Puberty!
Aww
yeah! Nothing quite like raging hormones to kick you into adulthood.
From mood swings and bloating to wet dreams and sweating, most people
can agree that it sucks. You're always feeling weird, you sometimes
develop pimples and weight gain. It's not the best. But here's the
basics, just in case you need some assistance.
For
intersex individuals (those whose sex attributes aren't identifiable
as male or female), their characteristics are usually more noticeable
during puberty.
For
trans* identified young people, delaying puberty before it occurs
allows them to mature to the gender they are transitioning to via
hormone blockers.
Puberty
generally begins around 8-14 for girls and 10-14 for boys.
Girls
 |
7-13
Breast growth
8-14
Pubic hair growth & curling
8-15
Vagina growth
9-16
Periods begin
9-14
Body growth
11-16
Underarm hair growth
11-16
Pimples & blemishes
During
puberty, your hips get wider and waist gets smaller. This is because
your body is preparing for potential childbirth. This doesn't mean
you have to have kids, it's just how your body
works.
Vaginal
discharge: Sounds gross, doesn't it? I used to get scared when I saw
this. I thought that I was pregnant because I masturbated. But this
isn't anything like that and it doesn't mean you're pregnant. It's a
fluid that cleans and moistens your vagina. It can look yellow,
white, or both. Usually, you'll find it on your underwear or pants,
if you don't wear underwear. This is natural and normal, so don't
freak out! But if it's painful, itchy, or smelly, you should call
your doctor or talk to your guardians. You may even visit a health
center near you for an anonymous check-in. Until then, you can avoid
awkward situations with the family by wearing pantiliners or pads.
Express
yourself – Sometimes during puberty, you become more confident and
are able to express yourself better. Though you will become emotional
and cry often. Don't worry, you're going to be okay. Crying is a part
of getting your period. Remember to take time for yourself, take care
of your body, and try therapeutic methods before snapping (count to
10, take a few deep breaths).
Boys
10-13
Testicular growth
10-13
Pubic hair growth & curl
10-16
Bodily growth
11-15
Penis grows
11-15
Voice gets deeper
11-17
Potency (you're able to
make
babies)
12-17
Underarm hair growth
12-17
Pimples & blemishes
Voice
cracking is part of your voice getting deeper. You'll sound funny for
a little while, but it will clear up in time.
Ejaculation
and wet dreams will be an experience for you guys. Sometimes you'll
wake up with an erection, sometimes referred to as “morning wood”.
This is normal, you're not a weirdo. You'll also experience sexual
dreams and wake up with an erection or having ejaculated. Again,
totally normal. Masturbation is one option to deal with these
problems, but if you're opposed to it or you can't do it due to
personal or spiritual matters, try taking a cold shower. You're not
sinful or wrong for having this, you're human.
Eat
plenty of fruits & veggies! I know, it sounds like something
you'd hear from your parents or doctors. But it really helps! Because
girls go through PMS, they lose blood and may be iron-deficient or
anemic. Eating beans, spinach, or eggs will help keep their iron up.
Also be sure to get enough calcium and fatty acids. And unlike sodas
or energy drinks, you can drink water all the time and that will
solve a lot of problems (like dehydration). Also get some Protein
to build muscle and Zinc to regrow DNA.
Aside
from physical care, be sure to take good emotional care of yourself.
Have someone there for you when you need to talk like a therapist,
parent/guardian, loved one, friend, counselor, and even me! :) These
health tips come from Www.mom.me
Masturbation
– Jigglin' your Joystick!
Along
with those wonderfully confusing hormones come sexual feelings. But
let's clear up some of those cobwebs full of myths about
masturbation.
- You won't go blind from masturbating.
- You won't become sterile from masturbating.
- It doesn't make you oversexed, promiscuous, or a sexual deviant.
- It isn't sinful, wrong, or sick.
Perhaps
these are liberal views of masturbation, but I don't think it makes
anyone feel awesome thinking that they're perverts for experimenting
with self-pleasure.
There
are different rules for different family groups. Some say that
masturbation is against their religion; some are more open and
accepting of it. If it were up to me, I'd allow teens to just explore
themselves. Sex shouldn't be shameful, especially if it's with
yourself.
Excessive
masturbation may be a sign of something other than puberty. If a teen
is masturbating frequently, it could be a tip-off of:
- being over-stressed
- pre-occupation of sexual fantasies
- not enough attention at home
- sexual abuse
Understand
that parents might worry that teaching their kids about sex will make
them more sexually active, but that isn't always true. Teaching your
kids about sex will decrease their curiosity and urge to find out
what it's like themselves. Parents might also believe that all their
children want is sex when they're a teen. However, most teens say
that the one thing they want is companionship. They're looking for a
partner rather than a sexual relationship. But I digress.
As
always, please remember that masturbating is private. You can explore
to your heart's content, as long as you do so within your bedroom or
bathroom.
Thanks
to www.healthychildren.org for
help with puberty information!
