Puberty is the word used to describe all the changes that begin happening to your body from the age of about 10.
What’s normal?
Puberty can start earlier or later than this, and it usually starts a bit later in boys than in girls. It is different for everyone, and there is no ‘right time’ when this should happen to you. Don’t worry if your body is changing slower or faster than your friends. But if you’re feeling concerned and would like to talk to someone, visit a Healthy Respect drop-in or call one of the helplines.
Changes to our bodies?
The changes that go on turn us from girls into young women. During puberty, your body begins to change shape - you’ll grow taller, and your hips and breasts will start to get bigger. The body starts to sweat more, so you need to wash more often. You may get spots as your skin gets more oily, and hair will grow in your armpits and around your vulva (another name for genitals).
It is different for everyone, and there is no ‘right time’ when this should happen to you.For girls, changes happen inside the body too – and your period (menstrual cycle) starts. From this point on, if you have unprotected sexual intercourse, you can become pregnant. A tiny egg is released from the ovaries, and the lining in the uterus becomes thick and soft. If the egg isn’t fertilised by sperm from a man, then the lining passes out of the body through the vagina. This is sometimes called menstruation, and happens roughly once a month for about three to seven days. You can use towels or tampons during your period, it’s your choice. Change them as often as you need to so that you feel comfortable, and at least every few hours.
A whitish coloured discharge from the vagina is normal. It might change slightly in texture and colour during the cycle of your period, but this is perfectly normal. It’s just your body’s way of keeping the vagina moist and clean.
Sexual feelings and masturbation?
Sexual feelings can get stronger during puberty. It’s totally normal to feel aroused (sexually excited) more often, and you might feel like masturbating (touching or stroking your clitoris - the part of your vulva most sensitive to touch). There are quite a few myths about masturbation being harmful, but none of them are true. In fact, masturbation may even be good for your health, as it can be way to get rid of stress! It might also help reduce the stomach-cramping you get with your period. And it can also be a way to find out about sexual feelings, your body, and what feels good.
Emotional changes
But it’s not just physical changes that take place during puberty - you might also get more moody. Do you ever get the feeling that you don't want to talk to anyone, or that people at home or school are really annoying you without having to do anything? You might feel really angry, or sad, or may just want to hide away? Both the changes to your body and emotional changes are caused by hormones (chemical messengers) in the blood. So, if you are finding it hard to get on with people at the moment, it could be the hormones. But just remember, it can be hard for other people to know how to treat you when you are going through puberty, so try to help them understand what you are going through if you can.
Want more info?
If you want to find out more about aspects of puberty, have a look online, talk to an adult you trust or visit a Healthy Respect drop-in to talk to someone. The drop-ins are listed in our address book.