Adolescent Girls Sex Education and Awareness Lecture

1. Understanding Your Body:
Dr. Smita Pandit
Obstetrician & Gynecologist
District Woman’s Hospital, Jalna
Consultant at Sangeevani Hospital
& Niramay Hospital Jalna

2. Normal Mental and Physical Changes
During Adolescence:
1. Physical Changes:
1. Growth Spurts: Rapid increase in height and weight.
2. Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics: Breast development in girls,
facial hair growth in boys.
3. Voice Changes: Deepening of the voice in boys.
2. Hormonal Changes:
1. Onset of Puberty: Activation of reproductive organs.
2. Menstrual Cycle: Initiation of menstrual periods in girls.
3. Hormonal Fluctuations: Impact on mood and emotions.
3. Cognitive Development:
1. Abstract Thinking: Ability to think more abstractly and critically.
2. Identity Formation: Exploration of personal values and beliefs.
3. Increased Independence: Desire for autonomy and decision-making.
4. Emotional Changes:
1. Mood Swings: Fluctuations in emotions.
2. Intensified Social Relationships: Importance of peer relationships.
5. Social Changes:
1. Peer Influence: Greater influence from friends and social circles.
2. Romantic Relationships: Exploration of romantic interests.

3. Importance of Hygiene
1. Health Preservation: Reduces the risk of illnesses and infections.
2. Personal Well-being: Enhances self-esteem and mental well-being.
3. Social Interaction: Fosters positive relationships and a pleasant
environment.
4. Preventing Diseases: Minimizes the transmission of pathogens, contributing
to public health.
5. Odour Control: Manages body odour for personal and social comfort.
6. Preventing Skin Issues: Reduces the risk of acne and fungal infections.
7. Professional Image: Associated with a positive and professional appearance.
8. Preventing Dental Issues: Supports healthy teeth and gums through oral
hygiene.
9. Boosting Immune System: Reduces exposure to harmful microorganisms,
aiding the immune system.
10. Environmental Impact: Minimizes the spread of contaminants, contributing
to environmental health.

5. PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):
• Definition: Hormonal disorder affecting ovaries, often leading to irregular
periods and enlarged ovaries with small cysts.
• Common Symptoms:
– Irregular menstrual cycles
– Elevated androgen levels
– Ovulatory dysfunction
• Tips to Manage PCOD:
– Lifestyle Changes:
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques.
– Medication:
• Birth control pills for regulating menstrual cycles.
• Anti-androgen medications to control symptoms.
– Regular Check-ups:
• Periodic monitoring by healthcare professionals.
• Blood tests to assess hormone levels.

7. Addressing Unwanted Hair Growth:
I. Hair Removal Methods:
I. Shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams for temporary removal.
II. Laser hair removal for more lasting results.
II. Hormonal Regulation:
I. Medications to control androgen levels, addressing the root cause.
II. Consultation with a healthcare professional for tailored solutions.
III. Healthy Lifestyle:
I. Balanced diet with emphasis on low glycemic index foods.
II. Regular exercise to improve insulin sensitivity.
IV. Consultation with Dermatologist:
I. Seeking advice for effective and safe hair removal methods.
II. Addressing any underlying skin concerns.
V. Self-Care Practices:
I. Avoiding excessive sun exposure to prevent skin irritation.
II. Using moisturizers to keep the skin healthy.

8. The Menstrual Cycle:
• Menstrual Phases:
– Menstrual Phase: Shedding of the uterine lining (Days 1-5).
– Follicular Phase: Follicles develop in the ovaries (Days 6-14).
– Ovulatory Phase: Release of the mature egg (around Day 14).
– Luteal Phase: Uterine lining thickens in preparation for pregnancy
(Days 15-28).
• Hormonal Regulation:
– Estrogen: Dominant in the follicular phase, promoting egg
development.
– Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Peaks during ovulation, triggering egg
release.
– Progesterone: Increases during the luteal phase, preparing the uterus
for potential implantation.
• Menstrual Cycle Length:
– Typically around 28 days, but can vary between individuals.

9. Common Changes During MC & Tips
for Managing Discomfort:
1. Menstrual Cramps:
Tip: Use a heating pad or take over-the-counter pain relievers.
2. Mood Swings:
Tip: Practice stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation.
3. Fatigue:
Tip: Ensure adequate sleep and maintain a balanced diet.
4. Bloating:
Tip: Limit intake of salty foods and stay hydrated.
5. Headaches:
Tip: Stay hydrated and manage stress levels.
6. Breast Tenderness:
Tip: Wear a supportive bra and consider over-the-counter pain relief.
7. Changes in Bowel Habits:
Tip: Maintain a fiber-rich diet and stay hydrated.
8. Acne Breakouts:
Tip: Follow a consistent skincare routine and avoid excessive touching of the face.
9. Food Cravings:
Tip: Choose healthy snacks and maintain a balanced diet.
10. General Discomfort:
Tip: Stay active with light exercises and stay in tune with your body's needs.

