1. You , as a medical worker will always be in close proximity with young people. Culturally , discussion on sex and sexuality is forbidden in our developing countries societies .Most information obtained are from poorly written books and ill informed friends .This leads to a vicious cycle of misconceptions and false beliefs on sex and sexuality . It may cause guilt feelings associated with the sexual act . Such people may not enjoy normal healthy relations with their wives because of false belief that women of good character are not supposed to enjoy sex, They may seek company of Commercial Sex Worker (CSW’s) or prostitutes for sexual outlet . This post presents an account of common misconceptions on human sexuality , which may be useful to one in imparting sex education to young people without which AIDS education is incomplete.
2. Very rapid physical and mental changes take place during the teens in both the sexes. This is the time when life long misconceptions and guilt feeling with respect to the sexual act take roots. Understanding of normal anatomical and physiological changes is relevant to dispel many misconceptions.
CHANGES AT PUBERTY
(a) Change of voice
(b) Pimples on face Beard and mustache.
(c) Development of musculature .
(d) Growth of hair on genitals and arm pits.
(e) Development of sex organs.
(f) Erection of penis.
(g) Ejaculation of semen.
CHANGES
(a) Development of body contours.
(b) Development of breasts.
(c) Pimples on face.
(d) Growth of hair on genitals arm pit
(e) On – set of Menstrual cycle (menarche)
MENTAL CHANGES AT PUBERTY
Difference
Girls : Feminine shyness, psychological disturbances during menstruation , attraction towards boys .
Similarities
(a) Both like to enjoy daydreams.
(b) Both enjoy company of boys and girls of their age groups.
3. All the above mentioned physical and mental changes are absolutely natural. They should not lead to any embarrassment of guilt feeling but unfortunately they do and even exploited by commercial firms (e.g. various creams for pimples, etc) and quacks. Masturbation is a safe sexual outlet for young people but unfortunately may guilt feeling are associated with it . Because of this young health people with strong sex drives may seek company of CSW,s . This carries risk of STD/HIV transmission.
