GROWING UP – What you need to know about the facts of life Dr Aniruddha Malpani, MD Malpani Infertility Clinic Colaba, Bombay.

Facts of Life All kids grow up to become adults Before they become adults, they go through a phase called adolescence, which is where you are now Lots of dramatic changes will take place in your body and mind – and in your friends too ! You need to know about the biological process, so you don’t get worried

All kids grow up to become adults

Before they become adults, they go through a phase called adolescence, which is where you are now

Lots of dramatic changes will take place in your body and mind – and in your friends too !

You need to know about the biological process, so you don’t get worried

What about sex ? People of ALL ages ( especially preteens !) have questions about sexuality This is natural. Accurate information about sex and sexuality is a good thing. Understanding how your body works and how to take care of it is part of building a healthy life.

People of ALL ages ( especially preteens !) have questions about sexuality

This is natural.

Accurate information about sex and sexuality is a good thing.

Understanding how your body works and how to take care of it is part of building a healthy life.

Why is it so hard for kids to get this information ? Kids are shy to ask questions about such sensitive issues Adults ( parents and teachers) are equally reluctant to talk about it ! Some kids think they “know-it-all” Not talking about it is the worst thing to do !

Kids are shy to ask questions about such sensitive issues

Adults ( parents and teachers) are equally reluctant to talk about it ! Some kids think they “know-it-all”

Not talking about it is the worst thing to do !

What do you often end up doing ? Since you need answers ( just like we all did when we were growing up) , you will ask your friends; or get this information through TV or the internet Unfortunately, this information is often unreliable , wrong and misleading You often end up having misconceptions which are never cleared

Since you need answers ( just like we all did when we were growing up) , you will ask your friends; or get this information through TV or the internet

Unfortunately, this information is often unreliable , wrong and misleading

You often end up having misconceptions which are never cleared

Today’s children are much more aware Kids have become smarter Exposure to sexual topics is far more pervasive today than it was a few years ago, and children exposed at a much younger age TV ( MTV) TV serials ( “Friends”) and movies Internet You know a lot – but a lot of it may be wrong !

Kids have become smarter

Exposure to sexual topics is far more pervasive today than it was a few years ago, and children exposed at a much younger age

TV ( MTV)

TV serials ( “Friends”) and movies

Internet

You know a lot – but a lot of it may be wrong !

Talking to your parents A lot of things have changed since your parents were children themselves, but they had the same concerns and feelings you have today when they were kids of your age It’s helpful to talk to them about what they went through when they were your age

A lot of things have changed since your parents were children themselves, but they had the same concerns and feelings you have today when they were kids of your age

It’s helpful to talk to them about what they went through when they were your age

Interview Your Parents How did you feel about boys/girls when you were my age? Did you have or want a boyfriend or girlfriend? Did your parents approve ? When did you first go out with a girl/ boy ?

How did you feel about boys/girls when you were my age?

Did you have or want a boyfriend or girlfriend?

Did your parents approve ?

When did you first go out with a girl/ boy ?

Do you think we’ve done enough homework so we can talk to our kids about sex ?

Dangers ! Exposure to erotica or pornography on the net, TV and movies can be extremely confusing and disturbing . There are more reliable sources of information available – use these ! Your parents should be the best source – help them to become “askable” parents !

Exposure to erotica or pornography on the net, TV and movies can be extremely confusing and disturbing .

There are more reliable sources of information available – use these !

Your parents should be the best source – help them to become “askable” parents !

When should you know about sex - the “syllabus” ( SIECUS, US ) Use correct terms for all sexual body parts, including the reproductive organs. Understand that their bodies belong to themselves and that they have a right to say "No" to unwanted touch. Know where babies come from, how they "get in" and "get out." Be able to ask trusted adults questions about sexuality. Know that "sex talk" is for private times at home.

Use correct terms for all sexual body parts, including the reproductive organs.

Understand that their bodies belong to themselves and that they have a right to say "No" to unwanted touch.

Know where babies come from, how they "get in" and "get out."

Be able to ask trusted adults questions about sexuality.

Know that "sex talk" is for private times at home.

