What do ur ZODIAC say about YOU

Learn from Linda Goodman's Sun Sign

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LGBT Movies of India

1. Fire India/Canada (1996)

Director: Deepa Mehta

Cast: Shabana azmi & Nandita Das

Plot: Ashok runs a family business that sells takeout food that also has a video rental store at the side. Ashok's extended family includes his wife Radha, his brother Jatin, their ailing mother Biji and their manservant Mundu, all living under the same roof. Jatin, at the insistence of Ashok and their mother, Biji, agrees to marry the beautiful Sita in an arranged marriage, although he is actually in love with Julie, a Chinese-Indian. At first glance, you see a happy middle-class family going through the normal paces of everyday life. However, as the layers are slowly peeled back, we find a simmering cauldron of discontent within the family, with almost every family member living a lie. Both marriages in the family turn out to be emotionally empty, without love or passion. While Ashok is an ascetic who has taken a vow of celibacy, Jatin is a handsome ladies' man who is still openly seeing Julie even after his marriage to Sita. Ashok has pledged his total devotion to a religious holy man, a swami, in order to purge his life of worldly desires and temptations. Radha, bound by her sense of duty to her husband, agrees to go along with his wishes. As you can imagine, with both husbands ignoring their spouses' emotional and sexual needs (albeit with reasons that are totally opposite from each other), it is only a matter of time before Radha and Sita look to one another for comfort and to satisfy their own passions. In this environment, it is only natural that Sita and Radha become fast friends, and, in time, much more than that. But their love is not without its share of painful obstacles.

2. Bombay Boys, India (1998)

Director: Kaizad Gustad

Cast: Naveen Andrews

Plot: Krishna alias Kris Sahani lives in New York, U.S., but decides to travel to his homeland in order to act in a movie. While Ricardo Fernandes leaves Sydney, Australia to travel to Bombay in search of his missing brother, Roger. And finally, Zeres Mistry, from London, England, also travels to Bombay to find his true love. The paths of all three Non-resident Indians cross in the taxi ride to Colaba, and they decide to stick together in their search for an apartment. They do succeed in finding one, owned by a seemingly gay landlord, Pesi Shroff, who openly and lovingly eyes a visibly uncomfortable Zeres. Things do not go well for Kris as well as he is asked by Filmmaker, Don Mastana, to act in a movie that is slated to be the worst movie in Bollywood history. Ricardo finds himself at the mercy of the local police, who make it clear to him that they have better things to do than look for his missing brother. It is only a matter of time before the hapless trio to realize that their respective hopes, dreams and aspirations are soon to turn to hopelessness and nightmares - from which there is no escape.

3. Sum Total, India/US (1999)

Director: Sonali Gulati

Plot: What does an Indian lesbian do when her parents want to marry her to an unknown man?

4. Barefeet India/US (2000)

Director: Sonali Gulati

Plot: An Indian lesbian attempts to come out to her family but she is unable to do so.

5. Adhura (incomplete), English/Hindi

Couldn’t find any information related to movie…………

6. Mango Soufflé , India (2002)

Director: Mahesh Dattani

Cast: Rinke kanna

7. Gulabi Aaina (The Pink Mirror), India (2003)

Director: Shridhar Rangayan

Cast: Edwin Fernandis, Ramesh Menon

Plot: The Pink Mirror pits two Indian drag queens against a westernized gay teenager in a battle to woo a handsome hunk. It's a clash of the east and west. Who will win? The drag queens, who are expert in the art of seduction with their wit, innuendo and cunning or the young teenager who is saucy, slutty and sly? Underneath the campy humorous exterior, the film is an exploration of the Indian gay landscape and understanding of the deep, humanly tender bondings that exist between drag queens in India who form unique, non-patriarchal families. Using the Bollywood soap idiom of song, dance and drama and for the first time in the Indian drag queens' very own language, Hindi, the film also explores other veiled issues related to the Indian gay community: the lurking threat of HIV/AIDS.

8. Girlfriend, India (2004)

Director: Karan Razdan

Cast: Isha Koppikar, Amrita Arora

Plot: 'Girlfriend' is a story about two intimate friends Tanya and Sapna who have always been together since they were in college. Now they live together and each one of them is fond of the other, to that extent that if one does something, the other follows. Sapna meets Rahul when Tanya is out of town for some work. Sapna finds herself in a relationship with Rahul and by the time Tanya is back, Sapna has already fallen for Rahul and starts loving him. When Tanya learns of this relationship, she is jealous and reacts very adversely and in her jealousy and possessiveness comes out when she meets Rahul. Now Tanya goes all out to break Sapna's relationship with Rahul and her hidden agenda and desires come to light in the later part of the film.

