Before me, my boyfriend's only previous sexual experiences have been with prostitutes. What is the general attitude to prostitution in Nepal? I don't approve of it, and it was a big shock when he told me. We have a good sex life, but when I think of it, it makes my stomach turn. I am trying to understand why men go to prostitutes.

Prostitution is probably the oldest profession in the world and no matter how much you deny it, they cater to an important (undiscussable and taboo topic) but none-the-less present need—the need for men to have sex. In case of Nepal, our societal norms do not allow for men and women to engage in sex prior to marriage. Men do not lose face if they lose their virginity before marriage so to satisfy their carnal urges they visit prostitutes. Have you talked to your boyfriend about why he visited prostitutes? If not, perhaps start by openly talking to him about how you feel about this subject. Even if society approved of it or your friends feel that there is nothing wrong about having sex with a prostitute, the bottom line is that you don’t like it (it makes your stomach turn). What I would be concerned with is whether or not your boyfriend had protected sex with the prostitute(s). You could ask him but he may or may not be honest about this. I would strongly advise you to use protection every time and, just to be safe, for both of you to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s very important that you take this step because untreated STIs can put you at risk for many kinds of diseases, but if caught early, there is a likely chance that it can be treated (exceptions do apply, however).