Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescense
Lecture Outline - Psy 252
10/14/99
C. The Emergence of Sexual Behavior
Childhood Masturbation
Childhood Sexual Play with the Other Sex
D. Puberty
Physical Changes in Girls
Physical Changes in Boys
E. Menstruation
Definition
Attitudes Towards Menstruation
Menarche
Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual Cycle Problems
PMS
Dysmenorrhea
Amenorrhea
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Menstruation: sloughing off of the uterine lining that takes place if conception has not occurred.
Attitudes---Negative!
In 1920’s, if women given a perm during menstrual period, it would not curl their hair.
Harmful for a woman to be physically active.
A corsage worn by a woman would wilt.
A tooth filling done during menstruation would fall
out.
Old Testament: "And if a woman have an issue and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be apart seven days and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even."
In contemporary Orthodox Judaism "Women are not to engage in sexual activity until they have attended a ceremonial cleansing bath following menstruation."
Menarche
Menstrual cycle begins in early teens, between 11 and 15 on average.
First menstual period called Menarche.
Menstrual cycles end at menopause, around age of 50.
Menstrual Cycle
The uterine lining is prepared for the implantation of a fertilized ovum.
If conception does not occur, the lining sloughs off and is discharged as menstrual flow.
The length of the cycle is usually measured from the beginning of the first day of flow to the day before the next flow begins.
Flow lasts from 2-6 days. Volume is 6-8 oz.
Fourteen days, plus or minus 2 days, is the interval between ovulation and the onset of menstruation.
GnRH
FSH
LH
Corpus Luteum
Menstrual Phase
Proliferative Phase
Secretory Phase
Sexual Activity and the Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual Cycle Problems
PMS
Dysmenorrhea
(painful menstrualtion)Primary Dysmenorrhea:
Prostaglandins, muscle contractions
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Prior to or during menstruation
Constant, spasmodic lower abdom pain,
extending to back and thighs
Not due to prostaglandins
Rather, IUD, PID, benign Tumors, Endometriosis
Amenorrhea
Self Help
Moderate Exercise
Proper diet (no salt). Calcium, Magnisium, B Vitamins
Toxic Shock Syndrome
First described in 1980 by Center for disease Control (CDC) in menstruating women.
Caused by toxins produced by bacterium staphylococcus aureus, includes fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, red skin flush, dizziness, low blood pressure.
Progresses rapidly and can cause death---see physician immediately.
Rare diesease ---# cases has fallen sharply since highly absorbant tampons removed from the market.
Guidelines: Sanitary napkins instead of tampons.
Or regular tampons, changed 3-4X/day, using napkins for some time during each 24 hour period of menstrual flow.