BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY

(SSP23 GENDER AND SOCIETY)

Darwin S. Del Rosario
Instructor

1.1. INTRODUCTION
Humans experience various physical and emotional changes from childhood to adulthood.
These changes are gradual and progress at different ages and speed in different people. These
stages are based in human growth and development from childhood, adolescence, adulthood
and old age.

This chapter focuses on the adolescent stage of human development, which is

characterized by dynamic changes in physical and behavioral traits. Despite differences in
physical appearance, the sexual organs of men and women arise from the same structures and
fulfill similar functions. Each person has a pair of gonads: ovaries are female gonads and testes are
male gonads. The gonads produce germ cells and sex hormones. The female germ cells are ova
(egg) and the male cells are called sperm. Ova and sperm are the basic units of reproduction;
their union can lead to the creation of a new life.

1.2. DEFINITION OF TERMS

● Reproduction Process of producing offspring
● Genitals External Sex organs
● Primary sex characteristics Sex characteristics that are present at birth
● Secondary sex Sex characteristics that emerged during puberty
characteristics

1.3. THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE

The female reproductive structures consist of the following as described and shown below:
 ● Vagina- collapsible canal extending from vaginal opening back and upward
into body to cervix and uterus. During arousal, it is engorged with blood. This aids
its expansion and triggers the release of lubricants from vaginal mucosa;
● Cervix- small end of uterus to which vagina leads. It is the opening in the cervix
leading to interior of uterus;
● Uterus- womb, organ within pelvic zone where fetus is carried;
● Fallopian Tube- carry eggs from ovaries to uterus, this is where fertilization occurs;
and
● Ovaries- produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen influences female sex
characteristics and initiates menstrual cycle. Progesterone aids in the regulation
of menstrual cycle and promotes nature development of uterine lining to allow
for zygote implantation. Also, it produces ova and brings them to maturity.
More Characteristics of female:
● Generally shorter than men
● Greater proportion of body weight composed of fat than men
● Two X chromosomes reduces expression of many sex-linked conditions
1.4. THE BIOLOGICAL MALE
The reproductive system is designed for the production and delivery of sperm for fertilization
of the female’s ovum. Puberty signals the final development of primary and accessory organs that
support reproduction.

● Testes/ Testicles- produce androgen, particularly large quantities of testosterone,

which greatly influence male development and drive sexual motivation; also
produce sperm cells in virtually unlimited quantity over the entire course of the
lifespan.
● Vas deferens- travels from testicle toward urethra carrying sperm.
● Seminal vesicle- two glands that produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose sugar,
comprising some 70% semen volume. Alkaline nature may stimulate sperm to
start self- propulsion and sugar may provide sperm nutrients.
● Prostate gland- gland producing alkaline secretions that account for about 30%
of semen volume. Alkaline nature may help counteract the acidic environment
of urethra and vagina making them more hospitable for sperm.
● Urethra- tube within the penis that carries sperm and semen
More Characteristics of male:
● Generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water
● Proportionately larger heart and lungs, presumably to handle greater blood
fluid volume
● Exposure to greater levels of testosterone resulting in heavier body
● Single X chromosomes resulting in sex-linked conditions such as colorblindness
and hemophilia

Learning Objectives:
1. Define fertilization, conception and pregnancy;
2. Explain how pregnancy occurs and its prevention; and
3. Identify the complications of early pregnancy in the growing adolescent.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Although human beings are fully sexually differentiated at birth, the differences between
males and females are accentuated at puberty. This is when the reproductive system matures,
secondary sexual characteristics develop, and the bodies of males and females appear more
distinctive.

Female puberty usually begins at about 8-13 years of age; the reproduction maturation of
boys lag about two years behind that of girls. The physical changes of female puberty include
breast development, rounding of the hips and buttocks, growth of the hair in the pubic region and
the underarm, and the start of menstruation.

How does one ovulate?

The major landmark of puberty among females is the onset of menstrual cycle, the monthly
ovulation cycle that leads to menstruation (loss of blood and tissues lining the uterus) in the
absence of pregnancy. The menstrual cycle is from the first day of a period until the day before the
next period starts.

Normally, it lasts around 28 days, on the average, but can be as short as 21 or as long as 40.
Whatever the length, ovulation will happen about 10-16 days before the start of the next period.

How does pregnancy occur?

