Growing up responsibly

In adolescence, the body becomes able to reproduce: sperm production in boys, menstrual cycles in girls. But emotional maturity takes longer. It means understanding your feelings, talking clearly, and making thoughtful decisions. Your body may grow up before your judgement does, and that's normal. Talk to a parent, teacher or doctor you trust when you have questions.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread through close sexual contact. They include gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, genital warts and HIV (which can lead to AIDS). Some cannot yet be cured. Condoms stop them spreading, and also help prevent pregnancy.

Contraceptives prevent pregnancy:

• Barriers (condoms, vaginal covers) stop sperm reaching the egg.
• Oral pills change hormones so that eggs are not released; they may have side effects.
• IUDs such as the Copper-T are placed in the uterus; they may irritate it.
• Surgical methods block the vas deferens in men or the fallopian tubes in women.

Note: pills, IUDs and surgery do not protect against infections. Only barriers like condoms do.

The law protects girls. Choosing to end a pregnancy because the baby is a girl upsets the balance of boys and girls in society (the sex ratio). So finding out a baby's sex before birth is strictly against the law in India.

An Indian first. Scientists at the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, developed the world's first non-hormonal contraceptive pill, taken once a week. It is given free through the National Family Planning Programme.