THE PROCESS OF

REPRODUCTION
Lesson 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.
 Introduction
Although human being 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
characteristic 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 legs 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 female is the onset of the
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 a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy happens 2-3
weeks after sexual intercourse. This is redundant so it was it redacted.
Conception is the process that begins with fertilization of an egg by the sperm and ends
with implantation. When a male and female have an sexual intercourse, the penis fits into
the woman’s vagina. Ejaculation or coming releases the sperm via the penis into the vagina.
The sperm swims through the female cervix, into the womb, and finally into the fallopian
tubes. Once the egg or ovum has been released into the fallopian tube, hundreds of sperm
swim up to reach it. Finally, the sperm penetrates the egg in the fallopian tube where
fertilization takes place and eventually, becomes an embryo. Once the embryo (fertilized
egg) attaches to the inner lining of the uterus (endothelium), a fetus develops within five to
seven days from a ball of cells floating in the uterus, which officially begins pregnancy.
A normal pregnancy lasts 37-42 weeks (nine months). This is measured from the first
day of the last period. Pregnancy is discussed in terms of trimesters ( three-month periods),
since each trimester is very different from the rest. After eight weeks, the embryo is
officially referred to as a fetus.
What can be done to prevent teenage
pregnancy?
Teen pregnancy has a tremendous impact on the
educational, social, and economic lives of young
people. Early parenting reduces the likelihood that a
young woman will complete high school and pursue
the necessary post-secondary education needed to
compete 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. Equipping the youth with the knowledge,
skills, and attitudes necessary to protect themselves
against unwanted pregnancy and provide them
access to reproductive healthcare are needed.
 Chart for Contraception:
Types of How it Works Effectiveness Benefits Instruction for Benefits Other
contraceptive use than
Methods Contraception
Male Rolled over the 80-85 percent Low cost, easily Do not use with oil- Can be effective in
Condom: penis accessible, and based lubricants prevention of STIs
Rubber sheath that reduces risk of such as creams and and HIV/AIDS
fits over the penis STDs/ STIs lotions
Implantable Continuous release Not known Continuous birth Implant of the None
Hormone Device: of hormones control for five capsule in the upper
Continuous years arm: done by the
release of hormone doctors
Calendar method: Allows the woman Theoretically 85 No cost and under Woman must keep None
Woman predicts to keep track of safe percent but in the control of the track with the help of
the day of days sex reality about 60 woman a calendar
ovulation by percent
keeping a calendar
the length or each
menstrual cycle
Sterilization: Passageway for the Theoretically 100 Highly effective, Doctor performs an none
Vasectomy fro sperm or the egg is percent, but permanent, and one operation
males and tubal surgically exception have been time expense
ligation for males known to take place
Birth Control pill: Alters natural Theoretically 99- Low cost, easily Taken daily after None
contains ovulation cycle 100 percent, but available, and menstrual cycle begins
synthetic women have controlled by the
oestrogen conceive on the woman
“pill”
Birth Control Not known Given by the doctors None
Injection: given
in the first days
of the
menstruation
and then every 2-
3 months
Withdrawal: Prevents the Theoretically, 85 No cost under Dependent on the man None
removal of the semen from percent but in the control of the
penis from the going into the reality, about 70 main and the
vagina before vagina percent woman involved
ejaculation
Intrauterine Inserted inside Theoretically 95- Long-lasting and Inserted by the doctor None
Device (IUD) the uterus by a 98 percent relatively in the first few days of
doctor inexpensive menstruation; should
be examined every few
months
 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 an “obstructed
labor”. Obstructed labor is dangerous to both mother and child and requires the help of trained
medical professionals. Under the best circumstances, the young woman will have an operation
called a “caesarean section” in which a cut is made in the abdomen and the baby is removed
directly from uterus. A major contributors 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. If she is lucky and survives the delivery, she
might face fistula due to prolonged labor. A baby’s head can also tear the vagina causing a hole
between the vagina and bladder or between vagina and bladder or between the vagina and
rectum resulting in what is known as a fistula. Unless she has an operation to fix her problem,
for the rest of her life, she will not be able to hold her urine or feces and his will make her social
outcast.
 In addition, younger women who become pregnant face a higher risk
than older woman in developing a number of other complications.
These complications can be any or a combination of the following
manifestation:
• Excessive vomiting;
• Severe anemia
• Hypertension
• Convulsions
• Difficulty in breast feeding (if the girl is too young to produce milk);
• Premature and low birth weight babies;
• Infection;
• Prolonged labor; and
• 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 of 20-30 years are the safest period of women’s life for
child bearing. The major difference between girls in their early teens and
older women is that girls aged 12-16 years are still growing. The pelvis,
or the bony birth canal, of a girl can grow wider by as much as 20%
between the time she begins menstruating and the time she is 16 years
old. This widening of the pelvis can make the crucial difference between
a safe delivery and obstructed labor.
It is surprising, therefore, to find that obstructed labor, due to
disproportion between the size of the infant’s head and the mother’s
pelvis, is most common among very young mothers. The consequences
of such obstructed labor may be death due to numerous complications or
lifetime crippling conditions for vesico-vaginal fistula.
SEXUAL HEALTH
AND HYGIENE
Learning Objectives:
• identify the important health habits for the
developing adolescent;
• observe maintaining good hygiene; and
• know when to seek help from a health care
professional.
 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 underarm? This further
puts personal hygiene and healthy habits being important
life skills 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 the hair shiny and waterproof.
 During puberty, hair can become shiny, oily and greasy.
Washing your hair every day or every other day can help control
oily hair. Dozens of shampoos are available in drugstores and
supermarkets for you to choose from. Use warm water and a
small amount of shampoo to get a lather.
 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 stronger smelling odor.
 Wearing clean clothes, socks, and underwear each day can also help you to
feel clean. If you are concerned about the way your underarms smell, you
can try using a deodorant or deodorant with antiperspirant.
 Deodorants and antiperspirant can help you to stay clean by getting rid of
the smell of sweat. Some teens do not need deodorant or antiperspirant, so
why use them if you don't have to? If you think you smell, but take daily
showers and wear clean clothes, you may be fine without them. The best
way to keep clean is to wash your body with mild soap and warm water
every day.
 Body Hair
 Body hair on new place is something you can count on again, they are hormones
in action. You may to start shaving some places where body hair grows, 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 cream and gel are often a better bet than soap because they make it
easier to pull the razor against your skin. Some of the newer razors contain
shaving gel right in the blade area, making even beginners feel comfortable
shaving.
 An adult or older siblings can be a big help when you are learning to shave. You
might want to avoid shaving your pubic hair because when it grows back in, the
skin may be irritated and itchy.
 Dental Hygiene
 Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can
do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. To prevent cavities, you
need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats
the teeth. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which help to keep
them healthy and prevent gum disease. If you have sensitive teeth,
you may want to try a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
 If you have teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure, you
may want to try a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. However,
you will 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).
Tips on Proper Brushing
Dentist say that the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is two minutes
twice a day. Here are some tips on how to brush properly;
• Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Gently brush from where the
tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too
hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth.
• Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.
• To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles
into the pits and crevices.
• To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush
almost vertical. With bask and forth motions, bring the front part of the brush over the teeth
and gums.
• Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to
remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places.
• The main reason for going to the dentist regularly every six months is prevention. The goal
is to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other disorders that put the health of your teeth
and mouth at risk.
Healthcare Check for the Female

