Sociology

102

BIOMEDICAL
PERSPECTIVE
IN GENDER & SOCIETY
Module 2
Humans experience various physical and A. The female external genitalia consist of
emotional changes from childhood to the following:
adulthood. These changes are gradual and • Vulva- all the external genital structures
progress at different ages and speed in taken together;
different people. These stages are based • Mons veneris – pads of fatty tissue
on human growth and development from between pubic bone and skin;
childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and • Labia majora – outer lips surrounding all
old age. other structures;
• Prepuce – clitoral hood (foreskin above
This chapter focuses on the adolescent and covering clitoris);
stage of human development, which is • Clitoris – glans (head)bb shaft, and crura
characterized by dynamic changes in (root), the clitoris is particularly sensitive
physical and behavioral traits. Despite to stimulation;
differences in physical appearance, the • Labia minora – inner lips surrounding the
sexual organs of men arise from the sane vestibule where sweat and oil glands,
structures and fulfill similar functions. extensive blood vessels, and nerve
Each person has a pair of gonads: and endings are located;
fulfill similar functions. Each person has a • Vestibule – area surrounding the uretral
pair of gonads: ovaries are female gonads; opening and vagina, which is highly
testes are the male gonads. The gonads sensitive with extensive blood vessels and
produce germ cells and sex hormones. The nerve endings;
female germ cells are ova (egg) and the • Perineum – area of skin separating the
male germ cells are sperm. Ova and sperm genitalia from the anus; distance is less in
are the basic units of reproduction; their females than males.
union can lead to the creation of new life.
B. The female internal reproductive
THE BIOLOGICAL FEMALE structures consist of the following as
Anatomy the study of body structure in described and shown below:
relation to body parts. 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.
• Vagina – collapsible canal extending
from vaginal opening back and upward As many as I million immature ova are
into body to cervix and uterus. During present at birth, with about 400, 000
arousal, it is engorged with blood. This surviving to puberty. Of these, only about
aids its expansion and triggers the release 400-450 are typically brought to maturity
of lubricants from vaginal mucosa; and released into the fallopian tubes.
• Cervix – small end of uterus to which
vagina leads. It is the opening in cervix Contemplate: Name five physical changes
leading to interior of uterus; that take place in female during puberty:
• Uterus – womb, organ within pelvic zone 1. ___________________________________________
where fetus carried;
• Fallopian tubes – carry egg cells from 2. ___________________________________________
ovaries to uterus, this is where fertilization
occurs; and 3. ___________________________________________
• Ovaries - produce estrogen and
progesterone. Estrogen influences female 4. ___________________________________________
sex characteristics and initiates menstrual
cycle. Progesterone aids in regulation of 5. ___________________________________________
menstrual cycle and promotes mature
development of uterine lining to allow for
zygote implantation. Also produce ova,
egg cells, and bring them to maturity.
Puberty Menstrual phase. This occurs if the ovum
is not fertilized and does not implant itself
The menstrual cycle marks the beginning into the uterine lining. The continued high
of puberty in females. The first episode levels of estrogen and progesterone
occurs between 11 to 15 years of age causes the pituitary to stop releasing
referred to as menarche. Menstruation follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and
pertains to the sloughing off the uterine luteinizing hormone (LH). Estrogen and
lining if conception has not occurred. It progesterone levels decrease causing the
may last within two to six days which endometrium to be sloughed off, and
follows a ranging from 24 to 42 days. bleeding ensues. It is during this time that
Regardless of the length of the cycle, ovarian hormones are at their lowest
menstruation begins about 14 days after levels.
ovulation (plus or minus one to two days).
The overall cycle is governed by the Proliferative phase. It occurs when the
hypothalamus as it monitors hormone hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary
levels in the bloodstream. gland to release FSH that stimulates the
ovaries to produce estrogen and causes
It involves changes in the endometrium in ova to mature in the ovarian follicles.
response to the fluctuating blood levels of Endometrium is repaired, thickens, and
ovarian hormones. There are three phases becomes well-vascularized in response to
as described and shown in the figure increasing levels of estrogens.
below.
Secretory phase. It occurs when the 2. Enlargement of breasts – at puberty,
pituitary gland releases LH that cause both the glandular and fatty tissues of the
ovary to release mature ovum and causes breasts develop considerably. Differences
the remaining portion of the follicle to in breast size between women are
develop into the corpus luteum. The primarily due to differences in the amount