Learning about sex - the “syllabus” ( SIECUS, US ) By the age of 5 !

By the age of 5 !

Learning about sex - the “syllabus” ( SIECUS, US ) Have an awareness of the life cycle and sexuality at all ages Have and use an acceptable vocabulary for communication about body parts, their own and those of the opposite sex. Anatomically correct terms are far better than slang ! By the age of 9

Have an awareness of the life cycle and sexuality at all ages

Have and use an acceptable vocabulary for communication about body parts, their own and those of the opposite sex.

Anatomically correct terms are far better than slang !

By the age of 9

Learning about sex - the “syllabus” ( SIECUS, US ) The changes you can expect in your bodies during puberty , including: range of times at which normal developmental changes begin, including normal differences in male and female timing of these events the general stages of the body's growth the fact that emotional changes are to be expected during this time.

The changes you can expect in your bodies during puberty , including:

range of times at which normal developmental changes begin, including normal differences in male and female timing of these events

the general stages of the body's growth

the fact that emotional changes are to be expected during this time.

Learning about sex - the “syllabus “ ( SIECUS, US ) All about growing up ! Should know about this by the age of 13

All about growing up !

Should know about this by the age of 13

Adolescence Many changes which occur as you become a teen – physical, emotional, social

Many changes which occur as you become a teen – physical, emotional, social

The ability to think for yourself You will develop the ability to think abstractly , rather than just concretely. You may question accepted rules and may argue whether rules are reasonable and fair.

You will develop the ability to think abstractly , rather than just concretely.

You may question accepted rules and may argue whether rules are reasonable and fair.

Social Development You begin to learn new social skills as you expand your social world. You learn how to develop and maintain close, mutually supportive relationships with your friends. “ Peer pressure “ to do what the group does

You begin to learn new social skills as you expand your social world.

You learn how to develop and maintain close, mutually supportive relationships with your friends.

“ Peer pressure “ to do what the group does

Emotional development You will want ( demand !) freedom in dress, selection of friends, or how you spend your free time. You will need to look and act like your friends . It can be painful to be “different.”

You will want ( demand !) freedom in dress, selection of friends, or how you spend your free time.

You will need to look and act like your friends . It can be painful to be “different.”

Experiencing Puberty Growth in physical development, thinking abilities, social skills and emotional maturity does not occur at the same rate. You are unique Everyone changes at different rates, according to highly individual internal “clocks.”

Growth in physical development, thinking abilities, social skills and emotional maturity does not occur at the same rate.

You are unique

Everyone changes at different rates, according to highly individual internal “clocks.”

Vive le difference ! Most teens are pleased by the body changes that make them look more adult. Many are very concerned about whether their bodies are “normal” and need to compare themselves with their friends.

Most teens are pleased by the body changes that make them look more adult.

Many are very concerned about whether their bodies are “normal” and need to compare themselves with their friends.

Conflict ! When you show signs of physical growth, adults expect more mature behavior from you. “ Grow up – you are not a baby anymore ! ” “ You are too young to see that movie – wait till you grow up !” You may feel you are saddled with more responsibility and duties, without any more freedom

When you show signs of physical growth, adults expect more mature behavior from you.

“ Grow up – you are not a baby anymore ! ”

“ You are too young to see that movie – wait till you grow up !”

You may feel you are saddled with more responsibility and duties, without any more freedom

Common worries during adolescence Worrying about the way your body is changing Worrying about what others think about the way you look. Feeling that you're different from friends of the same age - either more physically developed or less. Being misunderstood, especially by your teachers and parents. “ No one understands me !”

Worrying about the way your body is changing

Worrying about what others think about the way you look.

Feeling that you're different from friends of the same age - either more physically developed or less.

Being misunderstood, especially by your teachers and parents.

“ No one understands me !”

More worries ! You now want more control over things because you feel you are grown up. This can cause conflict with teachers and parents, because you feel they still treat you as a kid You want to be part of the crowd, fitting in with a group of friends, going places and doing things together. Again, this can cause arguments if your parents don't approve of your choice of friends or clothes.

