Teen Pregnancy & Reproductive Health

• Module 2 focuses on the biomedical perspective in gender and sexuality, covering anatomy, reproduction, risky behaviors, and sexual health.

Lesson 1: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

• Key learning outcomes include differentiating the female and male reproductive systems and analyzing physiological processes in both.
• The reproductive system consists of organs for producing offspring.
• An understanding of both male and female anatomy and physiology is needed to produce children.

The Biological Female

• The female reproductive system interacts intimately with other bodily systems for reproduction.
• Puberty signals the maturity of primary and accessory reproductive organs.
• Female reproductive organs consist of internal and external genitalia.

External Structures (Vulva)

• The vulva enables sperm entry and protects internal organs from infection.
  • Mons pubis: A fatty mound covering the pubic bone.
  • Labia majora: Enclose and protect other external reproductive organs, comparable to the male scrotum.
  • Labia minora: Lie inside the labia majora and surround the vaginal and urethral openings.
  • Vaginal opening: Connects the uterus to the outside.
  • Urethral opening: The opening of the urethra for urine passage.
  • Clitoris: A structure with nerve endings for sexual arousal and pleasure.
  • Perineum: Space between the anus and vaginal opening.
  • Anus: Rectal opening.

Internal Structures

• Internal genitalia are organs within the true pelvis.
  • Vagina: A canal connecting the cervix to the outside, also known as the birth canal.
  • Uterus (womb): A hollow, pear-shaped organ and is divided into the cervix and corpus where the baby develops.
  • Cervix: The lower part of the uterus contains a small opening (os) for menstrual blood and semen passage but also dilates during childbirth.
  • Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that serve as tunnels that provide paths for egg cells to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
  • Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus and its thickness builds and sheds monthly due to hormones.
  • Myometrium: The middle, muscular layer of the uterine wall which induces uterine contractions.

Hormones in Females

• Estrogen and progesterone are the main female sex hormones.
  • Estrogen: Plays a role in reproductive development, sexual function, puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
  • Progesterone: It prepares the endometrium for potential pregnancy.
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Starts egg development and increases estrogen.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Aids egg maturation and triggers ovulation.
  • Testosterone: Present in small amounts and plays a role in sexual desire, menstrual cycle regulation, and bone/muscle strength.

Menstrual Cycle

• The menstrual cycle is controlled by glands and hormones.
  • Hypothalamus: It causes the pituitary gland to produce chemicals that prompt the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone.
  • The menstrual cycle is a biofeedback system where each gland and structure affects the others.
  • Ovarian cycle refers to changes in the follicles, while the uterine cycle refers to changes in the endometrial lining.

Uterine Cycle Phases

- Menstrual Phase: Occurs without ovum fertilization where estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to endometrium shedding and bleeding.
- Proliferative phase: FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen, repairing and thickening the endometrium and increases vascularization.
- Secretory phase: LH causes mature ovum release and the development of the corpus luteum, the lining of endometrial glands secretes nutrients and becomes more vascular.

Ovarian Cycle Phases

- Follicular phase (days 1-13): The ovarian follicle matures and prepares to release the egg.
- Ovulation phase (day 14): A mature egg is released to the fallopian tube. Mittelschmerz (abdominal pain) can occur during release.
- Luteal phase (days 15-28): The ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum which produces progesterone and inhibits FSH and LH.

The Biological Male

• Most of the male reproductive system is outside the body.
  • External structures: Penis, scrotum, epididymis, and testes.
  • Internal organs are accessory organs: Vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.

Male Anatomical Structures

- Penis: Organ for sperm transfer and urine elimination.
- Scrotum: Maintains optimal temperature (below 37°C) for sperm development.
- Epididymis: Stores sperm for maturation.
- Testes: The male gonads contained in the scrotum.
- Vas deferens: Transports mature sperm to the urethra.
- Seminal vesicles: Small glands that store fluid and produce the majority of semen.
- Prostate: Secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
- Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands): Produces lubricating mucus for semen.

Hormones in Males

• Testosterone is the major male hormone produced in the testes and is responsible for developing a boy's adolescent growth and secondary sexual characteristics.
• LH stimulates testosterone production, and FSH helps control sperm production.

Lesson 2: The Process of Reproduction

• Key learning outcomes include defining fertilization, conception, pregnancy and identifying complications of early pregnancy.
• Reproduction requires growth, respiration, digestion, and excretion.

Key Terms

• Ovulation: Mature egg release from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
• Conception: Sperm travels through the vagina into the uterus and fertilizes an egg.
• Fertilization: A sperm cell successfully unites with an egg cell in the fallopian tube.
• Pregnancy: Period in which a fetus develops inside a woman's womb or uterus.