corpus luteum then, produces of fatty tissue. It is also not uncommon for
progesterone. Endometrial glands begin to one of a woman’s breasts is to be slightly
secrete nutrients, and lining becomes larger than the other. The glandular tissue
more vascular in response to increasing produces milk toward the end of
level of progesterone. pregnancy and after childbirth in response
to hormone levels.
Problems associated with menstruation
include premenstrual syndrome (PMS) More characteristics:
(80-95% of women experience), Generally shorter than men;
dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation Greater proportion of body weight
caused by over production of composed of fat than men;
prostaglandins, causing the uterine Two X chromosomes reduces
muscles to contract), and amenorrhea expression of many sex-linked
(disruption or absence of menstruation). conditions; and
All of these involve the fluctuation of Lower mortality rate at every age and
hormone levels associated with longer projected lifespan than men.
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, anxiety, depression, and
difficulty of becoming sexually 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.
THE BIOLOGICAL MALE 2. Enlargement of breasts – at puberty,
both the glandular and fatty tissues of the
The male sexual anatomy is designed for breasts develop considerably. Differences
the production and delivery of sperm for in breast size between women are
fertilization of the female’s ovum. Puberty primarily due to differences in the amount
signals the final development of primary of fatty tissue. It is also not uncommon for
and accessory organs that support one of a woman’s breasts is to be slightly
reproduction. larger than the other. The glandular tissue
produces milk toward the end of
A. The male external genitalia consist of pregnancy and after childbirth in response
the following structures: to hormone levels.
• Prepuce – foreskin covering head of
penis, removed in male circumcision; More female characteristics:
• Penis – glans (head) shaft, and root. The Generally shorter than men;
glans is particularly sensitive to Greater proportion of body weight
simulation. Running the length of the composed of fat than men;
penis is the urethra surrounded by the Two X chromosomes reduces
spongy body and two cylindrical expression of many sex-linked
chambers known as the cavernous bodies. conditions; and
During arousal, these become engorged Lower mortality rate at every age and
with blood, resulting in erection; longer projected lifespan than men.
• Corona – rim of glans where it arises
from shaft;
• Frenulum – thin strip of skin connecting
glans and shaft on underside of penis;
• Scrotum - sac that encloses the two
compartments housing the testes;
• Urethral opening – found on head of
penis this is the end of tube connected to
bladder and used for urination. It is also
tube to which internal structures deliver
semen by which male ejaculates; and
• Perineum – area of skin separating the
genitalia from the anus, distance is greater
in males than females.
Spot the difference: • Ejaculatory ducts – connect vas deferens
What is the difference between an to urethra;
uncircumcised and a circumcised penis? Is • Prostate – gland producing alkaline
it necessary to undergo circumcision in secretions that account for about 30% of
males? Why or why not? semen volume. Alkaline nature may help
counteract otherwise, acidic environment
of urethra and vagina making them more
B. The male internal reproductive organs: hospitable for sperm. Fluid passes through
• Testes – produce androgen, particularly a series of ducts along wall of urethra; and
large quantities of testosterone, which • Urethra – tube within penis that carries
greatly influence male development and sperm and semen the rest of the way to
drive sexual motivation; also produce the opening of the penis.
sperm cells in virtually unlimited ;
• Vas deferens – travels from testicle More Male Characteristics:
toward urethra carrying sperm; Generally taller and greater proportion
• Seminal vesicles – two glands that of body weight composed of water,
produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose
sugar, compromising some 70% of semen
volume. Alkaline nature may stimulate
sperm to and connect with vas deferens
forming ejaculatory ducts;
 Proportionately lager heart and lungs, Male secondary sexual characteristics that
presumably to handle greater blood emerge after puberty:
fluid volume; No monthly cycle;
Exposure to greater levels of Elongation of vocal cords (lower voice);
testosterone resulting in heavier body Broader shoulders; and
and facial hair, but also increased Deeper chest cavity.
frequency and degree of baldness; and
Single X chromosome resulting in sex- Humans experience various physical
linked conditions such as changes from childhood to adulthood. The
colorblindness and hemophilia. adolescent stage is characterized by
dynamic changes in physical and
Male Hormones behavioral traits. Despite differences in
The testosterone is the major male physical appearance, the sexual organs of
hormone produced mainly by the testes, men and women arise from the same
but there are other glands called the structures and fulfill similar functions.
adrenal glands that also produce some
testosterone. In case a man 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.

