The Ins and Outs of Puberty
What is puberty?
Puberty is the time when a person’s body starts to change from being the body of a child to the body of an adult, and when their reproductive organs begin to develop. These changes can affect the way a person looks, feels and thinks. Some people find the changes confusing, strange and uncomfortable, while others think they feel great. Puberty feels different for everybody.
Puberty usually starts to happen between the ages of 9 and 16. Most girls will notice their bodies starting to change around the age of 10 or 11, while most boys begin puberty around the age of 12 or 13. Everybody is different however, so don’t be alarmed if you notice changes earlier or later than this. You might find it useful to know when your mum or dad went through puberty, as you may be similar to them in this way.
What happens at puberty?
Both boys and girls go though physical and emotional changes at puberty caused by hormones. This happens when the pituitary gland at the base of the brain triggers your reproductive organs (testes for boys, ovaries for girls) into producing hormones. The main male hormone is called testosterone and the main female hormones are called oestrogen and progesterone.
Changes boys may notice at puberty can include:
- ‘Wet dreams’ (when semen is released during sleep)
- Penis and testes (testicles) get larger
- An increase in height and sometimes a weight gain
- Body hair starts to grow
- More frequent (and sometimes unwanted!) erections
- Voice changes or ‘breaks’ and eventually becomes deeper
- Skin changes, including pimples
Changes girls may notice at puberty can include:
- Vaginal discharge
- Breasts start to develop
- Periods (menstruation) begin
- An increase in height and sometimes a weight gain
- Skin changes, including pimples
- Body hair starts to grow
- Hips get wider
Remember that whether you like or dislike the changes that are happening to your body, puberty is a natural and healthy part of growing up. Puberty is a sign that your body is becoming physically ready to create a baby, even though being a parent is probably the last thing on your mind.
It can be handy to know what’s happening to girls at puberty if you are a boy, and to boys if you are a girl. Everyone experiences some changes – in fact, some changes happen to both boys and girls.
Girl’s stuff
Periods explained
Periods are part of the monthly menstrual cycle. They are caused by the changes in a girl’s body that happen when an egg is released and the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. This preparation happens each month when the lining of the uterus (womb) becomes thick with blood. If a pregnancy doesn’t occur, the blood-thick lining breaks down and is passed out of the body through the vagina. This bleeding is called a period.
A girl’s menstrual cycle begins on the day she gets her period (ie when she starts to bleed). Most menstrual cycles last for around 1 month (from the first day of one period to the first day of the next), but this varies for each girl. Things such as stress and weight loss can affect the length of the cycle. A period usually lasts for 3 to 7 days. The amount of blood lost is different for each girl, but is usually around 1-2 tablespoons.
To begin with, periods can be very irregular, but after the first year or so they usually settle into a pattern. The pattern is different for each girl. A calendar can be useful to help work out when your period is due next.
Most girls start to have periods between the ages of 10 and 14, and will continue to have them until they are about 50 years old. Some girls feel fine when they have their period, while others feel a bit sick or sore in the lower tummy, sometimes with cramps. Taking a mild painkiller can help, as can having a healthy and active lifestyle.
Many girls worry that other people will be able to tell when they’ve got their period. The only way that other people can tell if you’ve got your period is if you choose to tell them – they can’t tell just by looking at you.
Pad and tampons
Pads and tampons are used to absorb period blood. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are available from supermarkets and pharmacies. Pads have a sticky strip on the back that attaches to the inside of your knickers, while tampons are inserted into the vagina (they can’t slip out accidentally, nor can they get lost inside you). Panty-liners are thinner versions of pads, and can be used at the beginning and end of your period when blood-flow is lighter.
Some girls prefer to use tampons so they can continue to swim or wear tight-fitting clothing during their period, while others find pads easier to use. Use the product/s you feel most comfortable with - many girls use a combination.
It’s important to wash your hands before and after changing pads or tampons, and to change them about every 4 hours (or as necessary). Leaving tampons in the vagina for a long period of time can lead to infection, and there are special pads designed for night-time use. When disposing of pads and tampons, wrap them in toilet paper and place them in a sanitary or rubbish bin (don’t flush them down the toilet as it blocks up the pipes).
In case your period comes when you’re at school or out with friends, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and carry some pads or tampons in your school bag or purse. In an emergency situation toilet paper or tissues can be used (wrap them around the crutch of your knickers). If you’re at school, a teacher or nurse will be able to help you – they are used to dealing with these situations every day, so there’s no need to be embarrassed.
PMS
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, affects some girls in the week leading up to their period. You may feel tired or irritable, or your breasts may be sore. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help with PMS.
Breasts
All girls develop breasts during puberty. Breasts come in all different sizes, so don’t worry if yours seem larger or smaller than anyone else’s. It is also quite normal for your own two breasts to be slightly different sizes. Some girls feel embarrassed, while others can’t wait to buy a bra. Wearing a loose T-shirt can help if you feel anxious about your growing chest.
My vagina’s leaking!
At puberty girls start to produce vaginal secretions. These secretions, or discharge, vary during the menstrual cycle and are part of a normal, healthy vagina. Usually discharge is whitish, drying yellowish on underwear, and varying in amount throughout the cycle. It has a slight (but not bad) smell unnoticeable to you or others if you wash regularly.