Pregnancy

• The process starts with sperm and egg cells in the fallopian tube.
• After intercourse, sperm travels through the cervix and uterus to reach.
• In the event of fertilization, a zygote is created where the baby's genes and sex are determined.
• The zygote becomes a blastocyst and moves to the uterus for 2–3 days, where it attaches to the uterine lining and implants.
• Pregnancy begins after implantation
• Human chorionic Gonadotropin hormone is a pregnancy hormone that prevents the uterus lining from shedding.
• Menstrual periods start around age 12.3, indicating maturation but does not ensure fertility or ovulation.

Teenage Pregnancy

• Teenage (adolescent) pregnancy occurs in females under 20, significantly impacting education and financial prospects.
• Early parenting reduces the likelihood of completing needed education.
• Despite declining rates, teenage girls continue to engage in risky sexual activity.

Health Consequences Teenage Pregnancy

• Early pregnancies can have major health implications for both mothers and infants.
  • Infants: Low birth weight, preterm birth, and increased mortality.
  • Mothers: Anemia, delayed prenatal care, depression, inadequate weight gain, pregnancy-induced hypertension, eclampsia, and repeated teenage births.

Social Consequences Teenage Pregnancy

• Adolescent pregnancy can have negative social and economic effects.
• Unmarried teens may face violence, stigma, or rejection.
• Adolescent mothers are more likely to experience home violence or a partnership.

Teenage Pregnancy Prevention

• The easiest way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence.
• Contraception prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm from reaching an egg.

Contraception Methods

• Pill(synthetic estrogen): 99-100% Effective, alters natural ovulation and is controlled by the woman
• Injections: Alters natural ovulation and is taken every few months by a doctor
• Withdrawal: 70-85% Effective, prevents semen from entering inside the vagina
• IUD(Intrauterine Device): 95-98% Effective, inserted in the uterus and is relatively inexpensive
• Male Condom: 80-85% Effective, effective on reducing STI's

Lesson 3: Sexual Health and Hygiene

• Focuses on identifying important health habits for developing adolescents.
• Bodily changes are a normal part of adolescence.
• Proper personal hygiene is essential.

Definitions

• Health: A complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Hygiene: Practices to improve cleanliness and promote good health.
• Sexual Health: A state of well-being in relation to sexuality, requiring a positive approach, pleasurable and safe sexual experiences that is free from coercion and discrimination.
• Reproductive Health: Encompasses mental, physical, and social well-being related to the reproductive system with adequate reproductive health lead to safe sexual activity

Teen Hygiene Topics

• Oily hair: Wash regularly, avoid scrubbing hair and scalp, use oily hair conditioner and pay attention to products you use on your hair.
• Perspiration: Bathe daily, wear clean cotton clothes, and use deodorant with antiperspirant.
• Body hair: Shave carefully with a sharp blade and shaving cream or gel against your skin.
• Dental hygiene: Regular brushing, floss, dentist visits twice a year, avoid coffee, tea, colas, smoking and stay hydrated.
• Health check for the female: Breast self-exam is important for early detection of breast cancer.
• Exam: Breast check is a week after your menstrual period.
  • Observe: Looking for usual sizes, shapes and colors.
  • If there is a change or any distortion, seek medical attention from a heath professional.
• External Female genitalia: Clean daily and during menstruation with unperfumed soap and water.
• Healthcare Check for the males: Washing with a mild soap, wash gently to avoid irritation and inflammation and seek doctors attention in times of penile abnormalities.
• Wear underwear that is clean, has the correct type of fit and material.

Lesson 4: Risky Behaviors and Adolescents

• Focuses on identifying trouble signs leading to risky behaviors and discussing how to avoid them.
• Adolescence is a crucial period for physical, cognitive, mental, emotional and overall development.
• Risky behaviors threaten health, restrains well-being and hinders development.
  • Adolescent thinking is more advanced.
  • Emotional Development: The search for identity and independence that comes with adolescences.

Trouble Signs

• Watch out for sexual promiscuity, drug and alcohol use, law/school violations, running away, hygiene neglect, oppositional behaviors or physical appearance changes.

Identified sexual Risks in Filipino adolescents

• 1 in 3 has sexual Experience.
• Among adolescent deaths, 22.3% were from women <24 years old
• Among 13-17 year old cases, 2 % were adolescent STI's
• Among 10-19 year old cases, 2% were HIV/AIDS

Risky Adolescent behaviours

• Department Of Health- identifies several factors that involve subatance abuse, malnutrition and mental health

Preventing Risky behaviors among Adolescents

• DOH identifies several factors that involve subatance abuse, malnutrition and mental health
• Support and strengthen the overall family functioning.
• Increase and build a better connection to schools.
• Make communities overall safer and more supportive.
• Promote Involvement in high quality programs.
• Build relationships with adults and adults.
• Provide children and youth to have emotional competence.
• Provide children and youth with high quality early education during middle child hood.

Examine factors influencing teen pregnancy, violence in partnerships, and poverty cycles. Explore contraception methods, fertilization, and causes of infertility. Learn about the journey from ovulation to blastocyst formation.