9. My Brother Nikhil, India (2005)

Director: Onir

Cast: Sanjay Suri & Purab Kohli

Plot: My Brother… Nikhil is a 2005 Indian film set in Goa. The movie portrays the life of the protagonist, Nikhil, from 1987 to 1994, when AIDS awareness in India was considerably low. Nikhil does not tell the story directly; the story is told to the viewer through the experiences and from the points of view of Nikhil's father, mother, boyfriend, lawyer, and his sister.

10. Navarasa, India (2005)

Director: Santosh Sivan

Cast: Bobby Darling

Plot: Swetha, 13, discovers that her uncle Gautham dresses as a woman once night has fallen. Intrigued, she asks him about him, and he confesses her that his dream would be to escape to Koovagam, a little city in the South of India, where transvestites gather to perpetuate the myth of Aravan. Once he disappears, Swetha goes after him, without warning her parents...

11. Quest (Thaang), India (2006)

Director: Amol Palekar

Cast: Mukta barve

12. Yours Emotionally, UK/India (2006)

Director: Shridhar Rangayan

Cast: Premjit, Jack lampert

Plot: Ravi & Paul, two friends from Leicester, end up attending a gay party in the small Indian town of Shimoga, upon an invitation of Ravi's Parsee email-pal Jeh from Mumbai. A genteel dreamer Ravi instantly falls in love with Mani - a dark & handsome local working man. Ravi and Paul also meet an older male couple, Murthy & Anna, now in their sixties. Murthy has lived in the UK to avoid marriage. When he returns to attend his mother's funeral, his lover Anna (a married man by then) convinces him to stay back. After his wife's death, Anna decides to join Murthy & they run a hotel. Both Ravi & Paul are surprised to meet the older same-sex couple. Although Ravi can't let go of his newfound love, Mani cannot overcome the vast gap that exists between them. Mani is under constant pressure to get married to a woman. When Ravi asks Mani to accompany him to UK, Mani shows very little willingness. Ravi seeks Murthy & Anna's help, but the couple hide behind words of wisdom and express inability to bring Ravi & Mani together. Tension brews between Ravi & Paul due to sexually charged Mani and the situation highlights some nasty cracks in their friendship... Mani throws in a surprise at the farewell meeting that Ravi's asked for... Interspersed with flashes of semi-surreal situations - presented through exciting dream sequences - Yours Emotionally ! unfolds a brightly painted canvas that explores contrasting values within Indian & Western gay sub-cultures.

13. Men Not Allowed, India (2006)

Director: Shrey shrivastava

Cast: Payal Rohatgi, Tina Mazumdar

14. I Can't Think Straight, India (2007)

Director: Shamim Sarif

Cast: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth

Plot: In the upper echelons of traditional Middle Eastern society, Reema and Omar prepare for the marriage of their daughter Tala. But back at work in London, Tala encounters Leyla, a young British Indian woman who is dating Tala's best friend Ali. Tala sees something unique in the artless, clumsy, sensitive Leyla who secretly works to become a writer. And Tala's forthright challenges to Leyla's beliefs begins a journey of self-awareness for Leyla. As the women fall in love, Tala's own sense of duty and cultural restraint cause her to pull away from Leyla and fly back to Jordan where the preparations for an ostentatious wedding are well under way. As family members descend and the wedding day approaches, the pressure mounts until Tala finally cracks and extricates herself. Back in London, Leyla is heartbroken but learns to break free of her own self-doubt and her mother's expectations, ditching Ali and being honest with her parents about her sexuality. When Ali and Leyla's feisty sister Zara help throw Tala and Leyla together again, Tala finds that her own preconceptions of what love can be is the final hurdle she must jump to win Leyla back

15. The World Unseen, India (2007)

Director: Shamim Sharif

Cast: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth

Plot: In the pressure cooker of apartheid South Africa, two women meet and their worlds are turned upside down. Miriam is a traditional Indian mother - hardworking and self-effacing. Amina breaks all the rules by driving a taxi and setting up a cafe with a local black man. In the face of outraged disapproval, their friendship flourishes. But the price, for Miriam, is the discovery of impossible truths about her marriage. In a system that divides white from black, black from Asian and the women from men, what chance is there for an unexpected love to survive?