If you notice your discharge is different from usual (such as heavier, or with a different or unpleasant smell), see a doctor, as this can indicate an infection. Remember that the vagina is very sensitive. Avoid irritation by using plain water or a soap-free wash to bathe the area, rather than soap or antiseptics, and don’t use perfumes, deodorants or talcs on the vagina.
Boy’s stuff
Sperm
At puberty a boy’s testicles become larger and begin to produce sperm (the male reproductive cells), which then mixes with a whitish fluid called semen. Ejaculation, or ‘cumming’, is when semen comes out of an erect penis. The amount of semen ejaculated is about 1 teaspoon.
Sweet dreams
A wet dream is when a boy ejaculates (or ‘cums’) while he is asleep. These types of dreams may bring pleasurable feelings and happen because sometimes there is too much sperm made in the testes and your body needs to release it.
For some boys they are a regular occurrence, while for others they may only happen occasionally. Your sheets and pyjamas may be slightly sticky when you wake up – this can usually be cleaned up with a wet cloth, or by putting things into the wash. While there is no need to be embarrassed, you may prefer to wash the items yourself. Wet dreams are a normal part of growing up, but will usually happen less frequently as you get older.
Embarrassing erections
When a boy reaches puberty he may experience more frequent erections (when the penis swells and gets hard). Sometimes erections happen for no obvious reason. Thinking about something really boring can help make erections go away. Some boys prefer to wear clothing that makes erections less noticeable, such as baggy shorts.
Help! My voice has broken!
At puberty a boy’s voice changes and becomes deeper – this is usually known as the voice breaking. This is a gradual process and means that a boy’s voice may alternate between high and squeaky and deep and throaty while his voice box grows and vocal cords stretch. A boy’s voice usually ‘breaks’ between the ages of 13 and 16 before eventually settling down.
I thought only girls were supposed to get breasts?
Many boys develop some breast enlargement, or swelling in the chest area, during puberty. This is normal and nothing to worry about. The swelling usually lasts for 4-6 months. Wearing a loose t-shirt can help if you feel embarrassed.
Everyone’s changing
Hair everywhere
Many people experience significant hair growth on their body at puberty. Boys may grow hair on their genital area, underarms, forearms, chest, face, legs and nipples, while girls get hair on their genital area, underarms, forearms, upper lip, nipples and legs. There are many safe ways of removing unwanted hair, including shaving, waxing, tweezing or using hair removal creams. Don’t share razors however, as infections can be passed on this way.
Not another pimple!
At puberty the glands which cause pimples become more active, and many boys and girls develop pimples or acne on their face and other parts of their body, such as the back and chest.
Washing your face twice a day with an antibacterial face wash can help, as can a healthy diet and wearing less make-up. Medication is available for severe conditions – see your doctor for more information. Try not to touch or squeeze your pimples, as this can make them worse. The good news is that pimples are temporary for most people!
Is it OK to masturbate?
Touching or rubbing the genital area so that it feels good is called masturbation. Most people masturbate and it isn’t something to feel guilty about. As long as it is done in private or with a partner, masturbation is a normal and healthy way of experiencing pleasure and learning about your body.
Eek…I’ve put on weight
Some boys and girls put on weight around the time of puberty, and this is completely normal. Girls hips usually widen and their thighs become more rounded, while boys shoulders and chests get wider. Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly will help prevent a large weight gain. Speak to your doctor for more details.
While many people want to be super-slim, it’s more important to be healthy.
I’ve got the puberty blues
Not all changes at puberty are physical ones. Your hormones are also changing, which may cause you to feel happy and excited one moment, then sad or angry the next.
The changes that are happening to your body can also leave you feeling confused, frustrated or anxious. You may feel easily irritated by friends and family (especially your parents!), or that things are overwhelming. Remember you’re not the only one feeling like this, and that it won’t always be this way. In the meantime it can help to talk to someone you trust about any feelings you are having.
A sweaty situation
The hormones developing at puberty can also affect sweat glands, and you will need to take extra care with your personal hygiene at this time. Shower regularly using plenty of soap, and use antiperspirant deodorant - especially if playing sport.
Feeling sexy
For some people puberty is a time of discovering new types of relationships, with guys or girls or both. Sometimes these relationships can lead to sex. It’s important not to feel pressured when it comes to relationships and sex – take your time deciding what you want to do.
If you do decide to have sex, remember to always use a condom to reduce the risk of getting or passing on a sexually transmissible infection, and to protect against pregnancy.
The legal age to have sex in WA is 16 years old (this age varies between States). This applies to both guys and girls, whether you are straight or same-sex attracted. For sex to be legal, both partners must always give consent. This means you must both agree without being pressured, forced or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You must also both understand what you are agreeing to.
Liking the new you
While everyone’s experience at puberty is different, the most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t last forever! Talking about any problems you are having can help, whether it be with a parent, teacher, school nurse, counsellor or friend. Remember you’re not alone in having problems or feeling confused.
Finding ways of expressing yourself and doing things that make you happy can help make puberty easier. These may include playing a sport, finding a hobby you like, or going out with friends. Learning to like your new adult body will help you to be happy and healthy with who you are.
Page last updated Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:58