childbirth. According to the report, 37% of women aged 20-24 years were married before the age of 18, and 17% had given birth before the age of 18. This can lead to several health risks for both the mother and the child, such as complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and higher rates of maternal and child mortality.

Another challenge is the low level of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health among women. The report states that only 42% of women have comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and 54% of women have heard of cervical cancer. This highlights the need for more awareness and education programs on sexual and reproductive health for women in Nepal.

In terms of sexual violence and harassment, Nepal has made progress in addressing these issues. The government has implemented various laws and policies to prevent and respond to sexual violence, including the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2015, and the National Strategy on Ending Child Marriage 2018-2030. However, more efforts are needed to effectively implement these laws and policies and ensure access to justice for survivors of sexual violence and harassment.

Overall, while Nepal has made progress in improving women's sexual health and wellness, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The government and stakeholders need to continue their efforts to ensure that women have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and education, and are protected from sexual violence and harassment.

 Sexual practice in Nepal

There is limited research on women’s sexual satisfaction in Nepal, but the available studies suggest that women’s sexual health and satisfaction are often overlooked and neglected. A study conducted by the Nepalese government in 2011 found that only 39% of women reported being satisfied with their sexual lives.

Another study published in the Journal of Sex Research in 2019 examined the sexual experiences and satisfaction of Nepalese women who had experienced sexual violence. The study found that these women reported lower levels of sexual satisfaction and a higher likelihood of experiencing sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and difficulty reaching orgasm.

Factors such as cultural norms, gender inequality, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services and education may contribute to women’s lower levels of sexual satisfaction in Nepal. Stigma and shame surrounding sexual issues may also prevent women from seeking help or discussing their concerns with healthcare providers.

To address these issues, there have been efforts to increase awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services in Nepal. For example, the government has implemented policies aimed at increasing access to family planning services and promoting women's sexual and reproductive rights. Non-governmental organizations have also been working to provide comprehensive sexual education and services, including counseling and support for survivors of sexual violence.

Overall, while there are still significant challenges to improving women's sexual health and satisfaction in Nepal, efforts are being made to address these issues and promote greater awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services.