Contemplate: Name five physical changes

that take place in male during puberty:
1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________
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 boy lags 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 the menstruation.

How does one ovulate?

The major landmark of puberty among female is 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 shorth as 21 or as along as
40. Whatever the length, ovulation will happen about 10-16 days before the start of the
next period.
How does pregnancy occur? A normal pregnancy last 37-42 weeks (nine
months). This is measured from the first
For pregnancy to proceed, the sperm day of the last period. Pregnancy is
needs to meet up with the egg. Pregnancy discussed in terms of trimesters (three-
officially starts when a fertilized egg months periods), since each trimester is
implants in the lining of the uterus. very different from the rest. After eight
Pregnancy happens 2-3 weeks after sexual weeks, the embryo is officially referred to
intercourse. This is redundant so it was it as a fetus.
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 female’s 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.
What can be done to prevent teenage Equipping the youth with the knowledge,
pregnancy? skills, and attitudes necessary to protect
themselves against unwanted pregnancy
Teen pregnancy has a tremendous impact and provide them access to reproductive
on the educational, social, and economic healthcare are needed.
lives of young people. Early parenting
reduces the likelihood that a young Contraceptions:
woman will complete high school and 1. Male Condom - rubber shealth that fits
pursue the necessary post-secondary over the penis, 80-85 percent effectivity,
education needed to compete in today’s low cost, easily accessible, and reduces
economy. Although there is a decline in risk of STDs/STIs .
teenage pregnancy rates it has been 2. Implantable Hormone Device -
steady over the past two decades. Teens continuous release of hormones for birth
are still engaging in sexual activity and control for five years, an implant of the
teen girls are still getting pregnant. capsule in the upper arm done by the
doctor.
3. Calendar Method - woman predicts the
day of ovulation by keeping track of “safe”
days for sex with the aid of calendar,
theoretically 85% effective but only 60%
in reality.
4. Sterilization - vasectomy for males and
ligation for females, the passageway for
the sperm and the egg is surgically tied,
theoretically 100% effective and the
doctor perform the operation.
5. Birth control pill - contains synthetic
oestrogen, theoretically 95% effective,
must be taken daily and religiously by the
woman.
6. Birth control injection - given in the
first days of the menstruation and then
every 2-3 months.
7. Withdrawal - removal of the penis from A major contributor to high maternal
the vagina before ejaculation, only 70% morality rates is adolescent pregnancy. If
effective for there might be pre- a young woman is not physically mature,
ejaculation. the uterus may tear during birth process,
8. Intrauterine Device (IUD) - inserted and she may die because of the blood loss.
inside the uterus by a doctor, 95-98% If she is lucky and survives the delivery,
effective, long-lasting and relatively she might face fistula due to prolonged
inexpensive yet should be examine every labor. A baby’s head can also tear the
few months. vagina causing a hole between the vagina
and bladder or between the vagina and
the rectum, resulting in what is known as a
What are the health effects of early fistula. Unless she has an operation to fix
pregnancy in the growing adolescent? her problem, for the rest of her life, she
There are serious health risks associated will not be able to hold her urine of feces
with early pregnancy because a young and this will make her a social outcast.
woman’s body is not mature enough to
handle bearing a child. When woman is In addition, younger women who become
under 20, the pelvic area (the bone pregnant face a higher risk than older
surrounding the birth canal) is still growing women in developing number of other
and may not be large enough to allow the complications. These complications can
baby to easily pass through the birth be any or a combination of the following
canal. This can result in what is called an manifestations:
“obstructed labor”. • Excessive vomiting;
• Severe anemia;
Obstructed labor is dangerous to both • Hypertensions;
mother and child requires the help of • Convulsions;
trained medical professionals. Under the • Difficulty in breast feeding (if the girls is
best circumstances, the young woman will too young to produce milk);
have an operation called a “caesarean • Premature and low birth weight babies;
section” ” in which a cut is made in the • Infection;
abdomen and the baby is removed • Prolonged labor; and
directly from the uterus. • High maternal morality 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 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.

