ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

AND REPRODUCTIVE
HEALTH

School-based Program c/o Basic Education

Department - Health Services & Guidance Office
STAFF
 BIOLOGICAL AND
PSYCHOSOCIAL CHANGES
DURING ADOLESCENCE
For young people, adolescence is all about change: in the way they think,
in their bodies and in how they relate to others. 
 Physical changes during adolescence

Physical changes observed in females:

 Skin becomes oily, sometimes with pimples and acne

 Hair grows under arms, pubic area, legs
 Breasts grow
 Hips broaden, weight and height increase, hands, feet, arms, and legs
become larger
 Perspiration increases and body odor may appear
 Voice deepens
 Menstruation begins, more wetness in the vaginal area.
 Physical changes during adolescence

Physical changes observed in males:

 Skin becomes oily, sometimes with pimples and acne

 Hair grows under arms, pubic areas, legs, chest, face
 Muscles especially in legs and arms get bigger and stronger
 Shoulders and chest broaden, weight and height increase, hands, feet,
arms and legs become larger
 Perspiration increases and body odor may appear
 Voice cracks and then deepens
 Penis and testicles grow and begin to hang down
 Wet dreams and erection occur frequently
 Ejaculation occurs during sexual climax.
 Social and emotional changes during puberty

 Starting to think independently/make decisions for themselves

 Starting to have sexual feelings
 Experimentation and curiosity (sexual intercourse, alcohol, drugs and other stimulants)
 Friends may matter more than they used to (what they wear, do, how they speak and use
language – e.g. slang and informal speech)
 Mood changes
 Need for privacy
 Concern about body image, need to be seen as attractive and able to sexually attract
people
 Need to break social sanctions and laws
 Disrespect for authority including parental supervision
 Argumentative and aggressive behaviors become evident and often disturb parents and
teachers
 Delinquency/law-breaking activities
 Political extremism.
KEY MESSAGES:

Adolescence is a critical period in life. It is a time when you discover who

you are and what you can become. Enjoy this period of development in a
SAFE and HEALTHY way.

During adolescence, there are many RISKS and VULNERABILITIES that a

young person can encounter. Focus on your dreams and ambitions. Set
personal goals in the short and long term. You are your best RESOURCE.
You are your best INVESTMENT.

The QUALITY of your health during adolescence will impact on the

quality of your health in adulthood when you assume new roles and
responsibilities related to work/career/family/parenthood.
KEY MESSAGES:

If you are in a RELATIONSHIP:

• LEARN TO SAY NO
Wait until you are mentally and emotionally prepared to have sex. Do
not be pressured by anyone to do so.
• LEARN TO RESPECT YOUR body
Do not smoke, drink, or do drugs. Let others respect your body too.
• KNOW YOUR LIMITS.
Avoid situations that will lead to unintended pregnancy or acquiring
STI. The only 100% sure way of not getting pregnant or acquiring STI is by
not having sex at all.
KEY MESSAGES:

• AVOID SITUATIONS where you will be meeting strangers such

as eyeballing and chatting with strangers through the computer or
texting.

• APPROACH a trusted adult for help such as your guidance

counselor, school clinician, teacher, etc.