Gender and Society Midterm Handouts PDF

**[L1 SEX, GENDER AND SEXUALITY ]** **SEX r**efers to the physical differences between people who are male, female or intersex. A person typically has their sex assigned at birth based on physiological characteristics, including their genetalia and chromosome composition. This assigned sex is calle...

**[L1 SEX, GENDER AND SEXUALITY ]** **SEX r**efers to the physical differences between people who are male, female or intersex. A person typically has their sex assigned at birth based on physiological characteristics, including their genetalia and chromosome composition. This assigned sex is called person "natal sex". **Two sexes** Male sex produces sperms cells to fertilize the egg cells. Female sex produces egg cells to produce Chromosomes-structured found in the center of cells that carry long pieces of DNA. Chromosomes XX equates to female, Chromosome XY equates to male. HORMONES **Estrogen** is a group of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body such as breast and pubic hair. **Testosterone** stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics produced mainly in the testes. **Progesterone** -- stimulates the uterus to prepare for pregnancy. **Genetalia --** the organ used for reproduction and secondary sex characteristics are largely influenced by ones X and Y chromosomes. These chromosomes determine whether someone's body will express itself as a "female" or a "male ". - **Masculinity** or the behavior that one associates with females may not actually be tied to a woman sex. if all males pres presented are in powerful and dominant roles, one can presume that power and dominance are associated with maleness - **Femininity** is not tied to ones gonads. The whole idea of being a woman, therefore, is based on gender and societys belief in how a woman should act, instead of biological functions that are inescapable. if ell females are seen to take care of people, one associates females with these rules, thus to be female to care - **Gender** refers to the characteristics of women, men girls and boys that are socially constructed.It is a social construct that determine ones roles expected values, behavior and interaction in relationships involving men and women. - **Transgende**r persons whose gender identity gender expression or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth. - **Gender Expression** expresses his or her sexuality through the actions or manner of presenting oneself. - **Sexual Orientation** involves the person to whom one is attracted,one identifies himself or herself in a relation to this attraction. Includes both romantic and sexual feelings - **Gender Identity** personal experience of gender or social relation identifies himself or herself in relation to this attraction. identify himself or herself as masculine or feminine. - Psychological association of the Philippines typically at ages 6-8 we experience or develop attraction to other people. - **Heterosexuals "straight"** people who are attracted to the opposite sex - **Homosexuals "gay or lesbian "** people who are attracted to people of the same sex. - **Bisexuals "bi"** people who are attracted to both sexes, male or female. - **Lesbian** pertains to women who are attracted to other women - **Gay** pertains to men who are attracted to other men. - **Bisexual** denotes people who are attracted to both gender - **Transgender** refers to someone whose assigned sex at birth does not represent his or her gender identity. - **Queer** denoting or relating to a sexual or gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of sexuality and gender, especially heterosexual norms. - **Asexual** describe someone who does not experience sexual attraction toward individuals of any gender. **GENDER AND SEXUALITY ACROSS TIME** **Divine Feminine** is a spiritual and psychological concept that embodies qualities traditionally associated with femininity. It\'s not confined to one gender but is an essential aspect of the human experience. **Divine femininity** is about nurturing, understanding, empathy, and connection. It represents a side of ourselves that fosters emotional intelligence, intuition, and compassion. **Egalitarian** means Men and women have equitable power and roles **Patriarchy** is Greek word ***Patriarkhes* -*"the rule of the father\".***It is a social system where men primarily hold power in the political and the private spheres. This means that in this social system, society is organized and maintained in a way that men rule over women and their children. **In the *social*, *legal*, *political*, and *economic spheres*,** men are expected to lead while women are expected to obey and are relegated to house chores, bearing children, and child care **Apatrilineal society** often follows a patriarchal society, this means only men can inherit property and the family name. Women were left with no inheritance and are expected tomarry a man who can support her economically. *(Greek)* **Aristotle, plato and other Greek philosophers viewed women** as the inferior sex and are properties of ***[men whose only job was to obey their husbands, bear children and take care of the household. They were forbidden to learn philosophy, politics and science.]