ASSESSMENT:
What frequently do you hear about sex?
What are your thoughts about it?
Puberty causes all kinds of changes in the Sweat and Body Odor
adolescent’s body. The bodily changes are
normal part of developing into an adult. Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat
There are instances when these changes glands that you have always had in your
can be a source of anxiety to the growing body. But thanks to puberty, these glands
teen. Does anyone not worry about smelly not only become more active than before,
breath and underarms? This further puts they also begin to secrete different
personal hygiene and healthy habits being chemicals into the sweat that has a
important life skills for the teen. stronger smelling odor. You might notice
this odor under your arms in your armpits.
Oily Hair Your feet and genitals might also have new
The hormones that create acne are the smells.
same ones that can make you feel like
you’re suddenly styling your hair with a The best way to keep clean is to bathe or
comb dipped in motor oil. Each strand of shower every day using a mild soap and
hair has its own sebaceous (oil) gland warm water. This will help wash away any
which keeps the hair shiny and bacteria that contribute to the smells.
waterproof. But during puberty, when the Wearing clean clothes, socks, and
sebaceous glands produce extra oil, it can underwear each day can also help you feel
make your hair look too shiny, oily, and clean. If you sweat a lot, you might find
greasy. Washing your hair every day or that shirts, T-shirts, socks and underwear
every other day can help control oily hair. made from cotton or other natural
Dozens of shampoos are available in materials will help absorb sweat more
drugstores and supermarkets for you to effectively. If you are concerned about the
choose from. Most brands are pretty way your underarms smell, you can try
similar, although, you might want to try using a deodorant or deodorant with
one that is specially formulated for oily antiperspirant.
hair. Use warm water and small amount of
shampoo to work up a lather. Deodorants get rid of the odor of sweat by
covering it up, and antiperspirants
Do not scrub or rub too hard—this does actually stop or dry up perspiration. They
not get rid of oil any better and can irritate come in sticks, roll-ons, gels, spray, and
your scalp or damage your hair. creams are available at any drugstore or
supermarket.
All brands are similar (and ones that they You can use a traditional razor with a
are made de for a man or for a woman are shaving cream or gel or you can use an
similar, too, except for some perfumes electric razor. If you use regular razor,
that are added). If you choose to use make sure the blade is new and sharp to
deodorant or antiperspirant, be sure to prevent cuts and nicks. Shaving cream and
read the directions. Some work better if gel are often a better bet than soap
you use them at night, whereas others because they make it easier to pull the
recommended that you put them on in the razor against your skin. Some of the newer
morning. But keep in mind that some razors contain shaving gel right in the
teens do not need deodorants or blade area, making even beginners feel
antiperspirants. So why use them if you do comfortable shaving.
not have to? Deodorant and
antiperspirant commercials may try to Whether you’re shaving your legs, armpits,
convince you that you will have no friends or face, go slowly. These are tricky areas of
nor dates if you do not use their product, your body with lots of curves and angles,
but if you do not think you smell and you and it is easy to cut yourself if you move
take daily baths or showers and wear too fast. An adult or older sibling can be a
clean clothes, you may be fine without big help when you are learning to shave.
them. Do not be afraid to ask for tips. You might
want to avoid shaving your public hair
Body Hair because when it grows back in, the skin
Body hair in new places is something you may be irritated and itchy.
can count on—again, they are hormones in
action. You may want to start shaving Dental Hygiene
some places where body hair grows, but Dentist say the most important part of
whether you do is up to you. Some guys tooth care happens at home. Brushing and
who grow facial hair like to it develop into flossing properly, along with regular dental
a mustache and beard. Some girls may checkups, can help prevent tooth decay
decide to leave the hair on their legs and and gum disease. To prevent cavities, you
under their arms as is. It is all up to you need to remove plaque, the transparent
and what you feel comfortable with. If you layer of bacteria that coast the teeth.
decide to shave, whether you are a guy or
girl, you have a few different choices.
The best way to do this is by brushing your • Use the same method to brush all
teeth twice a day and flossing at least outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.
once a day. Brushing and flossing are the • To clean the chewing surfaces of your
most important things that you can do to teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping
keep your teeth and gums healthy. the bristles into the tips and crevices.
Toothpastes contain abrasives, • To clean the inside surfaces of your top
detergents, and foaming agents. Fluoride, and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the
the most common active ingredient in brush almost vertical. With back and forth
toothpaste, is what prevents cavities. So, motions, bring the front part of the brush
you should always be sure your over the teeth and gums.
toothpaste contains fluoride. • Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently
brush your tongue and the roof of your
If you have teeth that are sensitive to mouth to remove the decay-causing
heat, cold and pressure, you may want to bacteria that exist in these places.
try a special toothpaste for sensitive • The main reason for going to the dentist
teeth. However, you will still need to talk regularly—every six months—is prevention.
to your dentist about your sensitivity The goal is to prevent tooth decay, gum
because it may indicate a more serious disease, and other disorders that put the
problem, such as cavity or nerve health of your teeth and mouth at risk.
inflammation (irritation).

