Course Code and Title: GE 109 – Gender and Society

Lesson Number: 3
Topic: The Process of Reproduction

Professor: Prof. Juanito A. Teves J.D.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
 Define fertilization, conception, and pregnancy. (C)
 Explain how pregnancy occurs and its prevention. (C)
 Identify the important health habit for the developing adolescent. (C)
 Observe or practice maintaining good hygiene. (P)

LESSON PRESENTATION
The major landmark of puberty among females is the onset of the menstrual cycle. This
monthly ovulation cycle leads to menstruation in the absence of pregnancy. The cycle of
menstrual cycle is from the first day until the day before the next periods start. Usually, it
lasts around 28 days, on average, but can be as short as 21 or as long as 40. Whatever
the length, ovulation will happen about 10-16 days before the start of the next period.

How does pregnancy occur?

For pregnancy to proceed, the sperm needs to meet up with an egg. Pregnancy
officially starts when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy
happens 2-3 weeks after sexual intercourse.
Conception is the process that begins with fertilization of an egg by the sperm and ends
with implantation. When a male and female have 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 occurs and, eventually, becomes an embryo. Once the
embryo attaches to the uterus' inner lining, a fetus develops within five to seven days
from a ball of cells floating in the uterus, which officially begins pregnancy.
A healthy pregnancy lasts 37-42 weeks (nine months). This is measured from the first
day of the last period. Pregnancy is discussed in terms of trimesters (three-month
periods) since each trimester is very different from the rest. After eight weeks, the
embryo is officially referred to as a fetus.(How Does Pregnancy Happen? | Pregnancy

Symptoms & Signs. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/how-

pregnancy-happens)

What can be done to prevent teenage pregnancy?

Teen pregnancy has a tremendous
impact on the educational, social, and
economic lives of young people. Early
parenting reduces the likelihood that a
young woman will complete high school
and pursue the necessary post-secondary
education to compete in today's economy.
Although there is a decline in teenage
pregnancy rates, it has been steady over the past two decades. Teens are still engaging
in sexual activity, and teen girls are still getting pregnant.
 Equipping the youth with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to protect
themselves against unwanted pregnancy and provide them access to reproductive
healthcare is needed.

What are the health effects of early pregnancy in the growing adolescent?
There are serious health risks
associated with early pregnancy because
a young woman’s body is not mature
enough to handle bearing a child. When
a woman is under 20, the pelvic area is
still growing and may not be large
enough to pass through the birth canal
easily. This can result in what is called an
"obstructed labor." Obstructed labor is
dangerous to both mother and child and
requires the help of trained medical
professionals. Under the best circumstances, the young woman will have an operation
called a "cesarean section" in which a cut is made in the abdomen. The baby is
removed from the uterus. A significant contributor to high maternal mortality rates is
adolescent pregnancy.
Suppose a young woman is not physically mature, physically mature. In that case, the
uterus may tear during the birth process, and she may die because of blood loss. If she
is lucky and survives the delivery, she might face fistula due to prolonged labor. A
baby's head can also tear the vagina, causing a hole between the vagina and bladder or
between the vagina and the rectum, resulting in what is known as a fistula. Unless she
has an operation to fix her problem, she will not be able to hold her urine or feces for the
rest of her life, which will make her a social outcast.
Also, a younger woman who become pregnant face a higher risk than an older woman
in developing several other complications. These complications can be any or a
combination of the following manifestations:
 Excessive vomiting;
  Severe anemia;
 Hypertension;
 Convulsions;
 Difficulty in breastfeeding (if the girl is too young to produce milk)
 Premature and low birth weight babies;
 Infection;
 Prolonged labor; and
 High maternal mortality 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 childbearing. The significant difference between girls in their
early teens and older women is that aged 12-16 years are still growing. The pelvis, or
the bony birth canal, of a girl, can 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 a safe delivery and obstructed labor.(MODULE 3 |
Manualzz. https://manualzz.com/doc/6976120/module-3)

Therefore, it is not surprising to find that obstructed labor, due to the

disproportion between the size of the infant's head and the maternal pelvis, is most
common among very young mothers. The consequences of such obstructed labor may
be death due to numerous complications or lifetime crippling conditions of vesicovaginal
fistula

SEXUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Puberty causes all kinds of
changes in the adolescent's body.
Bodily changes are a normal part of
development into an adult. There are
instances when these changes can be
a source of anxiety for the growing
teen. Does anyone not worry about
smelly breath and underarms?
Oily Hair
The hormones that create acne are the same ones that make you feel like you
are suddenly styling your hair with a comb dipped in motor oil. Each strand of hair has
its own sebaceous (oil) gland, which keeps the hair shiny and waterproof. However,
during puberty, when the sebaceous glands produce extra oil, it can make your hair look
too shiny, oily, and greasy.
Washing your hair every day or every other day can help control oily hair.
Dozens of shampoos are available in drugstores and supermarkets for you to choose
from. Most brands are pretty similar, although you might want to try one specially
formulated for oily hair. Use warm water and a small amount of shampoo to work up a
lather.
Do not scrub or rub too hard – this does not get rid of oil any better and can
irritate your scalp or damage your hair. After you have rinsed, you can follow up with a
conditioner if you like; again, one for oily hair might work best. When you are styling
your hair, pay close attention to the products you use. Some styling gels or lotions can
add extra grease to your hair, defeating the purpose of washing it in the first place. Look
for formulas that say "greaseless or oil-free."