You now want more control over things because you feel you are grown up. This can cause conflict with teachers and parents, because you feel they still treat you as a kid You want to be part of the crowd, fitting in with a group of friends, going places and doing things together. Again, this can cause arguments if your parents don't approve of your choice of friends or clothes.

More worries ! It's common, and normal, to imagine kissing and having sex with other people. Most teenagers have 'crushes' on adults they fancy It's also common to have sexual fantasies about members of the same sex, as well as members of the opposite sex.

It's common, and normal, to imagine kissing and having sex with other people.

Most teenagers have 'crushes' on adults they fancy

It's also common to have sexual fantasies about members of the same sex, as well as members of the opposite sex.

Puberty Puberty is commonly yet incorrectly used as a synonym for adolescence. Actually, it refers only to the physical changes that occur during adolescence. Three kinds of physical changes will occur in your body: growth spurt development of primary sex characteristics appearance of secondary sex characteristics.

Puberty is commonly yet incorrectly used as a synonym for adolescence. Actually, it refers only to the physical changes that occur during adolescence.

Three kinds of physical changes will occur in your body:

growth spurt

development of primary sex characteristics

appearance of secondary sex characteristics.

Physical Development During early adolescence, your body begins to produce the hormones necessary for pubertal development. Your reproductive system matures, preparing you to become an adult

During early adolescence, your body begins to produce the hormones necessary for pubertal development.

Your reproductive system matures, preparing you to become an adult

The Growth Spurt You will shoot up in height. Physical growth is not always uniform. For example your chin or nose may grow before the rest of your face. There will a lot of variation amongst you and your friends The tallest person now may end up as the shortest !

You will shoot up in height.

Physical growth is not always uniform. For example your chin or nose may grow before the rest of your face.

There will a lot of variation amongst you and your friends

The tallest person now may end up as the shortest !

Secondary sex characteristics Are those changes that make boys look like men ; and girls look like women. Breast development and the addition of body fat are such characteristics for girls. Boys’ voices deepen and their shoulders broaden. Both boys and girls develop body hair and body odor.

Are those changes that make boys look like men ; and girls look like women.

Breast development and the addition of body fat are such characteristics for girls.

Boys’ voices deepen and their shoulders broaden. Both boys and girls develop body hair and body odor.

Hormonal changes During puberty, the physical changes which occur in your body do so because of the hormones you produce. Hormones are chemical substances that affect growth and change in cell activity. In boys, the most important hormone is the male hormone, called testosterone, which is produced in the testes.

During puberty, the physical changes which occur in your body do so because of the hormones you produce.

Hormones are chemical substances that affect growth and change in cell activity. In boys, the most important hormone is the male hormone, called testosterone, which is produced in the testes.

Hopping hormones Hormones can cause mood changes or ‘swings’, where you may feel happy one moment and sad or angry the next. Your thoughts and feelings may be confused. These mood swings won’t last forever. Eventually you will feel calmer and gain a more even level of emotions.

Hormones can cause mood changes or ‘swings’, where you may feel happy one moment and sad or angry the next. Your thoughts and feelings may be confused.

These mood swings won’t last forever. Eventually you will feel calmer and gain a more even level of emotions.

Finding your voice At puberty a boy’s voice will change and become deeper. This is a gradual process while the larynx (voice box) grows, and the vocal cords stretch. The voice may alternate between being squeaky or deep, and is usually known as the voice ‘breaking’. The voice can break any time between the ages of 13 and 16, before eventually settling down.

At puberty a boy’s voice will change and become deeper. This is a gradual process while the larynx (voice box) grows, and the vocal cords stretch. The voice may alternate between being squeaky or deep, and is usually known as the voice ‘breaking’. The voice can break any time between the ages of 13 and 16, before eventually settling down.

Weight gain and body image Some people may put on weight around the time of puberty. Magazines often give out messages that being trim and muscular is important. Yet the most important thing is to be healthy and happy. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise will help prevent or control any large weight gain.

Some people may put on weight around the time of puberty. Magazines often give out messages that being trim and muscular is important. Yet the most important thing is to be healthy and happy.

Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise will help prevent or control any large weight gain.

Male Reproductive System

Male Pelvis

Male Genitalia

Female Genitalia - External and Internal

Cross Section of Female Pelvis

Female Reproductive System

How the egg and sperm meet !

