PUBERTY

Between the ages of 8 and 18 years old, your body hits puberty and starts growing and changing. Puberty is the time when your body changes from being a kid to becoming an adult. As you make these changes, everything from your body to your feelings begins to change. This can be very confusing and might make you feel awkward, but don’t worry! It’s normal! Every adult has gone through it. There are many changes that occur during puberty.

In Boys:

· Experience growth spurt around 13 and 14 years old

· Grow larger ears, hands and feet

· Grow larger penis and scrotum around 12 years old

· Develop very sensitive testicles

· Experience more frequent erections

· Experience ejaculations and "wet dreams"

· Develop larger muscles and broader shoulders

In Girls:

· Experience growth spurt around age 11

· Grow larger breasts around age 11

· Get rounder, wider hips and narrower waists

· Start menstruation (period) around age 13

The many different signs that puberty has begun:

In Boys, ejaculation is the first sign that they are going through puberty. Ejaculation is the release of semen through the penis. This can even happen while a boy is sleeping without him knowing it. This is called a "wet dream." This is very normal and you shouldn’t be embarrassed.

In Girls, their first menstruation (a monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus through the vagina) is a sign that they have reached puberty.

· Menstruation may begin at any age; it just depends on the individual.

· The first few cycles can be irregular, but become regular over time.

· One menstrual period may last between 2-7 days, and returns about every 28 days.

· During one menstrual period, it's typical for ½ to one cup of blood and tissue to be discharged from start to finish.

· Some girls get premenstrual syndrome (PMS) right before their menstrual period. Symptoms of PMS include cramps and irritability and are also driven by your hormones.

For hygiene reasons, girls should ALWAYS use tampons or sanitary pads to absorb the blood flow. Tampons (worn internally) should be changed at least every four hours in order to avoid the risk of a bacterial infection called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Feminine napkins, or Pads, are worn inside the underwear and should be changed every four to five hours at least to prevent a foul odor. Overnight pads should be changed every eight hours. Try keeping extra tampons or pads on hand for whenever you need them. Have some available at home, but don't forget to take some with you to school (in a purse or a backpack), or wherever else you may need them. This way if your menstrual period comes on suddenly or when you're not home, you will always have something ready. Thinking ahead and being prepared can really save you a lot of potential embarrassment. Remember, getting your period is normal. All women have gone through the same thing!