Sweat and Body Odor

Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat glands that you have always had in your
body. However, thanks to puberty, these glands become more active than before.
However, they also begin to secrete different chemicals into the sweat with a stronger
smelling odor. You might notice this odor under your arms in your armpits. Your feet
and genitals might also have new smells.
The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day using mild soap and warm
water. This will help wash away any bacteria that contribute to the smells. Wearing
clean clothes, socks, and underwear each day can also help you to feel clean. If your
sweat a lot, you might find that shirts, T-shirts, socks, and underwear made from cotton
or other natural materials will help absorb sweat more effectively. If you are concerned
about the way your underarms smell, you can try using a deodorant or deodorant with
antiperspirant.

Body Hair
Body hair in new places is something you can count on-again; they are
hormones in action. You may want to start shaving some places where body hair grows,
but whether you do is up to you. Some guys who grow facial hair like to let it develop
into a mustache and beard. Some girls may decide to leave the hair on their legs and
under their arms as is. It is all up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If you do
decide to shave, whether you are a guy or girl, you have a few different choices.
Whether you are shaving your legs, armpits, or face, go slowly. These are tricky areas
of your body with lots of curves and angels, and it is easy to cut yourself if you move too
fast. An adult or older sibling can be a big help when you are learning to shave. Do not
be afraid to ask for tips. You might want to avoid shaving your pubic hair because when
it grows back in, the skin may be irritated and itchy.

Dental Hygiene
Dentists say that the essential part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and
flossing, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum
disease. To prevent the occurrence of cavities, you need to remove plaque, the
transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is brushing
your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing your teeth and flossing
are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you have sensitive teeth, try a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. However,
you will still need to talk to your dentist about your sensitivity. It may indicate a more
severe problem, such as a cavity or nerve inflammation (irritation).

Healthcare Check for the Female

The most appropriate time for a self-breast exam is about a week after the last
day of your menstrual period when your breast is not tender and swollen. This should
be done to both breasts at the same time each month when you no longer have your
menstrual period.

Keeping the external female genitalia very clean:

 You should use soap and water to wash the external genitalia and your underarms
every day, especially during menstruation.
 Use either a disposable pad made of cotton, a nylon base, or a clean piece of
cotton cloth to absorb blood during menstruation.
 Properly dispose of the pad after each use, or wash and dry the piece of cloth used
as a menstrual pad before reuse.
 Wash only the external genitalia. Do not try to clean the inside part of the vagina.
 While washing, wash starting from the vagina towards the anus. Do not wash from
the anus towards the vagina. This will allow germs to enter the internal genitalia
quickly and cause infection.
 Be aware of abnormal fluids from your vagina. Do not confuse this with healthy
vaginal fluids.
 If you see any changes in the vaginal fluid- a change in color or odor, please visit a
health professional.

Healthcare Check for the Male

Keeping the external male genitalia clean
 Wash the external genitalia at least daily with soap and water as you wash the rest of
the body.
 Boys who are not yet circumcised need to pull back the foreskin and gently wash
underneath it with clean water.
 Be aware of any abnormal fluids coming from your penis. Do not confuse this with the
presence of healthy fluids.
 If you see any abnormal fluid or wound, please visit a health professional.

SUMMARY
 Reproduction involves the ovum and sperm to fuse. Their union can lead to the
creation of a new life through pregnancy. This has explored the process of pregnancy
and the changes that happen during pregnancy. We have discussed the various ways
of preventing pregnancy so that the growing adolescent would be empowered to choose
to avert from early pregnancy that can lead to various life-threatening complications.
The important health habit for the developing adolescent will address the various
changes in the growing adolescent. Practical tips on observing excellent and healthy
hygiene daily have been highlighted as well as indications when to seek help, especially
from a healthcare professional.

SUPPLEMENTARY SOURCES
To gain and deepen more information about the topics being discussed, kindly access
the link provided
Human Physiology - Fertilization and Implantation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vUeM4gydAU

Sexual Reproduction Humans | Genetics | Biology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ekRRuSa_UQ

Sexual #reproduction in human beings |puberty | 10th biology|

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUqFaaA7MlM

Reference:
Peralta, Eric Paul D. (2019). Gender and Society: A Human Ecological Approach.
Manila, Philippines: Rex Bookstore, Inc.