Puberty blues The changes that occur during puberty can often be very confusing and frustrating. It helps if you can talk about it to someone you trust.

The changes that occur during puberty can often be very confusing and frustrating. It helps if you can talk about it to someone you trust.

ADOLESCENCE Being a teenager can be tough You have to learn to cope with multiple challenges – both internal and external Being comfortable with your body – and that of your friends – will help you grow into a responsible adult

Being a teenager can be tough

You have to learn to cope with multiple challenges – both internal and external

Being comfortable with your body – and that of your friends – will help you grow into a responsible adult

ADOLESCENCE Preteens and teenagers can be very cruel to each other Form groups , as they try to establish their personal identity Gang up on others, because they are unsure of themselves Tease and bully

Preteens and teenagers can be very cruel to each other

Form groups , as they try to establish their personal identity

Gang up on others, because they are unsure of themselves

Tease and bully

ADOLESCENCE Need to learn to stand up for yourselves Bullying should not be tolerated Invite friends over – good friends are a healthy influence !

Need to learn to stand up for yourselves

Bullying should not be tolerated

Invite friends over – good friends are a healthy influence !

Boys v/s girls Mature at different rates Can be a problem in a co-ed school ! Have to learn to get along with each other

Mature at different rates

Can be a problem in a co-ed school !

Have to learn to get along with each other

ADOLESCENCE Don’t keep on comparing yourself to others Have at least one meal at home together with your family

Don’t keep on comparing yourself to others

Have at least one meal at home together with your family

Be kind to your parents ! Adolescence is a hard time for you – but it’s even harder for your parents ! They often wonder what happened to their “sweet obedient baby” ! Living with adolescents can be hard – try to make your parents’ lives easier – remember, that they love you !

Adolescence is a hard time for you – but it’s even harder for your parents !

They often wonder what happened to their “sweet obedient baby” !

Living with adolescents can be hard – try to make your parents’ lives easier – remember, that they love you !

Parenting skills Unfortunately, parents don’t need any qualification or training to become parents ! Please guide them – you are your own experts Learn how to talk to your parents so they will listen

Unfortunately, parents don’t need any qualification or training to become parents !

Please guide them – you are your own experts

Learn how to talk to your parents so they will listen

Parenting skills How do you get your parents to listen to you ? The answer is simple – listen to them !

How do you get your parents to listen to you ?

The answer is simple – listen to them !

Common worries Puberty (boy2man changes) Puberty begins when your body is ready - not when you decide. Learn to accept the changes and the timing of it all. Erections All teenage boys get unwanted erections. The best you can do is learn to hide them. Wet Dreams, Sexy Dreams These are really common with teenage boys. You can't do much about them.

Puberty (boy2man changes)

Puberty begins when your body is ready - not when you decide. Learn to accept the changes and the timing of it all.

Erections

All teenage boys get unwanted erections. The best you can do is learn to hide them.

Wet Dreams, Sexy Dreams

These are really common with teenage boys. You can't do much about them.

Common worries Gay All boys will be able to make a list of unwanted private gay stuff that has happened in their life by the time they are an adult! This doesn't mean they are gay! Masturbation Nearly all boys begin to masturbate regularly during their teenage years. There is a balance that must be learned to keep this a positive activity in your life. Lust All boys, during puberty, get a strong interest in other peoples' bodies. Lust needs to be controlled.

Gay

All boys will be able to make a list of unwanted private gay stuff that has happened in their life by the time they are an adult! This doesn't mean they are gay!

Masturbation

Nearly all boys begin to masturbate regularly during their teenage years. There is a balance that must be learned to keep this a positive activity in your life.

Lust

All boys, during puberty, get a strong interest in other peoples' bodies. Lust needs to be controlled.

Common worries Pornography All boys find a strong attraction to porn during the teenage years which also must be controlled. Virginity The best "big picture" choice for your life is to be a virgin when you marry! The choice rests solely with you. Penis Most guys worry their penis is too big or small or thick or thin or straight or bent or long or short or just plain different. Just get over it!