*** **(Egypt) a** Greek historian observed the Egyptian civilization citing that ***[Egyptian women enjoyed higher social status than Greek women because they can inherit property and engage in trade and politics]*** Greek influence quickly spread in Egypt through the conquests of **Alexander the Great across Asia Pacific.** ***(China)* Confucianism** has stringent written rules that dictate how women should conduct themselves. The written documents titled "three obedience's and four virtues" and "percepts of women"have come a long way since the ancient times through the feminist movement, however, patriarchy has taken on subtle forms of oppression that often go unnoticed such as: Sexism -- prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination based on sex; Gender pay gap -- men earn more that women; **Gender studies-** a field of study concerned about how reproductive roles are interpreted and negotiated in the society through gender. **BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY** CHAPTER 2 - BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY *Lesson 1. Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction* *Lesson 2. The Process of Reproduction* *Lesson 3. Sexual Health and Hygiene* *Lesson 4. Risky Behaviors of Adolescents* Lesson 1. Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction **Definition of Terms** Reproduction - process of producing offspring. Genitals - External sex organs. Primary Sex Characteristics - sex characteristics that are present at birth. Secondary Sex Characteristics - sex characteristics that emerge during puberty. I**NTRODUCTION** Human experiences various physical and emotional changes from childhood to adulthood. These are gradual and progress at different ages and speed in different people. These stages are based on human growth and development from childhood, adolescents adulthood and old age. The adolescents stage of human development 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; testes are male gonads. The gonads produce germ cells and sex hormones. The female germ cells are ova (egg) and the male germ cells are sperm. Ova and sperm are the basic units of reproduction; their union can lead to creation of a new life. **THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE** **Anatomy** is the study of body structure in relation to body parts. **Physiology** is branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (such as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved. The **female sexual anatomy** is designed for the production and fertilization of ovum, as well as carrying and delivering infant offspring. Puberty signals the final development of primary and accessory organs that support reproduction. **A. The female external genitalia consist of the following:** a. Vulva - all the external genital structures taken together; b. Mons Veneris - pads of fatty tissues between pubic bone and skin; c. Labia Majora - outer lips surrounding all the other structures; d. Prepuce - clitoral hood (foreskin above and covering clitoris); e. Clitoris - glans (head), shaft, and crura (root), the clitoris is particularly sensitive to stimulation; f. Labia Minora - inner lips surrounding the vestibule where sweat and oil glands, extensive blood vessels, and nerve ending are located; g. Vestibule - area surrounding the urethral opening and vagina, which is highly sensitive with extensive blood vessels and nerve endings; h. Urethral Opening - end of tube connecting to bladder and used of urination; i. Vaginal Opening - also called introitus; and j. Perineum - area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus; distance is less in females than males. **B. The female internal reproductive structures consist of the following as described below:** a. **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; b. **Cervix -** small end of uterus to which vagina leads. It is the opening in cervix leading to interior of uterus; c. **Uterus -** womb, organ within pelvic zone where fetus is carried; d. **Fallopian tubes -** carry egg cells from ovaries to uterus, this is where fertilization occurs; and e. **Ovaries -** produce estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen influences female sex characteristics and initiates menstrual cycle. **Progesterone** aids in regulation of menstrual cycle and promotes mature development of uterine lining to allow for zygote implantation. Also produce ova, egg cells and bring them to maturity. As many as 0ne million immature ova are present at birth, with about 400,000 surviving to puberty. Of these, only about 400-450 are typically brought to maturity and released into the fallopian tubes **Puberty -** the menstrual cycle marks the beginning of puberty in females. The first period (episode) occurs between 11-15 years of age referred to as **menarche.** **Menstruation** pertains to the sloughing off of the uterine lining if conception has not occurred. It may last with 2-6 days which follows a cycle ranging from 24-42 days. Regardless of the length of the cycle, menstruation begins about 14 days after ovulation (plus or minus 1-2 days). the overall cycle is governed by the hypothalamus as it monitors hormone levels in the blood stream. It involves changes in the endometrium in response to the fluctuating blood levels of ovarian hormones. **There are three phases as described and shown in the figure below.