Adolescent boys hide sexual issues, not girls

Visakhapatnam: It might sound strange, but adolescent boys, not girls, are reluctant to share their health and sexual issues with the health counsellors. This was observed during a study conducted by the Population Research Centre functioning under Ministry of health and family welfare on health issues among adolescents.   

As many as 200 school and intermediate students, (10-19 years old), of which 130 females  and 70 males, were studied as part of the exercise to understand the health issues among the adolescents. “What we observed is that girls are coming forth to share their problems or doubts that are making them uncomfortable during the counselling. On the other hand, adolescent boys also experience many concerns or worries about growth and puberty. However, they do not always feel comfortable bringing up these issues, said research investigator at Population Research Centre (PRC) Dr K. Srinivas, who led the study.   “Boys do not speak out and get tensed about their genital developments. Even if they would have sustained injuries in their private parts while playing or other activities, they do not tell their parents or physicians without some prompting. They feel their friends will tease if they reveal sexual health issues. Things get worse when parents are also unaware,” he said. 

There could be a frequent concern of boys, who may find their breast development embarrassing or worry that there is something wrong with them. Ejaculations is also some of the issues, but they never bring forth, according to the adolescence counsellors.