Dear Dr Cath
My boyfriend is going abroad for three months and I'd like to give him something to remember me by. I thought we could make a raunchy film together that he could watch when he misses me. Are there any laws against this? Could he get the film confiscated when he leaves the country?
It can be very arousing to star in your own erotic film and it's a great idea if you're going to be separated for a while. But it's essential you're both keen before you start. If one of you is slightly reluctant then discuss what you're going to do in advance and set some ground rules about what you're going to get up to - not everybody is a natural exhibitionist.
Remember that you are in control and if you don't like the result you can always erase it and start again.
If you're still a little nervous set the camera up in a corner of the room and try to pretend it's not there. As you get more confident you may find the thought of a third eye watching you in the act even spurs you on.
Be sure to label the film well to avoid an embarrassing mix-up - and discuss its long-term fate. Relationships do break down and you need to decide what to do with it in that event. Jilted partners have been known to seek revenge by publishing home movies.
Don't worry about Customs - if the film is for personal use only then there is no reason for it to be confiscated.
It's the second most common cancer in women under 35, with 3,000 new cases diagnosed a year, but do you really know about cervical cancer?
It develops from the cells lining the neck or entrance to the womb. These cells usually become abnormal before the cancer grows and these early abnormal stages can be detected by cervical smear tests.
RISK FACTORS
There are several factors that might make you more prone to cervical cancer. Infection with certain types of a sexually-transmitted virus called HPV ( Human Papilloma Virus) is one of the key contributors to cancer development. Smoking can increase your risks too.
SYMPTOMS
You can't see your cervix as it's deep in the vagina so you have to rely on recognising the symptoms of something wrong. These include bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after the menopause, any unusual discharges and pain when you have sex.
All these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it's important to seek advice if you experience any of them.
PREVENTION
The Government is now advising that all girls aged between 12 and 13 are given one of the new vaccines against the cancer-producing strains of HPV.
It's predicted these vaccines can protect against 70 per cent of cancers, but it's important that girls are offered the injections before they start having sex or they could already be carrying the virus.
If you're already having sex then use condoms to help protect yourself against the virus, particularly with new partners. And stop smoking.
SMEAR TESTS
Cervical smear tests can help detect early changes in the cells of the cervix. Treatment at this stage can stop cancer developing. For this reason women between 25 and 50 are encouraged to have a smear test every three years then every five years up to 65.
For more information see the website at www.cancerbackup.org.uk
Dear Dr Cath
I went to a school reunion last month and met my first and most passionate love. Our relationship didn't work because her parents didn't approve. But I have never forgotten her.
Despite both of us being married the spark was still there. My marriage is going through a rough patch and she hinted that her relationship wasn't happy either. I don't want to hurt anybody but is it possible we could rekindle the flame after so long?
Your first love is often the one you remember with the most tenderness. But it's easy to over-romanticise it. When you're young you don't have the same pressures. You need to think realistically whether the relationship could really have stood the test of time.
She might indeed be the great love of your life. Be sure of any step you take before you hurt both of your current partners and be clear it is truly about your ex-girlfriend and not driven by your current dissatisfaction with your marriage.
Dear Dr Cath
I'm trying to get pregnant but also want to get in shape. I'm worried in case too much exercise will ruin my chances of getting pregnant - or if exercise will be dangerous if I am pregnant.
Don't worry. Being fit and active and shifting a few pounds will probably increase your chances of conceiving.
Exercise boosts the immune system and is also a great stress-buster - and stress can make it harder to conceive.
Losing weight can help some women to ovulate regularly. Once you're pregnant you have to carry an extra 2st around, so toning up your postural muscles is a great idea.
Don't overdo it. Too much exercise can inhibit ovulation and make pregnancy harder to achieve.
Exercise is also a great way to keep fit even when you are pregnant. Stick to low-impact exercise, particularly as you get bigger. Swimming is a great option. Always rest if you feel tired and stop if you feel unwell or faint.
Dear Dr Cath
I love having sex with new partners and I'm not fussy about who. I enjoy the buzz of chatting up girls to see if I can get them into bed. Sometimes I sleep with three in a weekend. My friends think I'm a sex addict and should get help but I don't think I am.
Enjoying sex doesn't make you an addict. Real sex addicts often seek gratification to hide from other stresses on their life. If you're addicted to anything it's to the chase, but I get the feeling you could change if you wanted to, which means you're not a true addict.
Seeking short-term thrills with lots of women can boost your confidence - but ultimately may leave you feeling hollow. Why not slow down and get to know these women rather than viewing them as conquests?
Love your curves: they could be good for you. Research suggests that fat around the buttocks can protect you against developing diabetes later in life. This subcutaneous fat layer is thought to produce hormones that boost the body's metabolism.
As the weather heats up sex can become a hot and sweaty experience. Stay cool by leaving the bedroom curtains closed in the day - and have sex in the morning when the atmosphere is fresher and you can jump into the shower afterwards.
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