The best time for a self-

breast exam is about a
week after the last say of
your menstrual period,
when your breasts are not
tender and swollen. This
should be done at the
same time each month
when you no longer have
your menstrual period.
Keeping the external female genitalia clean:
• Use soap and water to wash the external genitalia and your underarms every
day, especially during menstruation.
• Use either a disposable pad made of cotton, which has a nylon base, or a clean
piece of cotton cloth to absorb blood during menstruation.
• Properly dispose of the pad after each use, or wash and dry the piece of cloth
used as an menstrual pad before reuse.
• Wash only the external genitalia. Do not try to clean the inside part of the vagina.
• While washing, wash starting from the vagina towards the anus. Do not wash
from the anus towards the vagina. This will allow germs to enter the inner
genitalia easily and cause infection.
• Be aware of abnormal fluids from your vagina. Do not confuse this with normal
vaginal fluids.
• If you see any changes in the vaginal fluid a change in color or odor, please visit
a health professional.
Health Check for the male:
Keeping the external male genitalia clean:
• Wash the genitalia at least daily with soap and water, as you

wash the rest of the body.

• Boys are not circumcised need to pull back the forest and

gently wash underneath it with clean water.

• Be aware of any abnormal fluids coming from your penis.

Do not confuse this with the presence of normal fluids.

• If you see any abnormal fluid or wound, please visit a health

professional.
Than you for
listening!