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1. What
is puberty?
Puberty is the time in which sexual and
physical characteristics mature. It occurs due
to hormone changes. The changes allow you to
become capable of reproduction.
2. What
is the timing of Puberty?
Puberty starts at different
times and lasts for different periods of time
for everyone. It can start as early as 9 years
of age to as late as 13 –14 years of age. The
sequence of pubertal development usually
ranges from 2 to 5 years. Some adolescents
might have completed puberty before their
peers have even begun.
3. What
are the signs of puberty in boys?
At puberty, boys will normally
experience a faster growth, especially in
height. The shoulder width also increases. The
body takes on a new more muscular and angular
shape in boys under the influence of
testosterone. There is growth of the penis and
the skin of the scrotum becomes reddened and
folded. The voice deepens, and while the
process is gradual, one might experience voice
breaking at times. This is normal and natural
and does not call for worry. There is
appearance and growth of pubic, beard, and
armpit hair. Nighttime ejaculations (nocturnal
emissions or "wet dreams") are common. The
skin becomes oily resulting in acne.
4. What
are the signs of puberty in girls?
There is an increase in height and hip size.
Hair growth appears in the genital area, in
the armpits and around the breast. At first
the hair are soft but with further growth
become coarser. A girl starts with her
menstrual periods, which is a monthly bleeding
from the vagina lasting for 5 days which
results due to hormonal influences on the
reproductive system. The skin becomes oily
resulting in acne.
5. What
breast changes occur during puberty?
The breasts develop and enlarge due to the
accumulation of fat which occurs under the
influence of the hormone estrogen.
6. What
changes occur in the female reproductive
organs as a result of puberty?
As a female’s body begins the process of
puberty, special hormones are released that
create changes to the internal reproductive
organs inside of a girl's body. The vagina
becomes deeper, and girls may notice some
wetness, called vaginal discharge, on their
panties. The color of the discharge is usually
clear to whitish and, it's normal in small
amounts, so it's nothing to worry about. The
uterus becomes longer and the lining of the
uterus becomes thicker. The ovaries enlarge
and the egg cells inside the ovaries begin to
grow and develop getting ready for a special
monthly event called ovulation.
7. What
is ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of an egg cell from
one of the ovaries. This event occurs
approximately once a month near the midpoint
of a women's menstrual cycle. Upon release,
the egg travels into the fallopian tube and
then begins a four to five day journey to the
uterus. The fallopian tube is only about five
inches long and very narrow, so this is a slow
journey. The egg cell moves about one inch per
day.
8. What
is fertilization?
Fertilization is when a sperm cell from the
father meets and joins with an egg cell from
the mother as a result of sexual intercourse.
Fertilization occurs when the egg cell is
inside of the fallopian tube. The egg and
sperm need to meet and combine in order to
make a baby. When they do, a woman becomes
pregnant.
9. What
is menstruation?
The ovaries of a girl between the ages 10-15
years start producing a mature egg or ovum
each month. The egg travels down a tube
(Fallopian tube), which connects the ovary to
the womb. When the egg reaches the womb, the
lining becomes thick with blood and fluid.
This happens so that if the egg is fertilized,
it can grow and develop in the lining to
produce a baby. If the egg does not meet with
sperm from a male and is not fertilized, it
dissolves. The thickened lining sloughs off
and forms menstrual blood flow, which passes
out of the body through the vagina.
10.
What is the normal frequency of menstrual
cycles?
Menstrual cycles once every month, at a
frequency of every 28 to 32 days.
11.
What is the normal duration of a menstrual
period?
While most menstrual periods last from three
to five days, anywhere from two to seven days
is considered normal.
12. How
can hygiene be maintained during periods?
Once you begin menstruating, you'll need to
use a sanitary napkin or pad something to
soak up the menstrual blood. Pads are made of
layers of cotton. Some have extra material on
the sides (called "wings") that fold over the
edges of your underwear to better hold the pad
in place and prevent leakage.
13.
What are the types of sanitary pads?
Pads come in several different thicknesses for
heavier or lighter menstrual periods or for
day or nighttime use. Some pads come with a
deodorant or deodorizing substance in them.
All pads have a sticky strip on the bottom
that helps them to adhere to your underwear.
14.
How should a pad be used?
Pads are easy to use: You peel off the strip
that covers the adhesive, press the pad into
the crotch of your underwear (wrapping the
wings around and sticking them under the
crotch if the pad you're using has wings).
15.
How frequently should a pad be changed?
It's best to change pads every 3 or 4 hours,
even when you're not menstruating very much.
because regular changing prevents buildup of
bacteria and eliminates odour. Naturally, if
your period is heavy, you should change pads
more often because they may get saturated more
quickly.
16.
How should a pad be disposed?
Once you've removed your pad, wrap it tightly
in a polythene and put it in the garbage can.
Don't try to flush a pad down the toilet -
they're too big and may block the sewer drain.
17.
What is acne? Why does it occur?
Acne is a skin condition characterized by
whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red
pimples. Acne occurs when tiny holes on the
surface of the skin called pores become
clogged. Normally, the oil glands help keep
the skin lubricated and help remove old skin
cells. During adolescence the glands produce
too much oil; the pores become blocked,
accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria
resulting in production of blackheads and
pimples.
18.
How can the effects of acne be lessened?
Take the following self-care steps to lessen
the effects of acne: (i) Clean your skin
gently with a mild, non-drying soap. (ii)
Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice
a day with fresh water, including after
exercising. However, avoid excessive or
repeated skin washing. (iii) Shampoo your hair
daily, especially if it's oily. Comb or pull
your hair back to keep the hair out of your
face. Avoid tight headbands. (iv) Try not to
squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples.
Although it might be tempting to do this, it
can lead to scarring and skin infections. (v)
Avoid touching your face with your hands or
fingers. (vi) Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams
(vii) If the pimples are still a problem, a
doctor can prescribe stronger medications and
discuss other options with you.
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