Your future is in your hand How Pregnancy Occurs Starting from puberty, an egg is released from one of the ovaries about once every month in females (ovulation) During sexual intercourse, a man ejaculates semen which contains about 2-3 hundred million sperms into a woman's vagina. These sperms travel to the womb and into the fallopian tubes a. If sexual intercourse takes place around the time of ovulation, one of the sperms unite with the egg in the fallopian tube b. The 'fertilized' egg implants itself in the lining of the womb and develops into a fetus c. The fetus continues to grow in the womb. At about 37-40 weeks, the womb begins to contract rhythmically and with dilatation of the cervix, the baby is born If the egg does not unite with any sperm, it disintegrates in 1-2 days. The thickened lining of the womb then sheds off and bleeding occurs Sexuality and Youth During adolescence, many physical and psychological changes take place. This is the period when teenagers become interested in the opposite sex and fall in love easily. However, teenagers are not mature enough to cope with the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood Before teenagers enter into any sexual encounters, they should be clear of the consequences, which include (1) Unwanted pregnancy resulting in the birth of an unwanted child. This may * affect academic achievement and work capability * lead to social rejection, isolation and loneliness * end up in single-parent family due to breaking up of relationships * have psycho-social impact on the child (2) Termination of unwanted pregnancy by abortion. This may * cause deep emotional problems, unhappiness and regrets * harm physical and psychological health * have complications e.g. pelvic infection, perforation of uterus, infertility (3) Contracting diseases such as * sexually transmitted diseases e.g. gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis which may cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs leading to infertility or even affect the next generation * AIDS which destroys the body's defence system resulting in death * hepatitis B which may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer Young people should take full advantage of their teenage years by learning and developing themselves. Avoid close contact with the opposite sex and do not be afraid to say "no" to any sexual demands Don't take chances. Any unsafe sex exposes you to the possibility of getting AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. So, make sure you are ready to accept the responsibilities and take necessary precautions before having sexual intercourse Contraceptive methods are used for family planning not for encouraging premarital sex or promiscuity All contraceptive methods do not give 100% protection. You should seek advice from health professionals on the different methods, their side effects and usage. Remember, you may still contract diseases e.g. sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, hepatitis B even if you do not conceive If you suspect that you have become infected or pregnant, seek advice immediately from your parents, social workers or health professionals Some Methods of Contraception Contraceptive Method How it works? Person to use How to use it? Effective-ness Points to note oral contraceptive contains hormones which prevent the release of eggs from the ovary Female take 1 pill a day continuously according to instructions very effective the pills should be obtained from a doctor or clinic, and should be taken under regular supervision and advice when first started, it takes two weeks for the pills to be effective male condom a thin sheath of rubber worn over the penis during sexual intercourse. It acts as a barrier by collecting the sperms so that they cannot enter the vagina and fertilise the egg Male unroll over the erect penis before penetration and withdraw immediately after ejaculation while erection is still present. The rim of the condom must be held during withdrawal to prevent it from slipping off quite effective condoms must not be reused. Use a new sheath for each sexual intercourse spermicide (vaginal foam, jelly, cream, pessary, tablet or aerosol) contains chemical which immobilises and kills sperms Female insert the spermicide deep into the vagina immediately before sexual intercourse not very effective more effective if used together with a condom or diaphragm natural family planning the partners avoid sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation so that the egg will not be able to unite with any sperm Female estimate the time of ovulation based on timing of menstrual cycle and recording of body temperature un-reliable the effectiveness of the method depends on the regularity of the menstrual cycle and the co-operation between the partners emotions and diseases can affect the time of ovulation   Helpful Hints for a Bright Future Join group activities rather than be alone with a member of the opposite sex Avoid staying alone with a member of the opposite sex in a room or in a quiet place Stay away from alcohol Do not abuse drugs Say "no" to sexual demands Don't take chances. Once is enough to wreck your future. Think carefully before you act Discuss with your family and listen to their advice Consider the serious consequences of sexual intercourse and be ready to accept responsibilities if you really go ahead If you decide to go ahead, do take contraceptive precautions