Basic 7 · Social Studies · Adolescent Reproductive Health
Adolescence and Reproductive Health
In this topic you will explain the meaning of adolescence and reproductive health, and describe the physical, emotional and social changes that take place during adolescence and how to care for the body.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of adolescence and reproductive health
- Describe the physical changes in boys and girls during puberty
- Describe the emotional and social changes of adolescence and good personal hygiene
What you already know
- The human body and personal hygiene (Upper Primary)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- FAMILY LIFE
- Sub-strand
- Adolescent Reproductive Health
- Indicator
- B7.2.1.1.1 – Examine issues on adolescent behavior and reproductive health
Introduction
Between childhood and adulthood is a special stage of life called adolescence. Your body, feelings and relationships change. These changes are normal, and understanding them helps you manage them well.
1. Meaning of Adolescence
Adolescence: The stage of life between childhood and adulthood, usually from about 10 to 19 years, when the body and mind develop towards maturity.
Puberty: The period during adolescence when the body becomes able to reproduce.
Puberty usually begins earlier in girls (about 8 to 13 years) than in boys (about 9 to 14 years), but every person develops at their own pace. Some learners in the same class may change early and others later; both are normal.
2. Physical Changes in Girls and Boys
| Girls | Boys | Both |
|---|---|---|
| breasts develop | voice deepens (breaks) | growth spurt (rapid increase in height) |
| hips widen | shoulders broaden | hair grows in the armpits and pubic area |
| menstruation begins | facial hair (beard and moustache) grows | sweat glands become more active |
| muscles develop | pimples (acne) may appear | |
| wet dreams (night emissions) may occur |
3. Menstruation
Menstruation is the monthly flow of blood from the uterus through the vagina in girls and women. It shows that the body is maturing. A cycle usually lasts about 28 days, though it can vary, and bleeding lasts about 3 to 7 days. During menstruation, girls should use clean sanitary pads or cloths, change them regularly (about every four to six hours), bath at least twice a day and dispose of used pads properly, wrapped in paper and put in a bin.
4. Hormones
These changes are caused by hormones, chemical messengers produced by glands in the body. In boys, the main hormone is testosterone; in girls, oestrogen and progesterone. Hormones also affect emotions, which is why adolescents may experience mood changes.
5. Accepting Body Changes
Some adolescents feel shy or worried about their changing bodies. Others are teased by classmates. Remember that everyone goes through these changes. Teasing others about their bodies is unkind and should be avoided. If you have worries, talk to a parent, guardian, teacher, school counsellor or health worker.
New words
- adolescence
- The stage between childhood and adulthood.
- puberty
- The time when the body becomes able to reproduce.
- menstruation
- The monthly flow of blood in girls and women.
- hormone
- A chemical messenger in the body.
Summary
- Adolescence is the stage from about 10 to 19 years; puberty is when the body becomes able to reproduce.
- Girls develop breasts and begin menstruation; boys' voices deepen and facial hair grows; both experience growth spurts and body hair.
- Hormones cause these normal changes, and worries should be shared with trusted adults.
Class activity: Changes Chart
- Study printed puberty-change pictures.
- Sort the changes into girls only, boys only and both.
- Discuss respectfully how to support classmates going through these changes.
You need: Menstrual pad, Bar of soap, Printed puberty-change picture cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The stage between childhood and adulthood is called…
- A. adolescence
- B. infancy
- C. old age
- D. middle age
Show answer
Answer: adolescence10 to 19 years.2. Which change happens in boys during puberty?
- A. voice deepens
- B. breasts develop
- C. menstruation begins
- D. hips widen
Show answer
Answer: voice deepensBoys' change.3. Puberty usually starts earlier in girls than in boys.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAverage ages.4. A chemical messenger in the body is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: hormonee.g. testosterone.5. State three physical changes that occur in both boys and girls.
Show answer
Answer: Growth spurt, body hair, more sweating (or pimples).Any three.6. Explain how a girl should keep clean during menstruation.
Show answer
Answer: Use clean pads, change them every four to six hours, bath twice a day and dispose of pads properly.Menstrual hygiene.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- FAMILY LIFE
- Sub-strand
- Adolescent Reproductive Health
- Indicator
- B7.2.1.1.1 – Examine issues on adolescent behavior and reproductive health
Introduction
Adolescence is not only about the body. Your feelings, friendships and the way you see yourself also change. Looking after your reproductive health is an important part of growing up responsibly.
1. Emotional Changes
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| mood swings | feeling happy one moment and sad or angry the next |
| self-consciousness | worrying about appearance and what others think |
| desire for independence | wanting to make one's own decisions |
| attraction to others | developing interest in the opposite sex |
| curiosity | wanting to know about the body and relationships |
2. Social Changes
Adolescents spend more time with friends and are strongly influenced by their peer group. They may question rules at home and want more freedom. They begin to take on more responsibilities, such as caring for younger siblings or helping in family businesses. Good communication between adolescents and their parents helps them manage these changes peacefully.
3. Reproductive Health
Reproductive health: A state of physical, mental and social wellbeing in all matters relating to the reproductive system.
Good reproductive health means keeping the reproductive organs clean and healthy, knowing the facts about the body, avoiding risky behaviour, and seeking medical help when there are problems such as pain, unusual discharge or irregular periods.
4. Personal Hygiene in Adolescence
- Bath at least twice a day with soap, especially after sports.
- Wash the private parts gently every day.
- Wear clean underwear and change it daily.
- Use deodorant if possible to reduce body odour.
- Wash the face to reduce pimples, and do not squeeze them.
- Eat a balanced diet, drink water, exercise and sleep well.
5. Where to Get Help
Adolescents can get reliable information and help from parents, guardians, teachers, school counsellors, health workers at adolescent-friendly health centres, and religious leaders. Information from friends or the internet may be wrong, so always check with a trusted adult.
6. Respect and Support
Adolescents should treat one another with respect during this period of change. Boys and girls should not tease each other about menstruation, voice changes or body shape. Schools can help by providing clean toilets, water and a place for girls to change sanitary pads, and by offering guidance and counselling. A supportive environment helps every learner grow with confidence.
New words
- mood swing
- A sudden change in feelings.
- peer group
- Friends of the same age.
- reproductive health
- Wellbeing in matters of the reproductive system.
- counsellor
- A trained person who gives advice and support.
Summary
- Adolescents experience mood swings, self-consciousness, a desire for independence and attraction to others.
- Reproductive health means wellbeing in all matters of the reproductive system.
- Good hygiene, healthy habits and help from trusted adults support healthy adolescence.
Class activity: Advice Corner
- Write questions adolescents often have about growing up (without names).
- Discuss suitable answers with the teacher.
- Make a list of trusted people and places where help can be found.
You need: Menstrual pad, Bar of soap, Printed puberty-change picture cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Friends of the same age form a…
- A. peer group
- B. family
- C. community
- D. clan
Show answer
Answer: peer groupAge-mates.2. A sudden change in feelings is a…
- A. mood swing
- B. growth spurt
- C. hormone
- D. peer
Show answer
Answer: mood swingEmotional change.3. Information from friends about the body is always correct.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseCheck with trusted adults.4. A trained person who gives advice and support is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: counsellorGuidance.5. State three emotional changes during adolescence.
Show answer
Answer: Mood swings, self-consciousness, desire for independence (or attraction, curiosity).Any three.6. Why should adolescents get information about their bodies from trusted adults?
Show answer
Answer: Trusted adults and health workers give accurate information, while friends and some websites may give wrong or harmful advice.Accurate information.
Homework
- Write a short daily personal hygiene routine for an adolescent.