16. 68 Pages, India (2007)

Director: Shridhar Rangayan

Cast: Joy Sengupta, Uday Sonaware

Plot: Coming from a country like India that is still in denial, where being HIV+ is still a curse, '68 Pages' rips open the underbelly of its society to reveal how it stigmatizes and shuns those who are HIV+ or even those who just want to be what they are. Through 68 Pages of a counselors diary, we see the stories of Paayal, a sex worker; Nishit, an ID user; Kiran, a gay man and Umrao, a transsexual bar dancer - their stories of pain and fear, humiliation and rejection - not only by the society, but even by their loved ones. While these stories expose the shallowness of the system, it also offers hope and healing by trying to bring about a better understanding of their fight to live with dignity. The film is a tribute to the human spirit of optimism and survival.

#Upcoming Movies

1. Pankh, India (2007)

Director: Sudipto Chattopadhyay

Cast: Maradona Rebello

Plot: The film is the story of the repercussions that have happened to a boy - a child artist who once played girl roles in films as Baby Kusum - once he becomes an adult and wants to be launched as a hero. Baby Kusum is a child star, a cute little girl. In reality, Baby Kusum is boy, masquerading as a girl. He was christened Jerry, and then named Master Jai for the movies. He and his mother Mary (Lilette) share a turbulent relationship. The boy’s family is poor and they want to make it big. The pressure of parents and ridicule make it a very sad situation for him. He becomes a drug-abuser who has never been to school and spends all his time at home. Eventually he creates an imaginary character he is in love with, & that imaginary character happens to be Bipasha who taunts him and fights with him, an alter ego who questions his every move. Jerry is made to face the camera again as a young man, which leads to the final catastrophe. The film highlights the common practice in the Indian film industry of casting children in role contrary to their natural genders, there screen.

2. Omar (I Am), India (2007)

Director: Onir

Cast: Rahul Bose, Abhimanyu Singh & Arjun Mathur.

Under Construction

Youngsters following Celibacy

These days, many young people are choosing celibacy over intercourse. On this episode of True Life, we follow three individuals who are struggling with their decision to remain celibate. Each have previously had sex, which makes it even harder for them to battle temptation.

Meet Troy: he's 19, a baseball team captain, SGA president and a model. He's a true all-American boy. At one point in his life, Troy had no problem with one-night stands and random hookups until he was involved in a terrible car accident, which led him to find religion. He now uses the Bible as a blueprint for living his life and has decided he'll wait until marriage to have sex again.

As a model, Troy battles tempting thoughts daily, especially during photo shoots. While provocatively posing in awkward positions with members of the opposite sex, his beliefs are heavily tested, but he is determined to stay celibate. One day, a girl named Holly catches Troy's eye during a photo shoot and he invites her to party with him and his friends later that night. Their time together seems to be going well until Holly's provocative dancing tempts Troy and he exits the club earlier than expected. Subsequently, Troy decides he shouldn't hang out with Holly anymore.

For spring break, Troy and his friends head to Panama City, Florida, to let loose. The only problem is, Troy can't participate in all the spring break debauchery without feeling slightly uncomfortable, but he attempts to remain levelheaded during the trip. While walking on the beach, the fellas run into a few ladies and invite them to a club, where Troy is straddled by one of the girls and given the lap dance of his life. Although it has become much easier for him to resist temptation, this situation is tough for Troy and he leaves the club before things get out of hand.

Troy reminds himself that God's acceptance is more important than peer acceptance and he remains comfortable in his decision to avoid sex and stay celibate. He feels his spring break lap dance was the ultimate test, and he passed. After five months, Troy is still celibate and plans to publicly speak out against premarital sex in the future.

Next, we meet 19-year-old Kristin, a serial dater. In the past, she has always cheated on her boyfriends, but now she's decided she can't have sex until she knows she can be faithful. Her decision to remain celibate has shocked her friends and ex-lovers and she has a very small support system. However, she has an understanding new boyfriend named Jim who says he will remain by her side no matter what.

Although Kristin hopes to remain faithful to her new boyfriend, she is tested at every turn at her job. As a waitress at a local bar, she deals with tons of flirtatious men. At times, the sexually charged atmosphere causes Kristin to question her decision to stay celibate. But whenever she feels as though she won't make it through the day, she thinks of Jim and pushes through.

