Puberty

Puberty

What is puberty?

Puberty is the time in life when a young person starts to become sexually mature and begins development and change into an adult body. In girls, puberty usually starts around 11 years of age, and in boys, puberty usually starts around 12 years of age. Puberty is a process that goes on for several years. It is also the time when you become capable of sexual reproduction (or having babies). Many physical and emotional changes begin to take place in the body during this time.

What are the first signs of puberty?

 The first sign of puberty in most girls is breast development. The first sign of puberty in boys is an increase in the size of the testicles. Puberty can be a very confusing time for teenagers. There are many changes that occur. Both boys and girls will:

Begin to gain weight

Grow taller

Grow more body hair

Begin to speak with a deeper voice

Develop acne

Along with the many physical changes, emotional changes will also most likely occur. Common emotional changes include:

Moodiness due to increase in the hormones of estrogen and testosterone

Concerns about body appearance

Worries about comparing self to others

Feelings of awkwardness and embarrassment

Sexual curiosity and attraction

Feelings a need to become independent from parents

When does puberty start?

Everybody’s body is different. We all develop in different ways. The time when puberty begins depends on such things as family genes, nutrition, and whether you are male or female. Girls typically begin puberty before boys.

For example, in girls, puberty can start between the ages of 9 and 13 and for boys, puberty can start between the ages of 10 and 17.

Puberty for Girls

There are many changes that occur and here is what to expect:

Growth spurt

Breast growth

Wider hips

Smaller waist

Beginning of menstruation

5 Stages of puberty for girls

1. There are no outside signs of development, but a girl’s ovaries are enlarging and hormone production is beginning.
2. The first sign is breast growth, “breast buds”. A girl will begin grow considerably with regard to height and weight. The first signs of pubic hair will begin to show starting out fine and straight.
3. As breast growth continues, pubic hair coarsens and becomes darker. While the body is still growing, the vagina enlarges and begins to produce a clear or whitish discharge. Some girls get their first menstrual periods in this stage.
4. Pubic hair growth takes on the triangular shape of adulthood. Underarm hair begins to appear. Ovulation, the release of eggs, begins.
5. This is the final stage of development. The girl physically becomes an adult. Breast and pubic hair growth are complete. Full height is attained. Menstrual periods are well established and ovulation occurs monthly. 

Physical Changes in girls:

Breasts: In girls, puberty starts with breast growth. When your breasts start to develop, you may notice small tender lumps under one or both nipples. These are called “breast buds”. The breasts will continue to grow until they reach their destined size.

Hair: Soft hair will start to grow in the pubic area. This hair will eventually become more coarse, thick and curly. You will also grow hair under your arms and on your legs.

Body Shape: Your hips will grow wider and your waist will grow smaller. You will also begin to build up fat in the stomach, buttocks and legs.

Body Odor, Skin Changes & Acne: You will notice “adult” body odor from your armpits when you sweat. Wash your underarms daily and use deodorant. Your skin may become oily which could lead to acne or pimples. Avoid touching or popping pimples, instead use an acne facial cleanser daily.

Menstruation (period): Menstruation (period) is a monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus through the vagina. Before your period begins, you may notice some clear or whitish vaginal discharge. This is normal. The first menstrual bleeding is called menarch.  Menses (menstrual periods) are not always regular and/or monthly in the beginning. Over time, they will eventually become regular occurring approximately every 28 days and will last anywhere from 3-7 days. Keeping track of when your period occurs and how long it lasts can help you predict when you should have the next one. During or just before each period, a young woman may feel some bloating, cramping, swelling or soreness of breasts, headaches and even moodiness. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).  For hygiene reasons, girls should always use tampons or sanitary pads to absorb the blood flow. Tampons (worn internally) should be changed every four hours in order to avoid the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Puberty for boys

There are many changes that occur and this is a list of what to expect.

Height growth

Muscle and shoulder growth

Larger hands and feet

Growth changes to penis, scrotum and testicles

Voice changes and deepens

5 Stages of puberty for Boys:

1. Male hormones are becoming active but there are no outside signs of development or change. The testicles are maturing and some boys begin to grow in height.
2. There is a noticeable change in body shape and height. The testicles and scrotum begin to enlarge.
3. The voice begins to change, starting with cracking then deepening. Pubic hair grows becoming darker and coarser with time. There is also an increased hair growth on legs. The penis grows in length while testicles and scrotum continue to grow also.
4. Development of underarm hair is noticeable. Facial hair also begins to grow on the chin and upper lip. The voice continues to deepen and skin becomes oily with some acne appearing. The penis grows in width as testicles and scrotum continue to grow as well. Boys begin to have first ejaculations.
5. Full adult body and height is reached. The pubic hair and genitals have an adult appearance. Facial hair grows and the onset of shaving may occur. Continuing hair development to the chest and back with time.

Physical Changes in Young Men:

Body Shape & Size: The arms, legs, hands and feet will grow in size. You will get taller and your shoulders will get broader. You will gain weight as well. Your face will change in shape to become more adult looking.

Voice: Your voice will change. It will first crack and then deepen with time.

Hair: Hair will appear under your arms, on your legs, face and above your penis. Chest and back hair may appear later.

Body Odor, Skin Changes and Acne:  You will begin to notice “adult” body odor from your armpits when you sweat. Wash your underarms daily and use deodorant. Your skin may also become oily which can lead to acne or pimples. Avoid touching or popping pimples. This could make them worse. Instead use an acne facial cleanser daily.

Penis: Your penis, scrotum and testicles will get larger. You may have erections due to an increase in hormones. Erections occur when the penis gets stiff and hard, sometimes for no reason. This is normal. Your body will also begin to produce sperm during puberty. This means that during an erection, you could experience ejaculation. This occurs when semen is released through the penis. At this time, it is possible to get a girl pregnant by having sexual intercourse. Nocturnal Emission or “wet dreams” can also occur. They often happen while you are sleeping and you might wake up to find your sheets or underwear wet. This is normal and will stop as you get older.

Going through puberty can be one of the roughest times in a teenager’s life. Seeking out help and support from family and friends can make things a bit easier. It’s also good to remember that everyone goes through puberty at some point in their life. A family member or friend might have some good advice or information to give. Here are some pointers to help:

1. Ask Questions: It’s important to know what’s going on with your body and emotional changes. If you’re not sure about something, ask your parents, an older sibling or someone you trust. Chances are they can give you the right information and you will feel better.

2. Respect your Body: Take care of yourself. This means practicing healthy eating habits like consuming fruits and veggies daily while also drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinking too much soda and eating too much junk food. This is the time your body needs vitamins and nutrients the most. Be sure to get some exercise daily. This can include taking a brisk walk, playing a game of basketball or going for a swim. Sleep is also an important factor when respecting your body. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep every night so your body is rested. Finally, avoid things like smoking cigarettes, doing drugs and drinking alcohol. They can have serious harmful effects on your body and your mind.

3. Love your body: With puberty comes lots of change and this can become a bit overwhelming to not be sure of who you’re looking at in the mirror. Give yourself time to get adjusted to the new and growing person you are. Look at it like your body is a work in progress. Celebrate your growth and changes and be proud of how you look. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else. Value You instead!!!

 For more information about puberty and other sexual health issues, check out:
www.teensource.org
www.teenwire.com
Go Ask Alice!