The highly anticipated movie '50 Shades of Grey' has brought sadism and masochism (S&M) to mainstream. It has permitted less difficult conversations about power and ceding control in the bedroom.

More than a few couples will probably want to dive into this uncharted territory in their love lives. V-Day is the perfect time to delve into nipple clamps and spanking. For the uninitiated among us, here are a few tips to move you from vanilla sex to mind-blowing, whip-wielding ecstasy.

Small Talk

Telling your partner you want an S&M experience can be awkward. Break it to him/her gently. During regular intercourse, whisper something naughty and ask, what would you think if I did that to you?

Be Safe

Being kinky demands trust, so it's great if you're doing this with a long-term partner. Ensure you both agree to a safe word, just in case things get too steamy (translate 'unbearable'). Use a word you can remember. Don't use the word 'no'. Use something you wouldn't normally say in bed, like 'green grass' or 'tomatoes'. Don't gag either mouth. You should be able to say the safe word clearly.

Love is blind

Since you're giving up power to your partner, jazz things up with a blindfold. Of course, you can use a regular blindfold or use a tie or handkerchief. Whatever is handy and fulfils the purpose - works.

Enforce the law

Ceding power becomes quite favourable when trinkets are involved. Add some handcuffs to your S&M arsenal. We're all for taking things one step at a time, so don't feel shy about purchasing padded, Velcro ones. Who wants to worry about lost keys anyway?

Become your part

Kink is a different form of sex. It takes you out of your comfort zone. So that means you don't dress regularly. Bring in textures like leather, latex, garters and high heels. Anything you wouldn't normally wear in bed.

Nibbling

According to research, when you're really turned on, pain can feel like pleasure. Start at gentle nibbles and spanking and work your way up. Remember each partner has to abide by the safe word.

Choose good music

Music helps you to concentrate on the matter at hand. Choose music that brings out the S&M persona in you. For example, Lady Saw's, 'Love you with my heels on'.

Use Temperature

Temperature plays a huge role in enjoying your S&M experience. Utilise ice and candles in unique ways. Explore with your partner the pleasure of hot vs. cold touches. Be careful with the candle. Blow the candle out, test the wax on your hand first, and when it hits the skin, massage it in. There are candles that melt into massage oils.

Let him play with your toys

Allowing your partner to use your toys on you is much different from using them yourself. Don't tell him how to use it. Cede control.

S&M can be a sexually enlightening and fun experience. How dirty it gets is up to you.