For pregnancy to proceed, the sperm needs to meet up with an egg. Pregnancy
officially starts when fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy happens 2-3 weeks
after sexual intercourse.
 Conception is the process that begins with fertilization of an egg by the sperm and ends
with implantation. When a male and female have a sexual intercourse, sperm is released swimming
through the cervix, then to the fallopian tube and to the ovary where it penetrates the egg
(fertilization). Once the egg is fertilized, the egg travels back to the uterus (it is now called the
embryo). The embryo will be nourished and developed in the uterus and the fetus develops within
5-7 days, which officially begins pregnancy.

A normal pregnancy lasts 37 to 40 weeks (9 months). This is measured from the first day to
the last period. Pregnancy is discussed in terms of trimesters (three- months) since each trimester is
different from the rest. After eight weeks, the embryo is officially referred to as a fetus.

What can be done to prevent teenage pregnancy?

Teenage pregnancy has a tremendous impact on the educational, social, and economic
lives of young people. Early parenting reduces the likelihood that a woman will complete high
school and pursue the necessary post- secondary education needed to complete in today’s
economy. Although there is a decline in teenage pregnancy rates, it has been steady over the
past two decades. Teens are still engaging in sexual activity and teen girls are still getting
pregnant.

1.2 METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION

A. NATURAL METHODS
1. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP) takes into consideration the natural changes in
the physical body of a woman to identify when she is fertile and could become
pregnant. This is also known a fertility-based awareness method, which discounts the
entry into the body of any chemical or foreign body.
a. PERIODIC ABSENCE (fertility Method). Fertility Awareness is the technique of
working out exactly what stage of your menstrual cycle you are in and at
which stages you are not fertile and having sex at those times. The Fertility
Awareness Method requires a woman to observe fertility signs. There are a
 number of different methods such as tracking the days of your cycle, paying
attention to body temperature fluctuations and keeping a very close eye on
changes to your cervical mucus.

TECHNIQUES USED IN PERIODIC ABSENCE/ FERTILITY AWARENESS METHOD

1. RHYTHM The rhythm method, also called the calendar method or the calendar rhythm method,
(CALENDAR is a form of natural family planning. To use the rhythm method, you track your menstrual
METHOD) history to predict when you'll ovulate. This helps you determine when you're most likely
to conceive.

● A woman has a regular menstrual cycle when monthly bleeding happens every
month or 28 days. On the contrary, an irregular cycle is when monthly bleeding
changes from month to month (for example, from 25 to 32 days in some women).
● Always remember that a woman needs to keep count of the number of days in each
of her menstrual cycles for six to eight months taking into account that the first day of
menstruation is always counted.
● For IRREGULAR cycles, you have to identify the longest and the shortest cycles
recorded over six to eight cycles. Subtract 18 from the shortest cycle (which gives the
first day of the fertile phase) and then subtract 11 (eleven) from the longest cycle
(which gives the last day of her fertile time). Remember, during the fertile phase
calculated, you have to avoid sex, use a barrier method or use withdrawal to avoid
getting pregnant.
● Example: Janni’s last six menstrual cycles were: 26, 29, 27, 27 and 28 days. Using this
information, let us calculate and instruct her about how to use the calendar method
to prevent pregnancy.
STEP 1: Identify the longest and shortest cycles recorded over six cycles. Jenny’s
shortest cycle is 26 days, longest is 29 days.
 STEP 2.Subtract 18 from the shortest cycle to identify the first day of the fertile phase.
First day of her fertile phase is 26-18= 8.
STEP 3. Subtract 11 from the longest cycle to identify the last day of the fertile phase.
Last day of her fertile phase is 29-11= 18.
● Therefore, Jenni’s fertile period is between the 8th to 18th days, so she should avoid
having sexual intercourse during this period to prevent pregnancy.
● What if Jenni’s menstrual cycle is regular and comes every 28 days or close to it? Then,
ovulation should occur about 14 days before the next period. For this reason, she
should count backwards 14 days from her next period to calculate the day she will
ovulate. Accordingly, she should avoid having sexual intercourse from about seven
days before that day until about two days after ovulation is expected.

