In our society, it is taboo for men to even touch women while they are having their periods. But I have this great desire of having sex with my wife when she is menstruating. Should I go ahead with it?

Dear Period Taboo,

Yes, women undergo a lot of discrimination during their menstrual periods in Nepalese society and it is considered a taboo for men to even touch women, forget sex, when they are having their periods. I remember how in my own family, my mother used to sleep on the floor or in another room during that time of the month. Also, there is a culture of being called an "untouchable" (nachhune) during this time which bars women from accessing important areas of the household like the kitchen or the puja room. In the urban sphere, things are slowly changing and so are people's reservations related to a woman's periods, but I think it is bold of you to have asked this question and I want to thank you for it. You may be surprised to know that while our traditions discourage sexual intercourse during a woman's periods, sex can be more pleasurable for her because of all the extra lubrication. Sex during periods also helps ease menstrual cramps that many women experience. Having sex during her periods will not pose any health risks but in case you have an STI, it'll be easier for that to get transmitted. So it is always wiser to use a condom!

Societal taboos and health benefits aside, remember that sex is also a private act between you and your partner and that you can pretty much decide on your own rules. But also, each woman has her own preferences and before you want to try having sex with your wife during her periods, make sure you talk to her about it (and tell her of the benefits that we've laid out earlier!) and get her consent. There are women who do not like the idea of trying that out which is perfectly respectable and you might want to find out what your wife feels about it before you decide to go ahead with it.