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Adolescent Sexuality

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Sexual Maturation - Growing Up Guide

  • Tanner Staging (SMR): Classifies puberty (stages I-V).
    • Girls: Breast (Thelarche), Pubic hair (Pubarche).
    • Boys: Genital development, Pubic hair (Pubarche).
    • Male Tanner Stages Diagram
  • Female Puberty (onset avg. 10-11 yrs):
    • Thelarche (breast): 8-13 yrs. First sign.
    • Pubarche (pubic hair): Follows/coincides.
    • Peak Height Velocity (PHV): Before menarche.
    • Menarche: 10-16 yrs (avg. 12.5); 2-2.5 yrs post-thelarche.
  • Male Puberty (onset avg. 11-12 yrs):
    • Testicular enlargement (≥4ml or >2.5cm): 9-14 yrs. First sign.
    • Pubarche (pubic hair): Follows.
    • Penile growth, voice deepening.
    • PHV.
    • Spermarche: Mid-puberty.

⭐ Sequence in girls: Thelarche → Pubarche → Peak Height Velocity → Menarche.

Adolescent Contraception - Plan Smart, Live Free

  • Key Principles: Confidential, patient-centered counseling. Emphasize dual protection (contraception + STI prevention).
MethodHow it WorksEfficacy (Typical)Adolescent Focus
LARC (IUD/Implant)Prevents fertilization/implantation; inhibits ovulation (implant)>99%First-line; "fit & forget". Cu-IUD for EC.
OCPsSuppress ovulation93%Daily adherence crucial. Screen for contraindications (e.g., VTE, migraine with aura).
CondomsBarrier; STI protection87%Essential for dual protection. Counsel on consistent/correct use.
ECPDelays ovulation; use ASAP (up to 72-120 hrs)VariableBackup, not primary. LNG or UPA (UPA more effective up to 120 hrs).

Adolescent STIs - Dodge The Dots

Adolescents: ↑ STI risk. Confidential screening, partner notification & comprehensive care vital. Early Dx/Tx prevents PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancy.

  • Screening: Sexual history-based (annual CT/GC for females ≤25y).
  • Counseling: Safe sex, contraception, HPV vaccine.
  • Partner Management: Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT).

Common STIs in Adolescents:

STIOrganismKey SymptomsDxFirst-Line Treatment (Adolescent)
ChlamydiaC. trachomatisOften Asymptomatic; discharge, dysuriaNAATAzithromycin 1g PO / Doxycycline 100mg BID x7d
GonorrheaN. gonorrhoeaePurulent discharge, dysuriaNAATCeftriaxone 500mg IM
SyphilisT. pallidumChancre (1°), Rash (2°)SerologyBenzathine Penicillin G 2.4MU IM
HPVHuman PapillomavirusWarts, Cervical changesClinicalTopical, Cryotherapy; Vaccination
TrichomoniasisT. vaginalisFrothy yellow-green discharge, pruritusWet MountMetronidazole 2g PO single dose

HPV vaccine protection

⭐ Asymptomatic Chlamydia infection is common in adolescents; annual screening for all sexually active females ≤25 years is crucial.

  • Consent (India):
    • Age of consent: 18 years. Below 18, parental/guardian consent needed.
    • Exceptions: Emergencies. Mature minor concept limited.
  • Confidentiality:
    • Maintain unless risk of harm (self/others), abuse (POCSO), or legal order.
  • Key Laws:
    • POCSO Act, 2012:
      • Sexual activity < 18 years = offense, consent irrelevant.
      • Mandatory reporting of abuse by doctors.
    • MTP Act (amended):
      • < 18 years: Guardian consent for MTP.
      • 18 years: Self-consent. Gestational limits (20/24 weeks).

⭐ POCSO Act, 2012: Sexual activity < 18 years is an offense, regardless of consent; mandatory medical reporting.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Tanner staging: key for assessing pubertal milestones, sexual maturity.
  • Strict confidentiality & informed consent: crucial for adolescent sexual health services.
  • Screen for prevalent STIs (e.g., HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) based on risk factors.
  • Provide comprehensive contraception counseling, including emergency contraception.
  • Address psychosocial aspects: body image, peer influence, and SOGI awareness.
  • POCSO Act: know provisions on age of consent, mandatory reporting.
  • Investigate menstrual disorders (e.g., amenorrhea, menorrhagia) promptly.

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