Tips on Proper Brushing:

Dentists 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 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, lose teeth.
The best time for a self-breast exam is Healthcare Check for the Male:
about a week after the last day of your Keeping the external male genitalia clean:
menstrual period, when your breasts are • Wash the external genitalia at least daily
not tender and swollen. This should be with soap and water, as you wash the rest
done at the same time each month when of the body.
you no longer have your menstrual period. • Boys who are not circumcised need to
pull back the foreskin and gently wash
underneath it with clean water.
Keeping the external female genitalia • Beware of any abnormal fluids coming
clean: from your penis. Do not confuse this with
• Use soap and water to wash the external the presence of normal fluids.
genitalia and your underarms every day, • If you see any abnormal fluid or wound,
especially during menstruation. please visit a health professional.
• 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. In this chapter, we have identified the
• Properly dispose of the pad after each important health habits for the developing
use, or wash and dry the piece of cloth adolescent to address the various changes
used as a menstrual pad before reuse. that take place in the growing adolescent.
• Wash only the external genitalia. Do not Practical tips on observing good and
try to clean the inside part of the vagina. healthy hygiene daily have been
• While washing, wash starting from the highlighted as well as indications when to
vagina towards the anus. Do not wash seek help, especially from a healthcare
from the anus towards the vagina. This will professional.
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 vaginal
fluid-a change in color or odor, please visit
a health professional.
Definition of terms: Trouble Signs among TEENS:

Risk - the probability that a hazard in the Sexual promiscuity;

environment can negatively affect the Regular use of drugs and alcohol;
individual. Repeated violation of the law or school
Risk-taking - a behavior of doing regulation;
something regardless of potential loss. Running away more than once in three
months;
Risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent Skipping school more than once in
development. It is defined as participation three months;
in potentially health compromising Aggressive outburst/impulsiveness
activities with little understanding of, or in Dark drawings or writings;
spite of an understanding of, the possible Deterioration in hygiene;
negative consequences. Oppositional behavior;
Refusal to work/non-compliance;
Adolescents experiment with new Chronic lateness;
behaviors as they explore their emerging Falling asleep in class;
identity and independence. During this Changes in physical appearance; and
period, adolescents may begin to explore Excessive daydreaming.
alternative health behaviors including
smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, sexual
intimacy, and violence.

The Department of Health, in its

Adolescent and Youth Health Policy
(2000), has identified the following health
risks: substance use, premarital sex, early
childbearing, abortion, HIV/AIDS, violence,
accidents, malnutrition, and mental
health.
Identified Sexual Risks that were found among the growing Filipino adolescents are as
follows:

*adapted from DOH Adolescent Job Aid Manual 2009.

