By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to,

·         Explain the following concepts:

-          Adolescence

-          adolescent

-          Health

-          Puberty

-          Adolescent Reproductive health

-          Reproductive rights

·         Identify the characteristics of adolescence

·         Explain how knowledge about the reproductive features informs the adolescent about his or her health

·         Identify some of the irresponsible behaviours of the Ghanaian adolescent and their effects

·         Examine the causes and implications of irresponsible behaviours of adolescents

·         Discuss safety measures for adolescent health

·          Identify ways and means of fostering good gender relations

·         Explain adolescent chastity and its related benefits.

 

EXPLANATION OF KEY CONCEPT

Adolescence: It is a period of human development where an individual makes a gradual transition from childhood to adulthood. The period starts from ten (10) years and ends at nineteen (19) years. The period is divided into early adolescence which falls between ten years to fourteen years and late adolescence which start from fifteen and ends at nineteen years

 

Adolescent: This refers to the person or individual who is going through period of adolescence.

 

Health: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of diseases and infirmity.

 

Puberty: It refers to the period where the sexual and physical characteristics of the adolescent matures. The specific age at which a child enters into puberty is unknown. However, the genes, sex and nutrition of the child plays a major role in determining the age at which a child enters puberty. In most cases both boys and girls enter puberty between the ages 10-16

Adolescent Reproductive health: Refers to a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being of the adolescent in all matters relating to the reproductive system, its functions and processes.

Reproductive right refers to the right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and the means to do so.


REPRODUCTIVE SYTEMS AND ITS FUNCTIONS

The Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system consist of the fallopian tube, ovaries, the uterus, the vagina and the vulva. These parts of the reproductive system can be found at the lower section of the abdomen. Aside the vulva, the rest of the parts needed for reproduction can be found inside of the body.

 

Functions of the various parts

·         Ovaries: it produces, stores, and releases the ova or the female egg cell

·         Fallopian tube (oviduct): this is the organ where the sperm meet the egg cell for fertilisation to take place. It also transfers the fertilised egg to the womb.

·         Uterus (womb): it provide the environment where the baby develops. It also protects the baby.

·         Vagina: it serves as the passage for the penis to introduce sperm which will aid fertilisation. It also serves as the passage for the baby during child birth.

·         Vulva: this is the external opening of the vagina

·         Cervix: it is the lower narrower end of the womb which serves as the gateway between the womb and the vagina.

 

The Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is made up of the penis, scrotum, sperm duct, testis, epididymis, urethra, prostate.

 

Functions of the various parts

·         Testes: it process the sperm

·         Epididymis: it stores the sperms produce by the testes

·         Sperm duct or sperm tube: it transports the sperm to the penis

·         Scrotum: it is the skin sac which contains the testes and protect it.

·         Penis: it introduces the sperm into the vagina

·         Urethra: it is the passage of the sperm.

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENCE

The period of adolescence is characterized by several changes both in females and in males. Some of these changes are physical, others are emotional and yet again others are emotional. It is important to note that some of the physical changes that occur are common for both males and females.

 

Physical changes of the adolescent male

1.      There is breaking of voice

2.      Growth of pubic hair

3.      Increase in height and body mass

4.      There is drastic increase or enlargement with the reproductive organs such as the penis and the testicles.

5.      They experience wet dreams

6.      The shoulders broaden,

 

Physical changes of the adolescent female

1.      Growth of pubic hair

2.      The breast develops

3.      Broader hips

4.      They experience their first menstruation. The first menstruation is called menarche.

5.      Enlargement and maturity of the genital

6.      The nipples become larger and darker

7.      The skin becomes oily and soft

 

Social characteristics of the adolescent (both males and females)

1.      Strong desires of joining groups

2.      The need for popularity

3.      The desire to distant themselves from parents (desire to be independent)

4.      Strong boy-girl relationship

5.      They associate with peer group

6.      They pay particular attention to their appearance

7.      They become adventurous

 

Emotional changes

1.      Exhibit strong emotional feelings

2.      Quick to oppose authority either from school or parents.

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THE NEED FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION

o   Helps the individual to acquire knowledge on his/her physical development

o   Helps the individual to acquire knowledge on emotional challenges associated with adolescents

o   Enables the individual to acquire knowledge on the male and female reproductive systems

o   Enables the individual to understand family planning issues

o   Helps the individual to acquire knowledge on personal hygiene.

o   Helps the adolescent to avoid teenage pregnancy or unwanted pregnancy

o   Helps to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases

 

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOURS OF THE ADOLESCENT

o   Helping the aged

o   Paying attention to studies

o   Respect for authority

o   Seeking help from parents in crucial matters

 

IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOURS OF ADOLESCENTS IN GHANA

Below are some of the irresponsible behaviours adolescent exhibit:

o   Truancy and absenteeism

o   laziness

o   Watching pornographic materials

o   Pre-marital sex

o   Prostitution

o   Armed robbery

o   Examination malpractice

o   Drug abuse

o   Drunkenness

o   Homosexuality

o   Flouting the authority of teachers, parents and elders in society

o   Vandalism and hooliganism

o   Bad peer influence