10. HPV Vaccine and its Role in
Preventing Cervical Cancer:
1. Introduction to HPV (Human Papillomavirus): (>100 types)
2. Purpose of the HPV Vaccine:
3. Vaccine Types:
Gardasil 9: Protects against nine HPV types, including those responsible for most cervical cancers.
4. Age Recommendations:
5. Vaccination Schedules.
6. Prevention of Cervical Cancer:
7. Additional Protection:
Guards against other HPV-related cancers, including vulvar, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.
8. Herd Immunity:
9. Long-Term Health Benefits:
10. Reduced HPV Transmission:
11. Safety of the Vaccine:
12. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals:

11. Open Communication About These
Changes:
1. Create a Safe Environment:
Express Understanding: Acknowledge that these changes are natural and part of growing up.
Open Door Policy: Emphasize openness and encourage questions.
2. Educational Resources:
Provide Reading Materials: Share books or resources explaining adolescent development.
Online Platforms: Suggest reliable websites for additional information.
3. Family Discussions:
Regular Check-ins: Schedule family discussions to address concerns.
Share Personal Experiences: Encourage sharing of experiences within the family.
4. Professional Guidance:
Healthcare Providers: Encourage regular check-ups and discussions with healthcare professionals.
School Counselors: Highlight the availability of counselors for additional support.
5. Normalize Conversations:
Casual Approach: Bring up topics naturally during everyday conversations.
Normalize Emotions: Reinforce that experiencing a range of emotions is normal.
6. Respect Privacy:
Individual Pace: Understand that adolescents may need time and privacy to process changes.
Respect Boundaries: Allow space for personal reflection.
7. Positive Reinforcement:
Highlight Strengths: Emphasize positive aspects of development.
Encourage Self-Expression: Support individuality and self-expression.

12. Common Behaviours' During
Adolescence:
• Risk-Taking:
– Experimentation with new activities, sometimes involving risky behaviours'.
– Desire for novelty and excitement.
• Identity Exploration:
– Search for personal identity and self-definition.
– Experimentation with different styles and interests.
• Mood Swings:
– Fluctuations in mood and emotional intensity.
– Tendency to express emotions more intensely.
• Peer Influence:
– Increased importance of peer relationships.
– Influence of peer opinions on decision-making.
• Independence Seeking:
– Desire for autonomy and independence from parents.
– Testing boundaries and pushing for more freedom.
• Social Comparison:
– Comparing oneself to peers in various aspects.
– Influence on self-esteem and self-worth.
• Technology Use:
– Extensive use of technology and social media.
– Impact on social interactions and self-perception.

14. Guidance on Navigating Relationships
and Peer Pressure:
• Open Communication:
Open dialogue about experiences and feelings.
Establish trust to facilitate honest conversations.
• Setting Boundaries:
It’s important to set personal boundaries.
Difference between healthy and unhealthy
relationships.
• Critical Thinking:
Critical evaluation of information, especially from
peers.
Develop decision-making skills to navigate peer
pressure.
• Building Self-Esteem:
Self-worth is more important than external validation.
Reinforce positive aspects of individual identity.
• Resisting Peer Pressure:
– Assertiveness skills to resist negative influences.
– Provide strategies for saying 'no' and standing firm
in decisions.
• Cultivating Healthy Relationships:
Value of supportive and respectful friendships.
Involve in activities that align with personal values.
• Positive Role Models:
Identify positive role models for guidance.
Discuss the qualities that make a role model inspiring.
• Teaching Empathy:
Foster empathy and understanding towards peers.
Encourage supportive behavior and kindness.
• Impact of Actions:
Discuss potential consequences of decisions on
oneself and others.
Highlight the long-term effects of behaviors on
personal development.
• Seeking Support:
Encourage reaching out to trusted adults or
professionals for guidance.
Reinforce the importance of seeking help when
needed.

15. Let's Talk About Sex:
"Sexual education is not just about biology; it's about empowering individuals to make
informed, responsible, and healthy choices for a positive future."
• Anatomy:
• Reproduction:
• Relationships:- Romantic:- Intimate connections between partners
• Consent:
Important - mutual agreement in any intimate relationship.
• Protection:
– Safe sex practices, contraception, and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Emotional Aspects:
– Emotional side of relationships and potential consequences of sexual activities.
• Online Safety:
– Guidance on responsible online behavior and protecting personal privacy.
• Diversity and Inclusivity:
– Acknowledging and understanding different sexual orientations and identities.
• Resources: Accessible and reliable resources for ongoing learning.
• Q&A: Ask now or Write me smitagajanan@gmail.com

17. Thank You for Your Time and
Openness to Understand…
• Your engagement in these
conversations is crucial for fostering
understanding, promoting healthy
relationships, and empowering each
other. Thank you for being a part of
this discussion.