A. No, you are NOT losing your nature. This problem is certainly not 'a rubber allergy'.

What is happening is simply an example of a common condition called 'the condom collapse syndrome'. All over the world, this affects thousands of young men every day.

When they are about to have intercourse, they become very excited and then try to put the condom on. Moments later, they lose their erections.

Why? Well, it is simply caused from anxiety and 'nerves'. Alas, this generates certain 'stress chemicals' in the body. These chemicals flow in the bloodstream to the penis - and cause it lose the erection.

Naturally, the collapse increases his anxiety, which makes it even more difficult for him to get a sustainable erection.

Forget all thoughts about losing your nature. You need to just accept that putting on a condom is an anxiety-provoking activity for a young guy. So, instead of fretting, try to laugh about the whole thing! If you can, make a joke about it with your girlfriend.

Getting her 'on your side' is vital. Indeed, sex gurus from many countries have said that the best remedy for condom collapse syndrome is for the man to ask the woman to put the condom on him.

This takes away quite a lot of the stress. Also, for most men, it is a big turn-on to see a beautiful woman rolling a condom on to the penis. And of course, if there is any hint of 'loss of erection', a little swiftly applied manual stimulation from the lady will soon put everything right.

So ... don't give up on that condom.

A. No, menstrual blood does not contain any germs. The only exception to this that I can think of would be if the woman has a sexually transmitted infection.

Many people have fears of menstrual blood, fears which usually hark back to tales they heard as children. Also, there is still a lot of embarrassment about menstrual bleeding, and some folk still believe it is a disgrace if a girl is noticed to have stained something with her menstrual flow.

Be tolerant of your mother's feelings. You could also try to convince her that menstrual loss is a perfectly normal thing, and nothing about which to be afraid or ashamed.

A. I do not think it is very likely. Vast numbers of young men find it difficult to chat to girls and to make friends with them. This is mainly because they are not used to women and their ways.

Being shy or awkward with girls does NOT make you gay. Much more important is what your sexual feelings are.

When you think about enjoying sex, do you imagine beautiful girls wanting to kiss you and do nice things for you? If that's the case, you certainly are NOT homosexual.

On the other hand, if you have similar fantasies about boys, there is a strong possibility that you are on a progressive path to homosexuality.

A. I don't think anything is medically wrong with you. A lot of younger women find it very difficult to relax and lubricate, but they generally learn to do so as they age.

There are three things which encourage a young female to lubricate:

1. Being in a relaxed and romantic environment.

2. Feeling loved and wanted.

3. Being gradually 'worked up' by slow and skilful love play.

You and your husband should talk over those three points, and see where improvements could be made. In the meantime, there are now very good ARTIFICIAL lubricants, which you can buy at pharmacies, or through the Web. Good luck.

A. Please forgive me, but I am afraid that I can see no sense in the idea of you getting pregnant at the moment. You are only 18, and the unpublished part of your email says that you have recently graduated from a good high school.

Do you really want to throw away your prospects of a good career and success by burdening yourself with motherhood?

Also, I am really not too happy about this young man's attitude. You say that he is 'constantly blaming' you. And apparently he is always accusing you of taking the Pill.

Is this a good relationship into which to bring a young child? Think carefully about that before you make further efforts to get pregnant.