#Sexualhealth

A growing body of evidence shows that men’s sexual health deserves the same attention as women’s. In both the West and Asia-Pacific, conversations about safety, education, and disease prevention have often sidelined men. This has helped create a quiet health crisis that affects individuals and public health alike.

For Thai readers, the topic resonates with a country known for strong HIV prevention work and sexual health programs. Yet rising rates of sexually transmitted infections among young men and growing demand for male-focused wellness services signal new challenges that require targeted solutions.

A new participatory study from Nepal shows how schools can empower adolescent girls to understand and advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Published by the Brookings Institution, the research demonstrates that when schools provide accurate information, safe dialogue, and leadership opportunities, girls gain confidence to address SRHR in communities where taboos and misinformation persist.

The Nepal study, conducted June to December 2024 with girls aged 12 to 15 in public schools, highlights persistent risks in low- and middle-income settings. Early marriage, teen pregnancy, and maternal mortality remain concerns in Thailand and beyond, fueled by gaps in reliable information and restricted discussion about puberty, contraception, and sexual rights. Key barriers identified include myths about menstruation and contraception, social stigma, and teaching styles that rely on lectures rather than dialogue and critical thinking.

A major international study is rewriting the script on treating bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common yet often overlooked vaginal infection that impacts one in three women worldwide, including many in Thailand. Latest research reveals that to truly tackle BV and prevent its frustratingly frequent return, it’s not enough to just treat the women affected—their male sexual partners should be treated too. The landmark findings challenge decades of medical dogma and offer hope for the millions of women who have endured repeated, uncomfortable cycles of this stubborn infection (New York Times; NEJM).

A major international study is redefining how bacterial vaginosis (BV) is treated. BV is a common vaginal infection that affects about one in three women worldwide, including many in Thailand. New findings show that tackling BV effectively may require treating both partners, not just the woman. This challenges decades of medical thinking and offers new hope for women who experience recurrent BV.

BV is the leading cause of abnormal vaginal discharge among reproductive-age women. In Thailand, awareness is limited despite BV’s links to higher risks of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and complications such as preterm birth during pregnancy. The infection results from an imbalance in vaginal bacteria, with the beneficial Lactobacilli replaced by other bacteria. Typical treatments relieve symptoms, but relapse is common, with up to 60% experiencing recurrence within months.

A recent report by The Guardian has drawn attention to a dramatic surge in syphilis cases in the United States, a public health crisis made worse by a decision during the Trump administration to shutter a key federal Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) laboratory within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The Guardian. This controversial move, now under sharp scrutiny, has come at a pivotal moment as syphilis infections in the US hit record highs. For Thailand, this development is a stark warning of the critical importance of sustained investment in public health infrastructure—and offers valuable insights into local disease prevention strategies.

The latest research and expert commentary are bringing renewed attention to the hidden risks lurking within popular hair loss treatments—most notably the sexual side effects linked to medications like finasteride and dutasteride. Medical columns and international news outlets have recently spotlighted that while these drugs, which block the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and thus reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), remain effective for combating hair loss, they may also come with lingering consequences for men’s sexual health that are often underestimated by both patients and prescribers (The Detroit News).

New research and expert commentary are drawing attention to the hidden risks of popular hair loss treatments, especially sexual side effects linked to finasteride and dutasteride. While these medications help many men by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and slowing hair loss, healthcare professionals warn that sexual health effects can occur and may persist for some users. Informed discussions between doctors and patients are more important than ever, particularly in Thailand where open talk about sexual health remains culturally sensitive.

A new research report has found that students who use dating apps are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, raising concerns among educators and health professionals about a hidden danger in the digital age of romance. The study, highlighted by Frontiers in November 2024, adds fresh urgency to Thailand’s ongoing efforts to improve sexual health education and digital literacy among young people Frontiers in Public Health.

With dating apps becoming an integral part of modern student social life, especially in university settings across Thailand and globally, this news holds significant implications. Thai students are among the world’s most digitally connected, with Gen Z leading trends in smartphone and app usage. Yet, with greater access to platforms that facilitate rapid connections often come greater health risks, including unprotected sex, multiple partners, and a higher likelihood of encountering sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the new research, these risks are statistically higher among students active on dating apps.

A recent study highlights a concerning link between dating app use and higher-risk sexual behaviors among university students. The findings, summarized in Frontiers in Public Health, underscore Thailand’s long-running push to improve sexual health education and digital literacy for youth.

With dating apps now central to student life in Thai universities, educators are rethinking how to address real-world risks. Thailand’s youth are among the most digitally connected in the world, and easy access to potential partners can coincide with unprotected sex, multiple partners, and increased exposure to sexually transmitted infections. The research shows that these risks are more common among students who use dating apps.

Seeking ways to enhance intimacy, more Thais are exploring the role of dietary supplements in improving sexual health. According to a recent article published by EatingWell, health experts have identified four notable supplements—vitamin D, ashwagandha, nicotinamide riboside (NR), and L-arginine—as potential boosters for libido and sexual function. As Thailand, like much of the world, experiences increased conversation about sexual wellness and holistic health, understanding the evidence and context around these supplements is especially timely (EatingWell).

Demand for sexual wellness remains strong in Thailand, with many people seeking reliable guidance on supplements that may support desire and function. A recent health feature identifies four candidates—vitamin D, ashwagandha, nicotinamide riboside (NR), and L-arginine—as supplements frequently discussed in relation to libido. While interest grows, Thai readers deserve balanced context that blends science, tradition, and practical guidance.

In Thailand, traditional herbs such as black ginger and Cordyceps have long shaped approaches to vitality. Urban living, irregular work hours, and stress can affect sexual well-being for both men and women. Rather than chasing quick fixes, experts emphasize a holistic plan that prioritizes sleep, stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and open communication with partners. This grounded approach aligns with cultural values around balance and family well-being.