One night, Kristin attends a party with Donnie, a guy she cheated on her former boyfriend with. The flirting between the two escalates, but Kristin wisely leaves before she regrets making any bad decisions. Between work and the company she keeps, Kristin wonders if she needs to rethink her celibacy.

Aside from temptation, Kristin's choice to stay celibate is made even more difficult by the fact that Jim lives four hours away. Their relationship is strained due to the distance and she often wonders if he is cheating on her. Lately, she says, his phone calls have been short and he visits less and less. After not hearing from Jim for awhile, Kristin calls and questions him about whether he is cheating. But Jim doesn't have a good excuse for his behavior, so Kristin breaks up with him.

Kristin's convinced Jim has found another girl that is willing to sleep with him and she naturally feels hurt. But Kristin's close friend reminds her that she doesn't have to put out in order for a guy to like her. That's when Kristin finally realizes that truly worthy guys will stick around and respect her decisions and love her no matter what.

For Kristin, the single life may seem challenging but she's ready to face whatever comes her way. She is confident in her choice to remain celibate and will let no man alter her path until they are seriously committed.

Finally, we meet 22-year-old Carlos and his girlfriend Alissa, who have been dating for two years. Carlos and Alissa used to have sex all the time, but now the dynamic has drastically changed because Alissa had an affair. Since then, Carlos has had a problem trusting Alissa and can't stop thinking about the affair. But mainly, Carlos is fearful of catching an STD from Alissa. Because of that, he has decided to be celibate until he can fully trust Alissa again. This decision not only affects Carlos but it also affects Alissa and their relationship as a whole.

With his newfound paranoia about STDs and his increasing jealousy, he and Alissa both question the future of their relationship. After many arguments and accusations, they decide to get tested so they can settle things once and for all. But on the day they're supposed to get tested, Alissa says she doesn't think the results will change anything. At this point, Alissa feels that, no matter what, Carlos will still be haunted by thoughts of her affair. But the two push forward and get tested anyway.

When they both find out they are STD free, Carlos is relieved, to say the least. But when Alissa tries to entice him into having sex with her, he still feels uncomfortable.

After six months of celibacy, Carlos still isn't ready to move forward and be intimate with Alissa. He feels Alissa's cheating has significantly hindered their relationship and corrupted the closeness they once had. He says one day he will once again be comfortable with having sex with Alissa, but right now he just wants to focus on sharing an intimacy beyond the physical meaning. So, for now, they remain celibate.

Using Condoms........

Well, this post is dedicated to all those guys, who belong to a culture where talking about Condoms is a TABOO. It leads to confusion for many individuals regarding how to use a condom & which would be a perfect condom for particular.

I got inspiration for writing this thread knowing the fact that most of people don't know which condom is used for what purpose, as I have seen many of guys asking about the use of flavored condoms at various medical stores & among friends. Hope this thread may help you a bit.

The information is mostly copied from internet & then edited..... As it takes hell lotta time to type such big posts.......

Why do I need to use a condom?

Condoms are the only form of protection that can both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV and prevent pregnancy.

Getting ready, choosing the right condom

A number of different types of condom are now available. What is generally called a condom is the 'male' condom, a sheath or covering which fits over a man's penis, and which is closed at one end.

There is also now a female condom, or vaginal sheath, which is used by a woman and which fits inside her vagina. The rest of this page is about the male condom.

What are condoms made of?

Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. If possible you should use a latex condom, as they are slightly more reliable, and in most countries they are most readily available.

Latex condoms can only be used with water based lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as Vaseline or cold cream as they break down the latex. A small number of people have an allergic reaction to latex and can use polyurethane condoms instead.

Polyurethane condoms are made of a type of plastic. They are thinner than latex condoms, and so they increase sensitivity and are more agreeable in feel and appearance to some users. They are more expensive than latex condoms and slightly less flexible so more lubrication may be needed. However both oil and water based lubricants can be used with them.

It's not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms are stronger – there are studies suggesting that either is less likely to break. With both types however, the likelihood of breakages is very small if used correctly.

The lubrication on condoms also varies. Some condoms are not lubricated at all, some are lubricated with a silicone substance, and some condoms have a water-based lubricant. The lubrication on condoms aims to make the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It can also help prevent condom breakage.

What about condom size?

Condoms are made in different lengths and widths, and different manufacturers produce varying sizes.

There is no standard length for condoms, though those made from natural rubber will in addition always stretch if necessary to fit the length of the man's erect penis.

