An introduction

Often I come across teenagers approaching me with doubts on issues related to ‘adolescent’ to get clarifications whenever I take special sessions to such groups on ‘growing ups’ at educational institutions and social organizations. Indeed it is true that teenagers are in the state of confusion and dilemma on this subject. Truly they are not in the state of understanding what is happening to them. Their needs are many. There are lot of myths and misconceptions in their minds especially on health issues and specifically on sex issues. Very few get clarity. Most are in the dark. They do not know where from they can get answers to such ‘anomalies’!. More than that many provide unscientific information which threaten them. A teenager put to me, ‘I asked my friend about oozing out of semen during asleep, but I did not get a convincing reply or else his answer was not clear to me. I did not want to consult my parents. I fear they think ill of me. I am thoroughly confused. I consulted some books. They all frightened me instead of clarifying’. It is clear from this example that adolescents are in the state of confusion and dilemma.

By the by, many do not able to distinguish between the two- ‘myths’ and ‘misconceptions’. ‘Myth’ is a commonly held belief which is untrue. There is no foundation to it. There is no concrete evidence to prove it. People pass it on from one to one, one place to another, one society to another etc. As such it is necessary to clarify the facts.

‘Misconception’ is an erroneous idea. It is totally incorrect. Mostly based on the myth. Commonly and very widely prevailing wrong ideas. One can come across many myths and misconceptions on sexuality in any society/any country. Foolish ideas make one miserable. Hence we should get clarifications/scientific facts from experts to save from falling into unknown pits. We should get rid of misconceptions from our mind. Then only one/society/country can progress.

With my long experience associated with this target group in dealing with the many issues in the field of reproductive health, I attempt here to clarify the so called ‘doubts’ and want to remove ‘myths and misconceptions’ among adolescents/youth for clarity in understanding the scientific facts behind such issues and thereby want to ensure to lead quality of life. I hope to clarify doubts of adolescents/youth through this site with a weekly schedule, as many doubts are pouring in day by day. I receive many questions related to this subject from such young people through e-mail and through post.

Teenagers ask:……….

On the other day I was taking an educational session to a small group comprising of 25 boys of 8th Standard students of a reputed school in the city on ‘Growing Up’ on the invitation of the school authorities endorsed by the Parent-Teacher Association. The session was going on interestingly, as I was explaining them the stages of adolescent development during that period. I observed a few boys showed signs of shame by putting their heads down while explaining the male reproductive organ. (I noticed it and preserved for later explanation). Then the discussion turned on the myths and misconceptions of adolescents on their sexual practices. A boy hesitatingly stood up for a doubt. Immediately the whole group went on loud laughter. Immediately the boy withdrew his action. I already correctly judged what the boy wanted to ask. To safe guard the boy I did not immediately jump to his quarry openly. I encouraged him to come personally for his doubt, which he did. After explaining the meaning of myths and misconceptions I started explaining the mind-boggling word “Nocturnal emission”.

The boy’s question was ‘I have started passing a white fluid while I am asleep. Is it alright? Whether any thing abnormal with me?’

I observed out of my experience that many adolescents did not receive/have access to correct & scientific explanation over this issue. Is it not relevant here to know the answers that I gave to the group?

Following posts will carry more information on the issue.