HEALTH PROBLEMS DURING ADOLESCENCE AND ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

HEALTH PROBLEMS DURING ADOLESCENCE AND ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

Adolescence is the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood, marked by physical, psychological, emotional, and social maturity. The age group is broadly categorized as 10 to 19 years, as per WHO. Ayurveda recognizes this stage as "Yauvana Avastha", beginning after Balyavastha and marked by Dhatu Paripakva Avastha (maturation of tissues).

Sanskrit Reference:
सुशोभनं वपुः प्राप्तं यौवनं धातुपरिपाकजम् ।
स्वाभाविकं च तद्विद्धि बलवर्णकरं परम् ॥
– Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Sūtrasthāna 1/7

HEALTH PROBLEMS DURING ADOLESCENCE

PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

• Nutritional Deficiencies

  • Iron-deficiency anemia (common in adolescent girls)

  • Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency

  • Protein-energy malnutrition

• Menstrual Disorders in Females

  • Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea

  • Irregular menstruation or amenorrhea

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

• Obesity or Underweight

  • Due to erratic food habits, sedentary lifestyle

  • Leads to early puberty or delayed puberty

• Skin Disorders

  • Acne vulgaris (due to hormonal changes)

  • Fungal infections, eczema

• Orthopedic Issues

  • Postural deformities like scoliosis, kyphosis

  • Vitamin D-related rickets or osteomalacia

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS

• Stress and Anxiety

  • Pressure of academics, career, peer expectations

• Depression and Suicidal Tendencies

  • Due to family conflicts, low self-esteem

• Aggression or Anger Issues

  • Hormonal influence and inability to handle emotions

• Identity Crisis and Confusion

  • Struggle with self-image, body image, and self-acceptance

Sanskrit Reference:
मनसः स्थैर्यमात्मविनियोगो बुद्धेः प्रसादो बलं च मेध्या।।
– Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Uttarasthāna 1/26

BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS

• Substance Abuse

  • Tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs

• Juvenile Delinquency

  • Involvement in criminal activities

• Academic Problems

  • School dropouts, poor performance

• Peer Pressure and Risk-Taking Behaviour

  • Unsafe sexual practices, reckless driving

REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

• Precocious or Delayed Puberty

  • Abnormal hormonal levels

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

  • Due to unprotected sex or lack of awareness

• Teenage Pregnancy

  • High maternal and neonatal risk

• Lack of Reproductive Health Education

  • Myths, misinformation, and taboo around sex

ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

DEFINITION
Adolescent sexuality refers to the awareness, feelings, and behaviors related to sexual development, orientation, and reproductive health during adolescence.

Sanskrit Reference:
प्रकृत्या रागी बलवान् कामात्मा च यौवने।
तस्मात् तस्य विशेषेण धर्मे स्थाप्यो नरेश्वरः ॥
– Manusmṛti (for contextual moral teachings during adolescence)

COMPONENTS OF ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

• Puberty and Sexual Maturity

  • Onset of secondary sexual characters

  • Hormonal changes due to activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

• Sexual Orientation and Identity

  • Awareness of one’s own gender and orientation

  • May cause confusion, stigma, or bullying if not addressed sensitively

• Development of Romantic and Sexual Feelings

  • Natural curiosity and attraction

  • Needs proper guidance to channel it healthily

• Masturbation and Self-Exploration

  • Common behavior but often stigmatized

  • Should be addressed with sensitivity and medical facts

NEED FOR SEXUAL EDUCATION

• To promote healthy sexual behavior

• To prevent teenage pregnancies and STIs

• To overcome myths and misinformation

• To promote body positivity and self-confidence

• To understand the concept of consent and boundaries

MODERN PEDIATRIC PERSPECTIVE (From Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics)

• Adolescents need age-appropriate counseling and privacy

• Confidential and non-judgmental communication is crucial

• Focus should be on:

  • Delay of sexual debut

  • Use of contraceptives

  • Prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation

  • Regular screening for STIs

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SEXUALITY AND BRAHMACHARYA

• Ayurveda emphasizes Brahmacharya (celibacy or sexual discipline) during adolescence for proper growth and dhatu development

• Emphasis on Ahara (nutrition), Nidra (sleep), and Sadvritta (ethical conduct)

Sanskrit Reference:
ब्रह्मचर्यं बलं मूलं सर्वेषां बलवर्धनम्।
तस्मात् सर्वप्रयत्नेन ब्रह्मचर्यं समाचरेत् ॥
– Caraka Saṁhitā, Śārīrasthāna 8/15

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADOLESCENT HEALTH CARE

• Regular health check-ups and counseling

• Nutritional supplementation (especially iron and calcium)

• Menstrual hygiene education and products

• Confidential reproductive health services

• Promotion of physical activity and yoga

• Awareness programs on substance abuse, mental health, and sexuality