Adolescents tend to face sexual and reproductive health challenges, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) just like adults. This article aims to raise awareness about symptoms, complications, and preventive measures crucial for their well-being. It is the need of the hour to pay attention to the sexual and reproductive problems in even adolescents.
Adolescence ( age 10-19 years) is an important stage of development, marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. However, during this time, the child’s sexual and reproductive health becomes a key concern. This is so because children tend to lack enough knowledge about safe practices and the consequences of unprotected sexual activity. Moreover, lack of awareness and taboos, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and long-term reproductive health complications will be commonly seen. It is the need of the hour to make sure that children are educated and told about the preventive strategies to be able to safeguard their reproductive health.
These are the common sexual and reproductive health issues in adolescents
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Adolescents are at risk of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Lack of awareness and unprotected sexual activity will put one at risk of STIs.
Unintended pregnancies: Many adolescents engage in sexual activity without proper contraceptive use and there can be unintended pregnancies. This can result in early parenthood, social stigma, disrupted education, and financial crisis. It is better to educate girls and boys without any further delay.
Menstrual health disorders: Conditions such as irregular periods, severe cramps (dysmenorrhea), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can impact reproductive health.
Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are often seen due to unplanned pregnancies, STI diagnoses, or lack of sexual education can impact one’s mental well-being.
Watch out for these warning signs: The symptoms in children will be similar to adults. Pay attention to signs like painful urination, unusual vaginal and penile discharge, itching or irritation in the genital area, pain during sexual intercourse, sores, blisters, warts near the genital area, fever, and swelling in the groin area. These symptoms should not be taken lightly and one should seek timely intervention.
The complications
If left untreated, STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and hurt a girl’s fertility in the long run. STIs are also a potent cause of pelvic or abdominal pain and can increase the chances of HIV infection. During pregnancy, STIs can result in preterm labor, stillbirth, or congenital infections in newborns. Persistent HPV infections can lead to cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men. It is better to manage STIs under the guidance of an expert and improve the quality of life.
Keep these vital tips in mind
Schools and parents must arm children with proper knowledge, dispel myths surrounding sexual health, address taboos, and provide information about contraception, and STI prevention. Safe sex practices will reduce the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies. It is essential to conduct a lecture in schools or colleges. Adolescents should undergo routine screenings for STIs and other reproductive health issues to be able to get an overview of their reproductive health. Vaccinations such as HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines help prevent infections that can cause cancer. It is essential for an adolescent to ensure they take the utmost care of their sexual and reproductive health.
Shared by: Dr Manvi Verma,
Cosmetic Gynaecologist & Female Sexologist,
Motherhood Hospital Kharghar
