Puberty

Puberty can start anytime between the ages of 8 and 18. This is a wide age range, and many people feel uncomfortable being the first or the last to go through these changes.

But it’s important to remember that everyone goes through puberty, just at different speeds. Genetics mostly determine when it starts, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about the timing.

It can be really helpful to talk to someone older, a friend, or a family member to get advice or just share how you’re feeling during this strange and new phase.

If there are any concerns about puberty, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or the school nurse.

During puberty, breasts begin to develop. This development happens in two main stages. The first stage starts during puberty when the breasts begin to grow. The second stage happens if a person becomes pregnant.

Breast development usually starts around the age of 10–11, but it can start earlier or later. It often begins with a small lump or swelling under the nipples. While the breasts are growing, it’s normal to feel some tenderness or soreness. Some people find it more comfortable to wear a sports bra or a soft bra during this time.

It usually takes about 4–5 years for the breasts to fully develop. Genetics and body weight can affect their shape and size.

Just like every other part of the body, breasts are different and unique. Some are large, others small. One breast might even grow faster than the other—especially during puberty. Big, small, or uneven—breasts are all part of a body that deserves respect and care.

Breast removal surgery (mastectomy) is an operation where the breasts are completely removed. This may be done by trans or nonbinary people, or by people who have had or are at risk of breast cancer.

When hair starts to grow on the body, it’s a sign that the body is maturing. Hair typically begins to grow around the genitals (pubic hair), under the arms, and on the legs and arms. How much body hair someone gets, and when it starts growing, varies from person to person—most often between the ages of 9 and 13.

Shaving is not necessary, and whether or not to shave is a personal choice. Some people choose to shave their pubic area, legs, or underarms, while others prefer to just trim the hair rather than shave it all off.

It’s important to practice good hygiene when shaving. Always use a clean or new razor blade. Shave in the shower when the skin is warm and wet. Use the right type of shaving gel or cream. It can also help to use a scrub or exfoliating wash between shaves to clean the skin and prevent ingrown hairs. There are antibacterial creams and special after-shave products that can also be helpful.

The skin around the genitals is sensitive, so it’s important to be especially careful when shaving there. If painful bumps, swelling, or redness appear, or if the area becomes hot and sore, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They can prescribe antibiotics, creams, or other treatment if needed.

Sweat glands are spread across the surface of the skin and become more active during puberty. Sweat is a liquid produced by the sweat glands and contains water, salts, and waste products. The main role of sweat is to help control body temperature and remove waste from the body.

Sweat glands are found almost everywhere on the body, but the areas that sweat the most are the underarms, feet, between the thighs, and sometimes under the breasts.

Sweat itself doesn’t smell much. But if it stays on the skin for a few hours, bacteria can start to break it down—and that’s what causes body odor.

That’s why it’s important to shower regularly, for example every second or third day, and always after exercising. You don’t need to use soap every time you wash, and when you do, it should be used in moderation.

Deodorant can help reduce body odor, and there are many different types available. Some people also find that shaving underarm hair helps reduce odor, but that’s a personal choice.

A light or yellowish mucus may come from the vagina. This is called vaginal discharge and is a normal part of how the vagina works. Just like tears clean your eyes, discharge is the vagina’s way of keeping itself clean!

Due to hormonal changes, it’s normal for discharge to begin around six months before a girl’s first period.

There is always some natural scent to discharge, and it varies from person to person. This does not mean it’s dirty. Usually, washing the vulva with just water is enough—using soaps can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Having a scent is normal. But if the smell changes a lot, or if there’s itching or burning, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or nurse.

A normal menstrual cycle can range from 21 to 35 days, with the average being 28 days.

Day 1 of the cycle is the first day of bleeding. Based on a 28-day cycle, the following usually happens:

• Day 7: The ovaries begin to mature an egg and prepare for ovulation.
• Days 11–16: Ovulation occurs. This means an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. It then travels toward the uterus.

The lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining breaks down, and a new period begins.

No matter how long a cycle is, about 14 days usually pass from ovulation to the next period. This cycle continues until menopause (average age is 51 years).

Periods (Menstruation)
Most people get their first period between ages 11 and 13, but it can happen as early as 8 or as late as 18—and all of that is normal. First periods are often very light—sometimes just a brown spot in the underwear.

A period is a sign of puberty and that the reproductive system is working normally. After this, pregnancy is possible if someone has unprotected sex.

Most periods last 3–7 days and come about every 28 days. The amount of blood lost is usually only around half a cup. This amount usually doesn’t affect the body, though it’s important to get enough iron through food.

You can use pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear to absorb the blood during your period. Having your period shouldn’t stop you from doing anything you normally do.

It’s common for periods to be irregular during the first two years. That means they might not come every month, and sometimes several months might pass between them. It takes time—usually about two years—for the body to adjust to the hormones and develop a regular cycle. It’s a good idea to track your period on a calendar or app.

Period Pain
Some people feel pain in their lower belly a few days before or during their period. This is caused by substances in the body (like prostaglandins) that make the muscles in the uterus contract.

Period pain can vary. Pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen usually help. But if the pain is very strong and doesn’t improve with regular medication, it’s a good idea to see a doctor or gynecologist. Some conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause more intense period pain. In some cases, people choose to use hormonal birth control to stop their periods and reduce pain. That should always be discussed with a doctor.

Other symptoms before or during a period can include pimples, sore breasts, tiredness, back pain, and irregular bowel movements.

Some helpful tips for period pain include: using a heat pack on the lower belly, massaging the lower back, or taking painkillers. Exercising can have a good effect on period pain and having sex (if the person feels comfortable)—sex during your period is not dangerous, but birth control is still needed to prevent pregnancy.

