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Teenage period that is from the age 13 to 19 is often described as a period of great
excitement and emotional turbulence. The physical changes that take place among
people during this period may result in a sudden upsurge of sexual feeling.
Experiences of sexual excitement may occur when they are nearer to people of the
same sex and age.

At this time they may not recognise that such emotions are sexual in nature. An
increase in hormones can arouse sexual thoughts and excitement. However, due to
social control such interests are not expressed in reality and this will lead them to
day-dreaming. During the teenage period 'wet dreams' are common in many boys.

Emotional stress is a common phenomenon during adolescence due to the changes

taking place with their bodies. Hormonal imbalance can cause irritation,
restlessness, and tension. Young people need to be educated on such matters
although most adolescents manage such changes and developments on their own.

It is however, essential that authentic knowledge on the subject is provided to them

along with proper guidance and support from parents, teachers and responsible
elders in the family. It is, however, most important to offer a healthy emotional
climate for young people at home, in the school, as well as in the community where
they can conveniently express their emotions.

(6) Sex Drive or Sexual feelings in childhood and adolescence

Sexual attitudes are formed from early childhood, although sexual

urges and emotions do not become apparent until the age of puberty. During this
period, many changes occur among young boys and girls. In the male, puberty
begins with the appearance of nocturnal emissions or wet dreams. At about his time,
a young man begins to experience a distinct sexual urge that is associated with his
genitals.

This heightened sexual excitability is likely to lead to masturbation. The sexual drive
of young women, on the other hand, is less genital specific and she tends to
associate sex with romantic situations.

This awakened sexual drive among the youth, particularly young men, creates a
certain among of restlessness because of which the youth are often considered by
their elders as being different and difficult.

These are the first indications towards the adolescent's development an independent
personality and existence which tend to be interpreted as an emotional withdrawal
from home and family. During this stage lack of understanding on the part of elders
and youngsters for each other is common.

(7) Social Aspects

The sociological and cultural aspects of human sexuality cover topics such as sexual
behaviour, sexuality in childhood and adolescence, love, dating, relationship,
adolescent pregnancy and moral code of ethics. Sexual adjustment is part of a
person's total development into a mature individual.
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