Saturday, November 15, 2008

Sexuality: Anatomy

Puberty:
Puberty is generally considered to be the time in which a person’s body changes from that of a child to that of an adult at which time they are then capable of reproduction. It usually begins somewhere around 9-10 years of age and ends somewhere around 14-17. This varies for each individual, and women generally start and end earlier than men. Hormones in the brain start this process, and the changes that take place are different for men and women. (Puberty)

Men:
The dominant hormone in men is testosterone, which causes many of the following changes. Men begin to produce sperm, grow pubic, facial, and body hair, and their voice will become deeper. Additionally, men may experience a change in body odor, begin to have acne, and will also develop denser bones and leaner muscle. (Puberty)

Women:
For women, their puberty changes are caused primarily by estrogen. They will also begin to see development of their breasts, pubic hair growth and will begin to menstruate. Like men they may also experience a change in body odor and begin to have acne. Women’s body shape will also change, with their hips becoming wider, and having and increased percentage of body fat. (Puberty)

Advice:
Although these changes generally take place so that men and women can reproduce, many of these hormone changes have other effects as well. There is often an increase in the desire for sex or sexual contact. It can also make teens more emotional, and moody; changes, which can have an effect in the classroom. It is important to remember that teens can be sensitive about the changes their bodies are going through, as well as being upset without fully knowing why. Teachers need to be aware that something that could be negligible one day may make a student upset the next. Especially in classrooms in middle school or early high school teachers should make extra effort to read their students. A student who may not be their regular happy self might just be experiencing a mood swing, and may be a little extra sensitive.

Resources:
www.acog.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puberty

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