ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Adolescent Reproductive Health is defined as a state of healthy physical, psychological, and social functions and processes related to adolescent reproductive system. The healthy understanding does not merely mean the absence of disease or infirmity, but also mentally and socio-cultural. At this time a child has a biological maturity. This condition can put teens on the condition that vulnerable if they are not provided with the correct information about the reproductive process and the various factors in the surrounding

Adolescent Reproductive Health Issues

gestation
Unsafe abortion
 Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or circumcision
Socio-cultural factors

Barriers Against Adolescent Reproductive Health

a. Lack of knowledge and information
Adolescents lack basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of reproduction, how the pregnancy and STI, how to prevent it and where to get protection.
Parents who feel insecure, embarrassed to tell about sex with their children.
Parents and other adults who have a good understanding, eager to protect their children, they believe that education about sex and reproductive health will encourage teenagers to become sexually active.

b. Lack of access to services and programs
Teens do not have or have little money to pay for services, lacking means of transport or do not know how to use these services
Health workers may be judgmental towards youth who behave sexually active
Health officials may not have the most recent scientific information on contraceptive safety for teens
The clinic is not open certain hours which is appropriate for teens
Clinic is designed for women who are married not for single women or men
Requirements for medical tests and pelvic exams may not support teenagers to seek contraception
National health policies into legal barriers for adolescents to seek information or reproductive health services

c. Limited because of the social and psychological barriers
1) Youth afraid to say that they are doing sexually active
2) They have an unrealistic picture about pregnancy and STI
3) They had worried that the contraceptive will damage his health and future fertility
4) They are vulnerable to violence and abuse
5) Adolescent girls may be reluctant to discuss reproductive health issues, worried that such knowledge will be translated as a woman who is invited to have sex
6) Teenage boys may be reluctant to ask about sex, worried that the lack of knowledge means losing status in the group
7) Sexually active is often seen as a way for young men to get recognition of the group's status
8) The media tend to emphasize that sex is fun but is not responsible for sexual behavior.