Sexual Education - Puberty

Puberty is a word that can make you feel awkward and excited at the same time. You and your peers are going through changes and you might find that you are not discussing these changes very openly with one another. There is no need to be secretive about a subject everyone experiences. As you are about to learn, the changes are quite amazing. Don't be afraid to talk about puberty with your parents, teachers, or classmates. Remember, if you have a question, there is a very good chance that it's something other peers are curious about as well.
​I'm going to share with you about the changes both boys and girls go through on this same page. Last I looked, we don't live in same sex colonies. You need to have a clear understanding of what all of your peers are going through.

Changes in
​girls only

• usually starts between 9-13 years old
• reach full height by 18
• ​breasts develop (different rates)
• ​nipples enlarge and can change color
• wider hips​
• ​body fat shifts to breasts, pelvis, upper back
• vaginal discharge happens - white or yellow stains in underwear (keeps vagina clean and moist)
• menstruation/period starts about 2 - 2 1/2 years after puberty starts

​

Once breast development starts, you might want to talk to your mom or a trusted adult about taking you shopping for bras. You should try to be active in sports throughout puberty. There are special bras for doing sports, which offer more support.

Changes in both
​boys and girls​

• Brain triggers sex hormones
• Body hair -armpits, legs, pubic region
• acne/zits- 85-90% of people get them (often worse for boys)
• bone growth causes increase in height
• skin more oily
• sweat more
• sex drive stimulated
• might masturbate in private
• emotions seem harder to control
• organs increase in size
• extra hormones may cause bad breath
• improved abstract thinking, planning, and goal setting​
• have to be careful of reckless behavior

Changes in
​boys only

• usually begins between 10-14 years old
• Swelling in chest during first year
• increase in testicle size
• growth of penis and scrotum
• semen can be released during erections
• chest and facial hair
• shoulders broaden
• reach full height by early 20s
• vocal cords get thicker and longer and larynx gets bigger = deeper voice
• muscles get bigger
• body fat increases
• produce sperm (increases as puberty progresses)
• appetite increases dramatically

When you start participating in contact sports, you need to invest in a cup/box to protect your genitalia. Talk to your dad or coach about where to purchase and how to wear a cup.

Hygiene

During puberty everyone starts to get oilier skin, sweats more, and even experiences bad breath. Suddenly, you might find your parents nagging you more about getting a shower or a bath. Peers at school might  joke about each other smelling and teachers sometimes feel like they are going to pass out in a room full of teens right after recess ends. You need to be aware of the fact that no one enjoys being around someone that doesn't smell pleasant.
What can you do? 
- Shower daily, especially after you do sports
- Avoid any special products for washing your genital area - soap and water is all you need
- Use deodorant with antiperspirant (using body sprays or perfumes just add another scent to your odor)
- Brush several times a day, floss, and get regular dental check-ups

Why do I feel like an emotional mess?

You might reach a point where you feel like you don't have much control of your emotions. A common phrase you might hear adults say is "He's going through puberty so his hormones are out of control. He's an emotional wreck; angry one minute and laughing uncontrollably the next." Hormones play a part in why you feel like you suddenly have mood swings but there are other factors, as well.

​Factors that can affect your mood:

• Lack of sleep - need at least 8-10 hours but have the urge to stay up late
• Brain not fully developed until early 20s -tend to be impulsive without thinking about consequences
• Lack ability to label own emotions and accurately read adults' emotions
• Want to be independent but still need parental support
• Empathy is developing so peers are not always caring
• Relationship issues 
• Trying to figure out your identity - Who am I?
• Facing struggles in academics or activities
• Not knowing how to approach someone you like
• ​Puberty challenges
• Mental health issues 
• Hungry or thirsty

It's important for you to learn to express your feelings and to ask others what they are actually feeling, since you will not always be able to judge accurately. This page has several charts of emotion words and ideas for how to practice labeling your emotions. 

Link to blank faces coloring page

There is a great deal to learn while studying puberty. Below I'm including links to reliable resources that you can revisit at any time.

Resources for you to check out

KidsHealth puberty
​Puberty for boys
Puberty for girls
​Puberty, menstruation, and hygiene
WebMD boys puberty quiz
WebMD girls puberty quiz
WebMD puberty directory
Female anatomy
​Male anatomy
​​​Dealing with acne

Periods
Tampons, pads, cups
Parent sex ed center
Teacher's guide on puberty for boys with puzzles and worksheets to check your knowledge
Teacher's guide on puberty for girls with puzzles and worksheets to check your knowledge
Activities you can try to learn about your emotions 
Interactive bodies that show changes for males and females

All resources used to create this blog are linked.