** 1. **Menstrual Phase** - this occurs if the ovum is not fertilized and does not implant itself into the uterine lining. The continued high levels of estrogen and progesterone causes the pituitary to stop releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease causing the endometrium to be sloughed off, and bleeding ensues. It is during this time that ovarian hormones are not at their lowest levels. 2. **Proliferative Phase** - it occurs when the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH that stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and causes ova to mature in the ovarian follicles. Endometrium is repaired, thickens, and becomes well-vascularized in response to increasing levels of estrogen. 3. **Secretory Phase** - it occurs when the primary gland releases LH that causes the ovary to release a mature ovum and causes the remaining portion of the follicle to develop into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then produces progesterone. Endometrial glands begin to secrete nutrients, and lining becomes more vascular in response to increasing level of progesterone. Problems associated with menstruation include **premenstrual syndrome** (PMS, 80-95% of women experience), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation caused by overproduction of prostaglandins, causing the uterine muscles to contract), and amenorrhea (disruption or absence of menstruation). All of these involve the fluctuation of hormone levels associated with menstruation. At menopause (usually around age 45-50), a woman stops **Menstruating** as ova are no longer brought to maturity. During the three to four years of this transition women may experience hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances (resulting in fatigue, irritability, short term memory loss, difficult concentrating), headaches, anxiety, depression, and difficulty of becoming sexuality aroused. **Female Secondary Sexual Characteristics Emerge after Puberty** 1. **Widening of hips and pelvis -** accommodates giving birth, but also results in downward shift in center of gravity. 2. **Enlargement of breasts -** at puberty, both the glandular and fatty tissues of the breasts develop considerably. Differences in breast size between women are primarily due to differences in the amount of fatty tissue. It is also not uncommon for one of a woman's breast to be slightly larger than the other. The glandular tissue of the breasts respond to sex hormones and the breasts are involved in a woman's sexual arousal. The glandular tissue produces milk toward the end of pregnancy and after childbirth in response to hormone levels. **More female characteristics:** - Generally shorter than men; - Greater proportion of body weight composed of fat than men; - Two X chromosomes reduces expression of many sex-linked conditions; and - Lower mortality rate at every age and longer projected lifespan than men. **THE BIOLOGICAL MALE** The **male sexual anatomy** 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. **A. The male external genitalia consist of the following structures:** a. **Prepuce -** foreskin covering head of penis, removed in male circumcision; b. **Penis -** glans (head), shaft, and root. The glans is particularly sensitive to stimulation. Running the c. Length of the penis is the urethra surrounded by the spongy body and two cylindrical chambers known as the **cavernous bodie**s. During arousal, these becomes engorged with blood, resulting in erection; d. **Corona** - rim of glans where it arises from shaft; e. **Frenulum** - thin strip of skin connecting glans and shaft on underside of penis; f. **Scrotum -** sac that encloses the two compartments housing the testes; g. **Urethral Opening -** found on head of penis, this is the end tube connected to bladder and used for urination. It is also tube to which internal structures deliver semen by which male ejaculates; and h. **Perineum** - area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus, distance is greater in males than females. **B. The male internal reproductive organ:** a\) **Testes -** produce androgen, particularly large quantities of testosterone, which greatly influence male development and drives sexual motivation; also produce sperms cells in virtually unlimited quantity over the entire course of the lifespan; b\) **Vas deferens -** travels from testicle toward urethra carrying sperm; c\) **Seminal vesicles -** two glands that produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose sugar, comprising some 70% of semen volume. Alkaline nature may stimulate sperm to start self - propulsion and sugar may provide sperm nutrients. Ducts carry fluid and connect with vas deferens forming ejaculatory ducts; d\) **Ejaculatory ducts -** connect vas deferens to urethra **e) Prostate -** gland producing alkaline secretions that account for about 30% of semen volume. Alkaline nature may help counteract otherwise, acidic environment of urethra and vagina making them more hospitable for sperm. Fluids passes through a series of ducts along the wall of the urethra; and **f) Urethra --** tube within penis that carries sperm and semen the rest of the way to the opening of the penis. **Male Hormones** The **testosterone** is