The most likely consideration is that your female is in heat and the male is trying to mate, which would explain his licking and protectiveness over her. She may not be as interested in mating and is hiding in the pouch...or that's her preferred spot to mate for privacy.
If you think, which you do, that there may be any problem with your female's health, you need to be more bold with the male to remove him from the pouch so that you can check on your female. They are animals and you are in charge of them, not the other way around. If you're getting bit, use a glove...but, by all means check your female.
If she seems to be acting normally (not lethargic, weak, sneezing, hazy eyes, dehydrated) it may just be her heat cycle. But still keep an eye on her.
If she shows any signs of having symptoms...get her to your vet!