The width of a condom can also vary. Some condoms have a slightly smaller width to give a "closer" fit, whereas others will be slightly larger. Condom makers have realised that different lengths and widths are needed and are increasingly broadening their range of sizes.

The brand names will be different in each country, so you will need to do your own investigation of different names. There is no particular best brand of condom.

What about various types of condoms available? Which should I prefer n when?

Condom Types

Picking out condoms can be a fun experience, yet with so many kinds on the market, how do you choose between the different condom types? An important thing to consider is whether or not you plan to use the condom as a contraceptive or if you are just want to use it for sex play. If you need a condom for protection, make sure to read the condom label to see if it is FDA approved for use against unplanned pregnancy and STDs. Also, make sure to check the expiration date to make sure that the condom is safe to use. Here are some of the different types of condoms available.

Night Light: Glow-In-The-Dark Condom

This particular brand is the only FDA approved glow-in-the-dark condom that is intended to prevent pregnancy and STDs. The Night Light condom is non-toxic and will glow after about 30 seconds of exposure to ordinary light (be sure to do expose it to the light before putting it on). The Night Light Glow-In-The-Dark Condom is made of three layers. The inner and the outer layer consist of regular latex while the third layer contains a safe pigment that begins to glow and is sealed between the two latex layers. This condom makes for a fun surprise.

Flavored Condoms

Many condom brands claim that their condoms have great flavors and tantalizing aromas. The flavor may be contained in the lubricant or directly on the condom. Some flavored condoms are even colored to match the flavor (such as red for strawberry flavor, yellow for banana). Flavors can include mint, grape, orange, banana, strawberry, and even chocolate, vanilla, and cola. These condoms are meant to add a yummy dimension to oral sex, and many of the brands are also FDA approved for strength and protection. If you are planning to use these condoms for vaginal sex, make sure they are sugar -free as sugar flavored condoms can throw off the pH in the vagina, which can lead to yeast infections.

Studded Condoms

These condoms are shaped and textured to increase pleasure for either the female, male or both partners (depending on where the raised studs and/or ribs are). Some of these condoms have two sections of ribs, on the top and at the base, which adds stimulation in just the right place for females. Others contain hundreds of raised studs, on the outside for female satisfaction and/or on the inside to enhance male enjoyment. The condoms that are marketed for mutual pleasure tend to be wider, have bulb-like tips, and a more contoured shape, which increase male comfort and allow nerve endings to remain at their most sensitive state (thus adding significantly more pleasure for him). Make sure to check for FDA approval (most are).

Warming Condoms

These condoms tend to be made of thinner latex, which helps to heighten sensation. Warming condoms are designed to enhance sensual pleasure through the release of gentle, warm sensations for both partners. They contain a warming lubricant that is activated by natural body moisture, so it heats up during sexual intercourse.

Edible Condoms

There are different brands of edible condoms that you can choose from. They usually come in packs of four and are available in a variety of flavors. The condom is rolled on, and then can be eaten off! Edible condoms are for novelty use only -- they do not provide any type of protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

Pleasure Shaped

The idea behind pleasure-shaped condoms is that they tend to be looser with enlarged, pouch-like tips. These wider tops allow for more friction because the extra latex stimulates the nerve endings at the tip of the penis. Some of these condoms, like the Inspiral brand or the Trojan Magnum Twister, also introduce a winding, twisting shape that allows for more vigorous action. This type of design stimulates nerve endings and heightens sensitivity for both women and men.

Colored Condoms

Condoms are available in almost every color; in fact, you can even find tri-colored condoms that feature the national colors of 36 countries, such as America, France, Spain, Russia and Italy. Dual-color condoms are also available, which may be fun to use during the holidays – like a black and orange condom for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, and pink and red condom for your Valentine. Many of the colored varieties of condoms are FDA approved for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, so make sure to read the label on the condom.

Kiss of Mint Condoms

These condoms, made by LifeStyles, are non-lubricated and are coated with a mint flavored powder that provides a sweet spearmint taste. Although these condoms tend to be a real favorite for safe oral sex, they are FDA approved for pregnancy protection as well. These condoms tend to be a little bit wider than average condoms and have a flared, reservoir tip (it balloons out a bit) which allows for heightened male sensation.

French Tickler

These condoms either have a soft rubber tickler tip or are made of soft jelly. Tickler condoms fit over the penis and come in various styles of nodules, nubs, and ridges and shapes that provide stimulation by "tickling" the inner walls of the vagina. These condoms are considered to be novelty types, so they do not provide prevention of pregnancy or disease. Perfect for couples where the woman is using a hormonal or permanent birth control method. If not, a man can wear a regular condom underneath the tickler to ensure contraceptive protection.