Pornography

All boys find a strong attraction to porn during the teenage years which also must be controlled.

Virginity

The best "big picture" choice for your life is to be a virgin when you marry! The choice rests solely with you.

Penis

Most guys worry their penis is too big or small or thick or thin or straight or bent or long or short or just plain different. Just get over it!

WHAT BOYS WANT TO KNOW Is my penis big enough ? What is an erection ? What is an ejaculation ? What is a nocturnal ejaculation ( wet dream) ? Is masturbation normal ?

Is my penis big enough ?

What is an erection ?

What is an ejaculation ?

What is a nocturnal ejaculation ( wet dream) ?

Is masturbation normal ?

Erections Blood flows into the penis even when you aren't thinking about anything sexual Erections happen all through childhood and get more frequent as puberty occurs. This is normal – and is a sign you are growing up and your body is working properly !

Blood flows into the penis even when you aren't thinking about anything sexual

Erections happen all through childhood and get more frequent as puberty occurs.

This is normal – and is a sign you are growing up and your body is working properly !

Masturbation Masturbation ("playing with yourself") is absolutely normal. "95% of people masturbate -- the other 5% lie about it." Not something you would do in public, but it is a perfectly normal, natural sexual activity that is usually done alone in private. Masturbation is not something to feel guilty or "dirty" about, so enjoy it in moderation.

Masturbation ("playing with yourself") is absolutely normal.

"95% of people masturbate -- the other 5% lie about it."

Not something you would do in public, but it is a perfectly normal, natural sexual activity that is usually done alone in private.

Masturbation is not something to feel guilty or "dirty" about, so enjoy it in moderation.

Wet dreams Many boys begin to have nocturnal emissions ("wet dreams") when they start puberty, or soon thereafter (usually around 12-14). Wet dreams (ejaculating when you're asleep) is the body's way of releasing "built-up" semen. How often this happens depends, but it's usually not often when boys regularly masturbate. Masturbation releases the semen that would otherwise "build up."

Many boys begin to have nocturnal emissions ("wet dreams") when they start puberty, or soon thereafter (usually around 12-14).

Wet dreams (ejaculating when you're asleep) is the body's way of releasing "built-up" semen.

How often this happens depends, but it's usually not often when boys regularly masturbate. Masturbation releases the semen that would otherwise "build up."

Wet dreams Can be very embarrassing the first time it happens – you may think you have wet your bed by peeing in your sleep Need to clean up the stains afterwards !

Can be very embarrassing the first time it happens – you may think you have wet your bed by peeing in your sleep

Need to clean up the stains afterwards !

Personal care The skin becomes oily, and acne ( pimples) are the bane of a teenager’s life Frequent cleansing of the face with soap and water will help keep complexion problems under control Sign that you are becoming a man !

The skin becomes oily, and acne ( pimples) are the bane of a teenager’s life

Frequent cleansing of the face with soap and water will help keep complexion problems under control

Sign that you are becoming a man !

Body Odor Sweat glands and testosterone (male hormone) gives the boy a more characteristic male body odor. Underarm and pubic hair are actually scent transmitters. They provide a path for the scent of an oily secretion from the skin in those areas to be radiated through the air. The bad smell comes from the bacteria which lives in the sweat from under your armpits and groin.

Sweat glands and testosterone (male hormone) gives the boy a more characteristic male body odor. Underarm and pubic hair are actually scent transmitters. They provide a path for the scent of an oily secretion from the skin in those areas to be radiated through the air.

The bad smell comes from the bacteria which lives in the sweat from under your armpits and groin.

Body Odor If you have a bad body-odor problem make sure you: Shower regularly Change clothes regularly Make sure clothes are properly washed Use "antibacterial" soap Use an "anti-perspirant" under your armpits (not just deodorant)

If you have a bad body-odor problem make sure you:

Shower regularly

Change clothes regularly

Make sure clothes are properly washed

Use "antibacterial" soap

Use an "anti-perspirant" under your armpits (not just deodorant)

COMMON QUESTIONS BOYS ASK ABOUT GIRLS What is a “ normal “ period ? What is menarche ? What is menopause ? Do periods make you weak ? What are tampons ? What is PMT ( premenstrual tension) ?