the major male hormone produced mainly by the testes, but there are other glands called the **adrenal glands** that also produce some testosterone. In case a man has lost his testes, these glands would continue to produce testosterone to support the male physical appearance. **Testosterone** is responsible for the growth and development of a boy during adolescence and for the development of sperm and secondary sexual characteristics. **Male Secondary Sexual Characteristics Emerge after Puberty** **More male characteristics:** a. Generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water; b. Proportionately larger heart and lungs, presumably to handle greater blood fluid volume; c. Exposure to greater levels of testosterone resulting in heavier body and facial hair, but also increased frequency and degree of baldness; and d. Single X chromosome resulting in sex-linked conditions such as colorblindness and hemophilia. **[The Process of Reproduction]** **Definition of Terms** - **Ovulation -** the process when a mature ovum is released from the ovary and travels to the fallopian tube for possible fertilization. - **Fertilization -** Union of the sperm and the ovum. - **Pregnancy -** the process when an offspring develops within the other's womb. **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 lags about two years behind that of girls. The physical changes of female puberty include breast development, rounding of hips and buttocks, growth of the hair inthe 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 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 has 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 about10-16 days before the start of the next period. **HOW DOES PREGNANCY OCCUR** For pregnancy to proceed, the sperm needs to meet up with 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 a 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 females cervix, into the womb, and finally into the fallopian tubes. Once the egg or ovum has been released into the fallopian tube, hundreds of sperms 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 (9 months). This is measured from the first day of the last period. **Pregnancy** is discussed in terms of trimesters (three-months period), since each trimester is very different from the rest. After eight weeks, the embryo is officially referred to as **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 young 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. Equipping the youth with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancy and providing them access to reproductive healthcare are needed. **Chart for Contraception** +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Type of | **How it | **Effecti | **Benefit | **Instruc | **Benefit | | Contracep | Works** | veness** | s** | tion | s | | tive** | | | | for Use** | othe | | | | | | | than** | | **Method* | | | | | | | * | | | | | **Contrac | | | | | | | eption** | +===========+===========+===========+===========+===========+===========+ | **Male | Rolled | 80-85% | Low cost, | Do not | Can be | | Condom:** | over the | | easily | use with | effective | | | penis | | accessibl | oil-based | in | | Rubber | | | e | lubricant | preventio | | sheath | | | and | s | n | | that fits | | | reduces | such as | of STIs | | over the | | | risk of | creams | and | | penis | | | | and | | | | | | STDs/STIs | lotions | HIV/AIDS | | | | |. | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Implant | Continuou | Not known | Continuou | Implant | None | | able | s | | s | of | | | Hormone | release | | birth | capsule | | | Device**: | of | | control | in the | | | Continuou | hormone | | for five | upper | | | s | | | years | arm; done | | | release | | | | by the | | | of | | | | doctor | | | | | | | | | | hormone | | | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Calenda | Allows | Theoretic | No cost | Woman | None | | r | the woman | ally | and under | must keep | | | Method:** | to keep | 85% but | the | track | | | | track of | in | control | with the | | | Woman | "safe" | reality | of the | help of a | | | predict | days for | about 60% | woman | calendar | | | the day | sex | | | | | | of | | | | | | | ovulation | | | | | | | by | | | | | | | keeping a | | | | | | | calendar | | | | | | | of the | | | | | | | length or | | | | | | | each | | | | | | | | | | | | | | menstrual | | | | | | | cycle | | | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Sterili | Passagewa | Theoretic | Highly | Doctor | None | | zation:** | y | ally | effective | performs | | | | for the | 100% but | , | an | | | Vasectomy | sperm or | exception | permanent | operation | | | for males | egg is | s | and one | | | | and tubal | surgicall | have been | time | | | | ligation | y | known to | expense | | | | for | tied | take | | | | | females | | place | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Birth | Alters | Theoretic | Low cost, | Taken | None | | Control | natural | ally | easily | daily | | | Pill:** | ovulation | 99-100%, | available | after | | | | cycle | but women | and | menstrual | | | Contains | | have | controlle | cycle | | | synthetic | | conceived | d | begins | | | oestrogen | | on | by the | | | | | | | woman | | | | | | the | | | | | | | "pill" | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Birth | | Not known | | Given by | None | | Control | | | | the | | | Injection | | | | doctor | | | **: | | | | | | | Given in | | | | | | | the first | | | | | | | days of | | | | | | | menstruat | | | | | | | ion | | | | | | | and then | | | | | | | every 2-3 | | | | | | | months | | | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Withdra | Prevents | Theoretic | No cost | Dependent | None | | wal:** | the semen | ally | under the | on the | | | removal | from | , 85% but | control | man | | | of the | going | in | of man | | | | penis | into the | reality | and the | | | | from the | vagina | about 70% | woman | | | | vagina | | | involved | | | | before | | | | | | | ejaculati | | | | | | | on | | | | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Intraut | Inserted | Theoretic | Long-last | Inserted | Nne | | erine | inside | ally | ing | by the | | | Device | the | 95-98% | and | doctor in | | | (IUD)** | uterus by | | relativel | the first | | | | a doctor | | y | few days | | | | | | inexpensi | of | | | | | | ve | menstruat | | | | | | | ion; | | | | | | | should be | | | | | | | examined | | | | | | | every | | | | | | | fewmonths | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ **WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF EARLY PREGNANCY IN THE GROWING ADOLESCENT** There are serious health risks associated with early pregnancy because young woman's body is not mature enough to handle bearing a child. When women is under 20, the pelvic area (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 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 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 loss blood. If she is lucky and survives during 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 the vagina and the 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 this will make her a social outcast. 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:** - 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 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 we 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 not 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 due to numerous complications or lifetime crippling conditions of vesico-vaginal fistula. **[Sexual Health and Hygiene]** ***Health -** a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.* ***Hygiene -** refers to the behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health, such as frequent hand washing, 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 the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual 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 diseases 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* *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 important life skills for the teen.* ***OILY HAIR*** *The hormones that creates acne are the sane 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 glands produce extra oil, it can make your hair look too shiny, oily and greasy. Washing your hair everyday or every other day can help control oily hair. Dozens of shampoos are available in drugstores and supermarkets for you too choose from. Most brands are pretty similar, although, you might want to try one that specially formulated for oily hair. Use warm water and a small amount of shampoo to work up a lather.* *Do not scrub or rub too hard - this does not get rid of oil any better and can irritate your scalp or damaged your hair. After you have rinsed, you can follow up with 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 arms in your armpits. Your feet and genitals might also have new smells.* *The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day using a mild soap and warm water. This will help was away any bacteria that contributes to the smells. Wearing clean clothes, socks, and underwear each day can also help you feel clean. If you sweat a lot, you might find that shirts, socks and underwear made from cotton or other natural materials will help absorb sweat more effectively. If you are concerned about the way your underarms smell, you can try using a deodorant or deodorant with antiperspirant.* *Deodorants get rid of the sweat by covering it up and antiperspirants actually stop or dry up perspiration. They come in sticks, roll-ons, gels, sprays and creams are available at any drugstore or supermarkets. All brands are similar (ones that they say they are made for a man or for a woman are similar too, except for some perfumes that are added). If you choose to use deodorants or antiperspirant, be sure to read directions. Some work better if you use them at night, whereas others recommend that you put them on in the morning. But keep in mind that some teens do not need deodorants or antiperspirant. So why use them if you do not have to? Deodorants and antiperspirant commercials may try to convince you that you will find no date nor friends if you do not use their product, but if you take daily baths or showers and wear clean clothes, you may be fine without them.* BODY HAIR --------- *Body hair in new places is something you can count on - again, they are hormones in action, you may want to 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 in. It is all up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If you do decide t shave, you have a few different choices. You can use traditional razor with a shaving cream or gel or you can use an electric razor.