Tingling Pleasure Condoms

Some condoms, like Durex's Tingling Pleasure brand, contain a safe spearmint tingling lubricant as well as a minty scent. These condoms are formulated to provide an intensifying, tingling experience for both partners.

When do you use condom?

You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Never use the same condom twice. Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body. If you go from anal intercourse to vaginal intercourse, you should consider changing the condom.

How do you use condom?

Open the condom package at one corner being careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails, your teeth, or through being too rough. Make sure the package and condom appear to be in good condition, and check that if there is an expiry date that the date has not passed.

Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis, and if the condom does not have a reservoir top, pinch the tip of the condom enough to leave a half inch space for semen to collect. If the man is not circumcised, then pull back the foreskin before rolling on the condom.

Pinch the air out of the condom tip with one hand and unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis, and smooth out any air bubbles. (Air bubbles can cause a condom to break.)

If you want to use some extra lubrication, put it on the outside of the condom. But always use a water-based lubricant (such as KY Jelly or Liquid Silk) with latex condoms, as an oil-based lubricant will cause the latex to break.

The man wearing the condom doesn't always have to be the one putting it on - it can be quite a nice thing for his partner to do.

When do you take off the condom?

Pull out before the penis softens, and hold the condom against the base of the penis while you pull out, so that the semen doesn't spill. Condom should be disposed properly for example wrapping it in a tissue and throwing it away. It's not good to flush condoms down the toilet - they're bad for the environment.

What do you do if a condom breaks?

If a condom breaks during sexual intercourse, then pull out quickly and replace the condom. Whilst you are having sex, check the condom from time to time, to make sure it hasn't split or slipped off. If the condom has broken and you feel that semen has come out of the condom during sex, you should consider getting emergency contraception such as the morning after pill.

What condoms should you use for anal intercourse?

With anal intercourse more strain is placed on the condom. You can use stronger condoms (which are thicker) but standard condoms are just as effective as long as they are used correctly with plenty of lubricant. Condoms with a oil based lubricant should NOT be used for anal sex as Oil based lube damages the lining of the rectum increasing the risk of HIV and other STD transmission.

How do you dispose off a used condom?

All condoms should be disposed of by wrapping in tissue or toilet paper and throwing them in the bin. Condoms should not be flushed down the toilet as they may cause blockages in the sewage system and pollution.

Latex condoms are made mainly from latex with added stabilizers, preservatives and vulcanizing (hardening) agents. Latex is a natural substance made form rubber trees, but because of the added ingredients most latex condoms are not biodegradable. Polyurethane condoms are made from plastic and are not biodegradable. Biodegradable latex condoms are available from some manufacturers.

Reasons to use condoms

1. Condoms are the only contraceptive that help prevent both pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) when used properly and consistently.

2. Condoms are one of the most reliable methods of birth control when use properly and consistently.

3. Condoms have none of the medical side-effects of some other birth control methods may have.

4. Condoms are available in various shapes, colours, flavours, textures and sizes - to increase the fun of making love with condoms.

5. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores. You don't need a prescription or have to visit a doctor.

6. Condoms make sex less messy.

7. Condoms are user friendly. With a little practice, they can also add confidence to the enjoyment of sex.

8. Condoms are only needed when you are having sex unlike some other contraceptives which require you to take or have them all of the time.

Here are also some tips that can help you to feel more confident and relaxed about using condoms.

Confidence tips

· Keep condoms handy at all times. If things start getting steamy - you'll be ready. It's not a good idea to find yourself having to rush out at the crucial moment to buy condoms - at the height of the passion you may not want to.

· When you buy condoms, don't get embarrassed. If anything, be proud. It shows that you are responsible and confident and when the time comes it will all be worthwhile. It can be more fun to go shopping for condoms with your partner or friend. Nowadays, it is also easy to buy condoms discreetly on the internet.

· Talk with your partner about using a condom before having sex. It removes anxiety and embarrassment. Knowing where you both stand before the passion stands will make you lot more confident that you both agree and are happy about using a condom.

· If you are new to condoms, the best way to learn how to use them is to practice putting them on by yourself or your partner. It does not take long to become a master.

· If you feel that condoms interrupt you passion then try introducing condoms into your lovemaking. It can be really sexy if your partner helps you put it on or you do it together.