2. BASAL Your basal body temperature is your temperature when you're fully at rest, .3-.5 degrees
BODY celcius. Ovulation may cause a slight increase in basal body temperature. You'll be
TEMPERATU most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises. By tracking
RE (BBT) your basal body temperature each day, you may be able to predict when you'll
ovulate.
3. CERVICAL The cervical mucus method, also called the Billings Ovulation Method, is a type of
MUCUS natural family planning also known as fertility awareness-based methods. The cervical
OVULATION mucus method is based on careful observation of mucus patterns during the course of
METHOD your menstrual cycle.

b. LACTATION AMENORRHOEA METHOD (LAM). Lactation means breastfeeding

and amenorrhoea means not having monthly period. While the mother is
breastfeeding, it causes a delay in the ovulation because of the prolactin
hormone. Therefore, ovulation does not occur.
c. COITUS INTERRUPTUS OR WITHDRAWAL METHOD. A traditional method of
contraception where in the man withdraws or pulls out his penis from her
partner’s vagina and ejaculates outside, keeping his semen away from her
genitalia. Coitus interruption prevents fertilization by discontinuing contact
between the spermatozoa in the sperm and the ovum or egg.

B. ARTIFICIAL METHOD
1. ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES. Commonly known as the pill, oral contraceptives are
comprised of synthetic estrogen (that suppresses the FSH and LH to control ovulation)
and progesterone (that decreases the sponginess of the cervical mucus to limit the
sperm’s access to the ova).
2. TRANSDERMAL PATCH. This method has a combination of both estrogen and
progesterone but in the form of a patch. The contraceptive patch can be worn on
four places on your body: the abdomen, upper outer arm, upper torso (front or back
except on your breasts) and on buttocks.
3. VAGINAL RING. It is a silicon ring inserted into the female reproductive organ which
releases a combination of estrogen and progesterone that surrounds the cervix.
The ring remains inside the vagina for three weeks, and is removed on the fourth
week as menstrual flow occur.
4. SUBDERMAL IMPLANTS. Contains etonogestrel, desogestrel and progestin are two
implants akin to a rod embedded under the skin of the woman during her menstrual
 period or on the 7th day of her menstruation to make sure that pregnancy will not
occur.
5. HORMONAL INJECTIONS. It is a progesterone-based injection, given in the arm or
buttocks that provides contraception for 12 weeks at a time. You can think of it as if
depositing progesterone into the body whose job is to fool the body into thinking that
it is already pregnant. It deters the ovulation and causes changes in the endometrium
and the cervical mucus. With an effectiveness of almost 100%, this method is one of
the popular choices for birth control. Common example of this is the Depo Provera.
6. INTRAUTERINE DEVICE. It is a T-shaped object that is placed inside the uterus (just like
the name “intra-uterine” suggests) through the vagina, and is left there for up to five to
ten years. It has small strings that hang outside the cervix that allow the doctor to
check the IUD and help in its removal from the uterus.
7. CHEMICAL BARRIERS. Examples of these are spermicides, vaginal gels and creams and
glycerin films that are used to kill sperms before they can enter the cervix and also
lower the pH level of the vagina so it will not become conducive for the sperm.
8. DIAPHRAGM. It is a circular, rubber disk that fits the cervix. It works by inhibiting the
entrance of the sperm into the vagina. It should only be fitted by a doctor, and should
remain in place for six hours after coitus. If left in place for more than 24 hours,
inflammation or irritation may occur.
9. CERVICAL CAP. It is made of soft rubber and fitted on the rim of the cervix. Shaped like
a thimble with a rim, it could stay in place for not more than 48 hours.
10. SURGICAL METHODS. Requires a surgical procedure that renders a person sterile. There
is the vasectomy for males where the tubes (vas deferens) that transport the semen
are cut through a small incision made on each side of the scrotum which block the
passage of the sperm. There is the tubal ligation for females where the fallopian tubes
are either cut or tied to block the passage of both the sperm and the ova.

What are the health effects of early pregnancy in the growing

adolescent?

There are serious health risks associated with early pregnancy because a young woman’s
body is not mature enough to handle bearing a child. When a woman is under 20, the pelvic area
(the bone surrounding the birth canal) is still growing and may not be large enough to allow the
baby to easily pass through the birth canal. This can result in what is called “obstructed labor.”

Obstructed labor is dangerous to both mother and child and requires the help of a trained
medical professionals. Under the best circumstances, the young woman will have an
operation called “caesarean section” in which a cut is made in the abdomen and the
baby is removed directly from the uterus. A major contributor to high maternal mortality
rates is adolescent pregnancy. If a young woman is not physically mature, the uterus may
tear during the birth process, and she may die because of blood loss.