* *Whether you are shaving your legs, armpits or face, go slowly. These are tricky areas of your body with lots of curves and angles, and it is easy to cut yourself if you move too fast. An adult or older sibling can be a big help when you are learning to shave. Do not be afraid to ask for tips. You might want to avoid shaving your pubic hair because when it grows back in, the skin may be irritated and itchy.* ***DENTAL HYGIENE*** *Dentist 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 one a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Toothpastes contain abrasives, detergents and foaming agents. Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in toothpaste, is what prevents cavities. So you should always be sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.* *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 sensitive teeth to avoid serious problem, such as 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 in short (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 back 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 exists in these places.* - *The main reason to 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 day of your menstruation, 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 ash the external genitalia and your underarms everyday, especially during menstruation.* - *Use either a disposable pad made of cotton, which has a nylon base, or a clean piece of cloth to absorb blood during menstruation.* - *Properly dispose the pad after each use, or wash and dry the piece of cloth used as a 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 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 vagina fluids.* - *If you see any changes in the vagina fluid - a change in color or odor, please see a health professional.* ### **Healthcare Check for the Male** **Keeping the external male genitalia clean:** - Wash the external genitalia at least daily with soap and water, as you wash the rest your body. - Boys who are not circumcised need to pull back the foreskin and gently wash underneath it with clean water. - Be aware of any abnormal fluids coming from your penis. Do not confuse with the presence of normal fluids. - If you see any abnormal fluid or wound, please visit health professional. **[Risky Behaviors of Adolescents]** **Identified Sexual Risks that were found among the Growing Filipino Adolescents** - One in three has sexual experience - they also engage in sex at younger ages: first sex for boys (17.6%) years old while first sex for girls (18.1%) years old. One in fifty had sex before age 15 while 1 in 4 had sex before age 18. 7 in 10 had first premarital sex cases are unprotected against unintended pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections (STI) including HIV/AIDS. 1.2% have paid for sex and 1.3% have received payment for sex, this is low but above the national average level; 6.7% have in engaged in casual sex; 4.1% mostly males have fuck buddy (FUBU) experience; 6.3% have males having sex with males; 2.9% of married youth (including those in live-in) have engaged in extramarital sex. - Giving birth at younger age - has also been evident in Filipino youth. Such that there is a marked increase in teenage fertility in the past decade, 7.1% aged 15-19 are already mothers. The proportion of women who begun childbearing increases with age 2.0% aged 16; 13.2% aged 19. Teenage fertility is the lowest among all regions of the country. - Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections - like HIV and AIDS are increasing in the youth as of 2013, 87.7% have heard of HIV/AIDS with poor understanding and being the highest in the country noting that 3 in 4 think that they would not get AIDS. - Trouble signs among teens - sexual promiscuity, regular use of drug and alcohol, repeated violation of the law or school regulation, running away more than once in three months, skipping school more than once in three months, aggressive outbursts/impulsiveness, dark drawing or writings, deterioration in hygiene, oppositional in behavior, refusal to work/non-compliance, chronic lateness, falling asleep in class, changes in physical appearance, and excessive daydreaming. - 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 harmful traditional practices, which affect their human reproductive rights. These may differ from place to place but primarily affects women. - Marijuana - Mairungi - Alcohol - Cigarettes (tobacco, cigars) - Cocaine - Heroine - Amphetamines - Ecstasy - Inhalants and solvents #### **Tips to avoid drugs:** - *You do not need to take drugs to be liked by other people* - *You do not need to take drugs to feel brave or courageous* - *You do not need to take drugs to cope with sorrow or disappointments* - *You have inside you the strength and inner resources to deal with any situation and any problem* - *Whatever problem you are facing, there are other people available to help you. You can talk to afriend, a teacher, a parent or a trusted person at your church.* ***Please study also the handouts in Gender and Sexuality week 2 and 3 and the gender and sexuality as a psychosocial issue 8***