Puberty usually begins between the ages of 9 and 15. The exact timing is different for everyone and is mostly influenced by genetics.

Most reach full sexual maturity between the ages of 15 and 18, although many will continue to grow taller even after that.

It’s important to remember that everyone goes through these changes—just at different speeds. Since puberty is mainly controlled by genetics, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed about when it happens.

It can be really helpful to talk to someone older, a friend, or a family member to get advice or just to share how you're feeling during this strange and confusing time.

If there are concerns about puberty, it’s always okay to reach out to a doctor or the school nurse for support.

During puberty, the voice changes and starts to become deeper. The hormone testosterone plays a key role in this change, just like it does with many of the other changes happening in the body.

What’s happening is that the larynx (also called the voice box), which sits in the throat, gets bigger. The vocal cords inside the larynx also grow longer and thicker. While this is happening, it can be hard to control the voice. It might sound squeaky, raspy, or deep—sometimes all in the same sentence!

This stage usually lasts a few months while the body adjusts to having a larger larynx and thicker vocal cords.

When someone’s voice is going through these unpredictable changes, it’s often called “voice cracking” or “breaking.” Most people experience it, and it’s totally normal—even if it happens in the middle of a conversation.

When puberty begins, hair starts growing on different parts of the body, which is a sign that the body is maturing. Hair grows around the genitals, under the arms, on the chest, legs, arms, and face (facial hair/beard). The amount and timing of body hair growth varies from person to person.

Shaving is not necessary—it’s a personal choice whether someone wants to shave facial hair, pubic hair, underarms, legs, or anywhere else. Some people prefer just to trim the hair rather than shave it all the way down.

It’s important to keep things clean when shaving. Always use a clean or new razor blade. Shave in the shower when the skin is warm and wet. Use a proper shaving cream or gel, and in between shaves, using a scrub or exfoliating wash can help clean the skin and prevent ingrown hairs. There are also antibacterial creams and special after-shave products that may help.

The skin around the genitals is very sensitive, so be extra careful when shaving there. If painful bumps, swelling, or redness appear—or if the skin feels hot—it’s a good idea to see a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics, creams, or other treatments.

Sweat glands are spread across the surface of the skin and become more active during puberty. Sweat is a liquid produced by the sweat glands and contains water, salts, and waste products. The main role of sweat is to help control body temperature and remove waste from the body.

Sweat glands are found almost everywhere on the body, but the areas that sweat the most are the underarms, feet, between the thighs, and sometimes under the breasts.

Sweat itself doesn’t smell much. But if it stays on the skin for a few hours, bacteria can start to break it down—and that’s what causes body odor.

That’s why it’s important to shower regularly, for example every second or third day, and always after exercising. You don’t need to use soap every time you wash, and when you do, it should be used in moderation.

Deodorant can help reduce body odor, and there are many different types available. Some people also find that shaving underarm hair helps reduce odor, but that’s a personal choice.

During puberty, the testicles begin to produce sperm cells (the reproductive cells of XY individuals) and testosterone (the main sex hormone in XY individuals).

Semen is a white, sticky fluid that comes out of the penis during ejaculation. It contains sperm along with fluid from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, which all mix together in the ejaculatory duct.

Each time ejaculation occurs, millions of sperm cells are released—on average, 200 to 300 million. But it only takes one sperm cell to fertilize an egg. The only way to prevent pregnancy is by using contraception!

Sperm cells are not visible to the naked eye—they can only be seen under a microscope. Semen is usually white or grayish in color and can be either cloudy or clear. Its texture can also vary—it may be thick, clumpy, or sticky. In other words, semen can look different from person to person, and that’s completely normal.

Even the taste of semen can vary. Some say it tastes salty, bitter, or slightly sweet. The taste can be affected by diet, smoking, alcohol use, or medications.

The average amount of semen released during ejaculation is about one teaspoon, but this can vary from person to person. If the last ejaculation was recent, there might be less; if it’s been a while, there might be more—but not always. The amount of semen does not indicate how many sperm cells are in it.

Having an ejaculation during sleep is often called having a wet dream. This is completely normal, and most people with testicles experience it at some point. It often becomes less frequent with age.

A wet dream doesn’t always have to be linked to a sexual dream—it can happen without any sexual thoughts at all.

When someone becomes aroused, the penis gets bigger and firm. The blood vessels in the penis expand and fill with blood—so it’s kind of like a balloon being inflated with blood. This is called an erection, and it's sometimes referred to as a boner or hard-on.

Erections can happen because of physical or mental stimulation (like thoughts or feelings), but they can also happen for no reason at all. Erections are involuntary reactions, meaning they happen automatically, just like your stomach growling or your heartbeat. They can come and go without warning.

Getting erections is a totally normal part of how the body works. They can happen at any time and at any age—even in fetuses before birth. Unwanted erections are especially common during the teenage years, when hormone levels are high. Because erections are also linked to sexual arousal, unexpected ones can sometimes feel embarrassing.

Erections also happen during sleep, and it’s very common to wake up with one—this is often called “morning wood.” The exact reason for nighttime erections isn’t fully understood. It may have to do with hormone changes during sleep, or it could help prevent someone from wetting the bed.

The appearance of an erection can vary a lot between individuals. For some, the penis gets much longer; for others, it doesn’t change as much. An erect penis can point upward, forward, downward, or at an angle. It can be straight or curved in any direction, and some curvature is completely normal.

Usually, an erection is needed to reach orgasm, though some people can have an orgasm without one. During or after orgasm, ejaculation usually occurs—if the person has entered puberty. After ejaculation, the penis softens again. Most people can’t get another erection right away—there’s typically a short recovery period of about 15 minutes or more. During this time, the penis may feel very sensitive or even sore if touched.