In addition, younger women who become pregnant face a higher risk than older women in
developing a number of other complications. These complications can be any or a combination
of the following manifestations:

a. Excessive vomiting;
b. Severe anemia;
c. Hypertension;
d. Convulsion;
e. Difficulty in breast feeding (if the girl is too young to produce milk);
f. Premature and low birth weight babies;
g. Infection;
h. Prolonged labor;
i. High maternal mortality or death
The risk of having serious complications during pregnancy or childbirth is much higher for girls
in their early teens than for older women. Ages 20-30 years are the safest period for women’s life for
child bearing.
SUMMARY
Reproductive involves the ova and sperm to fuse. Their union can lead to the creation of a
new life through pregnancy. This has explored the process of pregnancy and the changes that
happen during pregnancy. We have discussed the various ways of preventing pregnancy so that
the growing adolescent would be empowered to choose to avert from early pregnancy that can
lead to various-life threatening complications.

Lesson Objectives:
● Identify the important health habits for developing adolescents;
● Observe maintaining good hygiene; and
● Know when to seek help from a health care professional.
1.1 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
● Health- state of complete physical, metal and social well-being and not merely the absence
of disease of infirmity.
● Hygiene- refers to behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health such as
frequent handwashing, face washing and bathing with soap and water. Practicing personal
hygiene etiquette is difficult, especially in many areas of the world, due to lack of clean
water and soap. Inappropriate washing of hands, face and body can spread many
diseases.
● Sexual Health- refers to a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in
relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual
health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as
well as all the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sex experiences, free of coercion,
discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual
rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.
● Reproductive Health- refers to the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being
and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity in all matters relating to the reproductive
system and to its functions and processes at all stages of life. It suggests that people with
adequate reproductive health have a satisfying and safe sexual life, can have children, and
can make a choice as to whether they would like to have children and when and how to
have them.

1.2 INTRODUCTION
Puberty causes all kinds of changes in the adolescent’s body. These bodily changes are
normal part of developing into an adult. There are instances when these changes can be a source
of anxiety to the growing teen. Does anyone not worry about smelly breath and underarms? This
further puts personal hygiene and healthy habits being an important life skill for the teen.

OILY HAIR

The hormones that create acne are the same ones that can make you feel like you’re
suddenly styling your hair with a comb dipped in motor oil. Each strand of hair has its own
sebaceous (oil) gland which keeps your hair shiny and water proof.

Aside from shampoo, do not scrub too hard- this does not get rid of oil any better and
irritate your scalp and damage your hair. After you have rinsed, you can follow up with a
conditioner if you like. When you are styling your hair, pay close attention to the products you use.
Some styling gels or lotions can add extra grease to your hair, which defeats the purpose of washing
it in the first place. Look for formulas that say “greaseless or “oil free.”

SWEAT AND BODY ODOR

 Perspiration or sweat comes from sweat glands that you have always had in your body. But
thanks to puberty, these glands not only become more active than before, they also begin to
secrete different chemicals into the sweat that has a stronger smelling odor. You might notice this
odor under your arm in your armpits. Your feet and genitals might also have smells.

The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower everyday using a mild soap and warm
water. This helps wash away bacteria that causes the smell. Wearing clean socks, clothes and
underwear each day can also help you feel clean.

Deodorants are also helpful in getting rid of odor of sweat.

BODY HAIR

Body hair in new places is something you can count on-again, they are hormones in action.
You may want o start shaving some places where body hair grows, but whether you do is up to
you. Some guys who grow facial hair like to let it develop into a mustache and beard. Some girls
may decide to leave the hair on their legs and under their arms as is. Shaving regularly can help
remove the pubic hairs especially for girls.

DENTAL HYGIENE

Dentists say that the most important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and
flossing properly, along with regular dental check-ups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum
disease. To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that
coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least
once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum
disease. Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in toothpaste, is what prevents cavities.

If you have teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold and pressure, you might want to try a
special tooth paste for sensitive teeth. However, you still need to talk to your dentist about your
sensitivity because it may indicate a more serious problem, such as a cavity or nerve inflammation
(irritation).

1.3 SUMMARY
In this chapter, we have identified the important health habits for developing adolescent to
address the various changes that take place in the growing adolescent. Practical tips on observing
good and healthy hygiene daily have been highlighted as well as indications when to seek help,
especially from a healthcare professional.
 Lesson Objectives:
1. Understand the risky behaviors of the growing adolescents;
2. Identify trouble signs that can lead to risky behaviors and its
complications; and
3. Discuss how to avoid risky behaviors.

Definition of Terms:

● Risk- the probability that a hazard in the environment can actually negatively affect the
individual.
● Risk Taking- a behavior of doing something regardless of potential loss.