.
HARMFUL PRACTICES: 2. Mairungi (also known as Khat, Qat, and
Common drugs abused by young people Mirraa)
and their effects: A stimulant leaf that is chewed in much of
East Africa. Chewing Mairungi can help
1. Marijuana (also known as Cannabis, someone feel more awake, confident, and
Grass, Joint, Splif, Hashish, Pot, Weed). energetic and can reduce hunger.
People usually smoke the leaves but the
leaves and the stem can be made into tea, Effects:
or even cookies. The effects vary. Some Sleeplessness
people become relaxed and happy while Anxiety
others feel panic or fear. Aggressive behavior
Hallucinations
Effects: Unable to get an erection for men
Marijuana causes increase in heart rate users
and dilation of certain blood vessels in
the eyes, which creates the 3. Alcohol. This is the most common drug
characteristics of blood-shot eyes. and is used worldwide. At first, alcohol
Chronic bronchial irritation causes relaxation and people feel less self-
Impairment of long-term memory conscious. However, more alcohol, people
Gum disease get drunk; reaction time slows down and
Increased risk of cancers of the mouth, thinking straight becomes difficult.
jaw, tongue and lungs;
Impairment of the immune system Effects:
Decreased testosterone levels Slurred speech
Decreased sperm counts Aggressive behavior that leads to
Increased sperm abnormalities fights, rape or other kinds of violence
Impaired fetal growth and Vomiting
development among pregnant women Unconsciousness
users Dying
Unsafe sex
Impaired ability to make healthy and
safe decisions.
4. Cigarettes (tobacco, cigars). Reasons Make you feel over confident
why people start smoking: Make you more alert with extra energy
Convulsions
Peer influence Seizures
Seductive advertisements Strokes
Influence by older role models like Cerebral hemorrhage
siblings or celebrities Heart failure
Destroys nose tissues
Effects: Reportorial problems
Death Weight loss
Addiction
Lung cancer 6. Heroin (also known as Hammer, Horse,
Emphysema H, Junk, Nod, Smack, Skag, White, Beige,
Bronchial disorder White lady, White stuff, Joy powder boy,
Cardiovascular diseases Hairy, Harry, Joy powder). This is a drug
Respiratory illness in children obtained from morphine and comes from
the opium poppy plant. It slows down the
5. Cocaine (also known as Crack, Coke, C, user’s body and mind. A very strong
Charlie, Nose candy, Toot, Bazooka, Big C, painkiller and the most dangerous if mixed
Cake, Lady, Stardust, Coco, Flake, Mister other drugs. It can be injected, snorted,
coffee). It is often called the “champagne smoked or inhaled. Inhaling the Heroin is
of drugs” because of its high cost. It makes often called “chasing the dragon.”
one feel like his/her body is going fast,
His/her heart races and the “highs” and Effects:
“lows” are sudden. Crack is a much Extremely powerful rush and a high
stronger form of cocaine. It comes in a that usually last between four to six
white powdered form and looks like hard hours.
white rocks. It can be smoked or injected. Feeling of well-being
Relief from pain
Effects: Fast physical and psychological
High body temperature dependence
Fast heart beat Nausea and vomiting
Increased breathing rate
 Sleepiness 8. Ecstasy (also known as Adam, Essence,
Loss of balance MDM, MDMA, XTC, Eve, MDE, MDEA).
Loss of concentration Ecstasy is a stimulant, in a form of tablet.
Loss of appetite It speeds up the users system by
Overdose results to death increasing his/her physical and emotional
Increased possibility of contracting energy. It is a synthetic drug (or man-
AIDS and HIV made). These pills can come in many
Unsafe sex different colors. Some ecstasy tablets
have pictures on them, such as doves,
7. Amphetamines (also known as Speed, rabbits, or champagne bottles. It is usually
Ice, Browns, Footballs, Hearts, Oranges, swallowed.
Wake ups, Black beauties, Crystal meth,
Crack meth, Cat, Jeff amp, Dexies, Effects:
Rippers, Bennies, Browns, Greenies, Pep Feeling happy, warm, loving and more
pills). Amphetamines are stimulants that energetic
affect a person’s system by speeding up Feel emotionally close to others
the activity of the brain and giving energy. Might say or do things that he/she
It can be swallowed, snorted, injected or usually would not
smoked. It’s a synthetic drug or man- Nausea and vomiting
made). Rise in blood pressure and heart rate
Possible death due to overheating of
Effects: the body
Increase heart rate Dehydration or loss of water in the
Faster breathing body
Increase blood pressure Feelings of depression and tiredness
Increased body temperature are common after stopping the drug
Increased sweating Brain and liver damage
More confident and alert
Extra energy
Reduce appetite
Sleeping difficulty
Talkativeness
Anxiousness
Irritable
Panic attacks
Strong psychological dependence
9. Inhalants and solvents. These are Tips to avoid Illegal-Drug use:
chemicals that can be inhaled, such as
glue, gasoline, aerosol sprays, lighter fluid, You do not need to take drugs to be
etc. These are not drugs as such and are in liked by other people.
fact, legally available on shops. However, You do not need to take drugs to feel
they are abused widely, particularly brave or courageous.
among the street youth. This used by You do not need drugs to cope with
soaking a rag in inhalant, placing the rag in sorrow or disappointments.
bag or sack and then placing the bag over You have, inside you, the strength and
the face, and inhaling the vapors. inner resources to deal with any
situation and any problem.
Effects:
Gives the user a “high” feeling for a
very brief period of time
Feeling numb
Dizzy
Confused
Drowsy
Headaches
Nausea
Fainting
Accelerated heartbeat
Disorientation
Hallucinations
Damages lungs, kidney and liver
Suffocation, convulsions and comas