What is a “ normal “ period ?

What is menarche ?

What is menopause ?

Do periods make you weak ?

What are tampons ?

What is PMT ( premenstrual tension) ?

MYTHS ABOUT MENSES Menstruation is not a "curse" or a "punishment." Menstruation doesn't mean being "sick" or "unclean." Menstruation has nothing to do with "bad blood."

Menstruation is not a "curse" or a "punishment."

Menstruation doesn't mean being "sick" or "unclean."

Menstruation has nothing to do with "bad blood."

ADOLESCENCE Being a teenager can be tough You have to learn to cope with multiple challenges – both internal and external Being comfortable with your sexuality – and that of your peers – will help you grow into a responsible adult

Being a teenager can be tough

You have to learn to cope with multiple challenges – both internal and external

Being comfortable with your sexuality – and that of your peers – will help you grow into a responsible adult

The dark side of sex Teens want to experiment – Just Do It ! Your parents and teachers seem to be wet blankets, with their rules and dos and donts Just want to protect you ! Dangers – STDs, unplanned pregnancies, sexual abuse, porno, rape, drug abuse

Teens want to experiment – Just Do It !

Your parents and teachers seem to be wet blankets, with their rules and dos and donts

Just want to protect you !

Dangers – STDs, unplanned pregnancies, sexual abuse, porno, rape, drug abuse

Quiz 1: What is the male sex hormone called?

1: What is the male sex hormone called?

Quiz Where is the hormone oestrogen made?

Where is the hormone oestrogen made?

Quiz What is the first sign of puberty in girls?

What is the first sign of puberty in girls?

Quiz Why do teenagers often suffer from spots? They have too many hormones They masturbate a lot They eat too much chocolate They have more sebaceous glands

Why do teenagers often suffer from spots?

They have too many hormones

They masturbate a lot

They eat too much chocolate

They have more sebaceous glands

Quiz What is the first sign of puberty in boys? Pubic hair starts to grow Testicles get bigger Voice breaks Penis gets bigger

What is the first sign of puberty in boys?

Pubic hair starts to grow

Testicles get bigger

Voice breaks

Penis gets bigger

Quiz Why do pre-teenage girls sometimes look older than they are? The growth spurt happens earlier for girls Puberty starts much earlier for girls They wear platform shoes They mix with older teenagers

Why do pre-teenage girls sometimes look older than they are?

The growth spurt happens earlier for girls

Puberty starts much earlier for girls

They wear platform shoes

They mix with older teenagers

Quiz What causes a boy's voice to break? The larynx grows The neck becomes longer A bigger chest causes a deeper voice Trying to sound more grown up

What causes a boy's voice to break?

The larynx grows

The neck becomes longer

A bigger chest causes a deeper voice

Trying to sound more grown up

Quiz Which organ makes human growth hormone? Hypothalamus Ovaries Testes Pituitary

Which organ makes human growth hormone?

Hypothalamus

Ovaries

Testes

Pituitary

Quiz How do hormones travel around the body? Through ducts Through bones Along nerves In the blood

How do hormones travel around the body?

Through ducts

Through bones

Along nerves

In the blood

Quiz How long does puberty usually last? 8 to 10 years 6 to 8 years 1½ to 3 years 4 to 6 years

How long does puberty usually last?

8 to 10 years

6 to 8 years

1½ to 3 years

4 to 6 years

Want to find out more ? Ask your parents ! They love you and will be happy to help The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask ! You need to know – ignorance can be dangerous Many good books are available – ask your parents to buy them !

Ask your parents ! They love you and will be happy to help

The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask !

You need to know – ignorance can be dangerous

Many good books are available – ask your parents to buy them !

Need to find out more about coping with adolescence ? You can find reliable information on growing up at: HELP – Health Education Library for People, a free library at D N Road, near Excelsior cinema HELP has many books, videos and pamphlets on growing up.

You can find reliable information on growing up at:

HELP – Health Education Library for People, a free library at D N Road, near Excelsior cinema

HELP has many books, videos and pamphlets on growing up.

HELP – Health Education Library for People near Chimanlal’s