1. 1 INTRODUCTION
Majority of the youth mature successfully through adolescence without apparent long-term
problems. All adolescents should be considered at risk due to the prevalence of risk behaviors, the
inherent developmental needs of adolescents and the various risk factors for their initiation and
maintenance.

Risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent development. Risk-taking is defined as

participation in potentially health-compromising activities with little understanding or, or in spite of
an understanding of the possible negative consequences.

Adolescents experiment with new behaviors as they explore their emerging identity and
independence. The concept of risk has been established as a characteristic that exposes
adolescent to threats to their health and well-being. Young people may be exposed to similar risks
but responds differently. Some may not sustain any physical or emotional damage while others
may be affected for the rest of their lives.

The challenge for health providers is to distinguish between what may be normal
exploratory behaviors and those that are health-compromising. Health behaviors in adolescence
continue into adult life and will continue to influence health and morbidity throughout life.

During adolescence, young people begin to explore alternative health behaviors including
smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, sexual intimacy and violence. The Department of Health, in its
Adolescent and Youth Health Policy (2000), has identified the following health risks: substance use,
premarital sex, early childbearing, abortion, HIV/AIDS, violence, accidents, malnutrition and mental
health.

Guidance of family is also important as the adolescent develops into mature adult. Family
Arrangement, based on the 2006 McCann Erickson study, has noted that 53% of adolescents live
with both parents. Because of overseas Filipino worker phenomenon, 5% live without the mother,
20% live without the father and 23% live without both parents.
 1.2 HARMFUL PRACTICES
Culture and tradition play a significant role in shaping the way young people and adolescents
behave and lead their lives. However, young people have become victims of some harmful
traditional practices, which affect their human and reproductive rights. These practices differ from
place but primarily affect women.

Common drugs abused by young people and their effects:

