This document provides information about puberty and related health topics. It begins with ground rules for discussing puberty and then describes some of the physical changes that occur for males and females during puberty. These include growth, skin changes, hair growth, and voice changes. It explains that puberty is caused by changes in hormones and discusses some myths and misconceptions about menstruation and circumcision.

1. LESSON 2: CHANGES DURING
PUBERTY
MR. ALPHIE ZARRIZ
SMSD

2. Before you begin, let us read a few ground rules when talking about what is
happening to your body.
G Giggling is okay – this can be embarrassing you.
R Respect what others say; no put-downs.
O Okay to pass, example, not answer a question.
U Understand other’s feeling – be sensitive and respect their differences.
N No personal questions or stories from learner or teacher.
D Discuss puberty topics responsibly outside the classroom.
R Remember – there are no dumb questions, only questions that need
answers.
U Use correct names for body parts – ask if you cannot remember.
L Let the teacher know if you want to speak to him or her privately.
E Expect the teacher to respect confidentiality except if he or she is required
by law to disclose information,
S Speak for yourself; use “I” statement and do not point at others.

3. LEARN
Male Female
Gets taller and heavier Gets taller and heavier
Nose and jaw get bigger Hips get wider and curvier
Face gets longer Face changes shape
Gets more muscles Oily skin and hair; breakouts
Oily skin and hair; breakouts Voice gets a little deeper
Body sweats more Hair grows under the armpit
Hair grows on face Hair grows around genitals
Hair grows under the armpit Breast and nipples get larger
Hair grows around genitals Body sweats more
Voice gets deeper May have mood swings
May have a mood swings Hair on arms and legs grow darker

4. WHAT IS PUBERTY?
It is an awkward time for everybody. It is the time when your
body changes from child’s body to an early adult body.
WHAT CAUSES THESE CHANGES?
Have you ever heard of the term “raging hormones”? It is the
changes of mood or volatile during puberty. These hormones
were “asleep” when you were younger but now they have
awaken and have caused all these changes in your body.

5. PUBERTY – RELATED HEALTH
MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
Menstruation
– this is a stage for girls. It is one of the most important signs
that a girl is turning a woman. It usually starts between the
ages 8 and 13. once it begins, hormones will make you develop
from child into an adult.
- it is the shedding of the uterine lining. It comes out in a form
of blood. A regular menstrual flow is three days but for
adolescence, it may still be erratic and may range from five to
seven days.

6. Here are some of the myths and misconceptions about menstruation:
1. You should not wash your hair during monthly period.
2. Exercise is bad for you when you have monthly period.
3. You lose a lot of blood during menstruations; therefore, you should lie
down and rest a lot.
4. Some types of food are bad for you during your monthly period.
5. Women can catch a cold easily during your monthly period so avoid
drinking cold beverages.
6. Women having their monthly period are not allowed to swim in the
ocean for fear of being eaten by sharks.

7. Circumcision
- it is a surgical procedure, which removes the foreskin of the
male sex organ. In some cultures, like here in the Philippines, boys
undergo circumcision because it symbolizes that the boy is ready
for manhood. In some cultures, they do not believe in
circumcision, while others differ on what age should a boy be
circumcised. In some Western countries, circumcision is done on
infants while others during adolescence.

8. Here are some of the myths and misconceptions about circumcision:
1. Circumcision improves hygiene. It was once believed that it is for
hygienic purpose but scientist believe that this is just a myth.
Circumcision does not make the penis cleaner and healthier. Regular
baths will do just fine.
2. All men are circumcised. Not true. In fact almost 80% of the men around
the world are not circumcised. It is not widely practiced in some
countries like Canada and Europe.
3. Men who are not circumcised are prone to infection. This is not
medically supported. It is important to keep it clean to avoid infection.
Regular bath is key whether you are circumcised or not.
4. Babies do not feel pain during circumcision. Not true. This can be very
traumatic especially to newborn since they are very sensitive to pain.