1. Marijuana (also known as Cannabis, Grass, Joint, Spiff, Hashish, Pot, Weed). Marijuana is a
plant grown and used worldwide. Usually people smoke the leaves but the leaves and the
stem can be made into tea, or even cookies. The effects vary. You can stay under the
influence for about 2 to 3 hours. Some people become relaxed and happy while others feel
panic or fear. Users’ eyes usually become red and their throats and mouths will become dry.
Appetite may increase.
Effects: Marijuana causes increase in heart rate and dilation of certain blood vessels
in the eyes, which creates the characteristics of blood-shot eyes. Chronic bronchial irritation
is one of the long-term effects of chronic marijuana use. Other potential adverse effects
include: impairment of long-term memory, gum disease, increased risk of cancers of the
mouth, jaw, tongue and impairment of the immune system.
2. Alcohol. Alcohol is the most drug and is used worldwide. Because it is legal, often kept in the
home and comes in extremely cheap local brews, alcohol is extremely easy to find and
consume. At first, alcohol causes relaxation and people feel less self-conscious. After more
alcohol, and individual gets drunk, reaction time slows down and thinking straight becomes
difficult. This is why people who are drinking are often involved in car accidents.
Effects: Slurred speech and aggressive behavior that can lead to fights, rape, or
other kinds of violence; vomiting, become unconscious, or even dying; forced sex with
someone she/he does not know. When people drink, their ability to make healthy and safe
decision is impaired.
3. Cigarettes (tobacco, cigars). Many young people start smoking tobacco products for
different reasons including: influence of friends, seductive advertisement, and older role
models like siblings’ or celebrities, to mention a few. Young people find smoking a “cool”
thing to do, but they become addicted to one of the most addictive and dangerous
substances, Nicotine, which is an active ingredient in tobacco.
Effects: According to WHO (2006), tobacco is the second major cause of death in
the world. Nicotine, which is found in tobacco products including cigarettes, is highly
addictive. The tar in cigarettes increases a smoker’s risk of lung cancer, emphysema and
 bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide in smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular
diseases. Inhaling smoke passively causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk
of respiratory illness in children.
4. Cocaine (also known as Crack, Coke, C, Charlie, Nose candy, Toot, Bazooka, Big C, Cake,
Lady, Stardust, Coco, Flake, Mister coffee). Cocaine is prepared from coca leaves which are
greenish-yellow leaves of different size and appearance. Cocaine is often called the
“champagne of drugs” because of its high cost. It makes one feel like his/ her body is going
very fast. His or her heart races and the “highs” and” lows” are sudden. Crack, which is
smoked, is a much stronger form of cocaine. Cocaine usually comes in a white powdered
form and crack looks like hard white rocks. It is usually snorted up the nose. It can also be
injected or smoked.
Effects: A small amount can raise body temperature, make the heart beat faster,
increase the breathing rate, make you feel over confident, and make you more alert with
extra energy. When crack is smoked, all of these feelings are intensified. Excessive doses may
lead to convulsions, seizures, strokes, cerebral hemorrhage or heart failure. Long-term effects
of cocaine/ crack use will lead to strong psychological dependence and other health
problems like destroying nose tissues, reportorial problems and weight loss.
5. Heroine (also known as Hammer, Horse, H, Junk, Nod, Smack, Skag, White, Biege, White Lady,
White Stuff, Joy powder boy, Hairy, Harry, Joy powder). Heroine is a drug obtained from
morphine and comes from the opium poppy plant. Heroin is a drug that slows down the
user’s body and mind. It is a very strong pain killer and can be one of the most dangerous
things to mix with other drugs. Usually comes in a powdered form, generally white or
pink/beige in color and could also come in dark grey/ medium brown. Heroin can be
injected, snorted, smoked or inhaled. This last method is often called “chasing the dragon.”
Effects: When injected, heroin provides an extremely powerful rush and a high that
usually lasts for between four to six hours
6. Amphetamines (also known as Speed, Ice, Browns, Footballs, Hearts, Oranges, Wake Ups,
Black Beauties, Crystal Meth, Cat, Jeff amp, Dexies, Rippers, Bennies, Browns, Greenies, Pep
Pills). Amphetamines are stimulants that affect a person’s system by speeding up the activity
of the brain and giving energy. It is a man-made drug and relatively easy to make. Usually
white or brown and can also come the form of a pill.
Effects: Amphetamines can cause an increase in heart rate, faster breathing,
increase blood pressure and body temperature, sweating, makes the person more confident
and alert, gives extra energy, reduces appetite, make it difficult to sleep and might make the
abuser talk more. Persons who use amphetamines may also feel anxious, irritable and suffer
from panic attacks. Frequent use can produce strong psychological dependence. Large
doses can also be lethal.
7. Ecstasy (also known as Adam, Essence, MDM, MDMA, XTC, Eve, MDE, MDEA). Ecstasy belongs
to the same group of chemicals as the above category that is stimulants, and is most often
used in the form of tablets at rave parties. Ecstasy is a drug that speeds up the user’s system
by increasing his/ her physical and emotional energy. Like amphetamines, ecstasy is also a
synthetic drug and is usually a small colored tablet. Some ecstasy has pictures on them such
as doves, rabbits or champagne bottles. The color or the brand of the tablet is usually
unrelated to the effects of the drug. Ecstasy tablets are usually swallowed.
 Effects: A person using ecstasy will probably feel happy, warm, loving and more
energetic. He/she would feel emotionally close to others, and might say or do things that
he/she usually would not. Nausea and vomiting, rise in blood pressure and heart rate due to
overheating of the body and dehydration or loss of water are some effects of ecstasy.
Feelings of depression and tiredness are common after stopping the drug. There is mounting
evidence that prolonged ecstasy use can lead to brain and liver damage.
8. Inhalants and solvents. Inhalants and solvents are chemicals that can be inhaled, such as
glue, gasoline. Aerosol sprays, lighter fluid, etc. These are not drugs as such and rare, in fact,
legally available from a large number of shops. However, they are abused widely by the
poorer sections of society, particularly street youth. Inhalants can look like by the poorer
sections of society, particularly street youth. Inhalants can look like almost anything (glue,
paint, thinner, gasoline, lighter fuel, cleaning, fluids.)
Effects: Inhalants may give the user a “high” for a very brief period of time. They
make the person feel numb for a short period of time, dizzy, confused and drowsy. They can
also cause headaches, nausea, fainting, accelerated heartbeat, disorientation and
hallucinations. They can damage the lungs, kidney and liver in the longer term. They can also
cause suffocation, convulsions and comas.
Be Mindful that…
● You don’t need to take drugs to be liked by other people.
● You don’t need to take drugs to feel brave or courageous.
● You do not need drugs to cope with sorrow or disappointments.
● You have, inside you, the strength and inner resources to deal with any situation and
any problems.

1.3 SUMMARY
The developing adolescent is very vulnerable to high risk-taking behaviors that can
harm their growth and pose a threat to their future. Warning signs of a troubled teen should be
recognized and managed early on to prevent devastating effects on the growing adolescent.