Puberty - male
For most people, puberty occurs between eight and 16, however, people’s
bodies develop at different rates, some can start early or late and
develop quickly or slowly. What to remember is body changes are normal
and many people feel worried that their body is not like everyone else's.
Puberty is the part of growing up when our bodies and minds start to change from
being a child to being an adult. Most people feel insecure or anxious that they
are not normal. But the truth is, the rate your body changes is normal. However,
if you are worried then talk to an adult you trust so that they can reassure
you or support you in getting help or drop into your local C2U
drop in.
Many people feel self-conscious about the way they look as their bodies grow and change, and sometimes different parts of our body grow at different speeds so you may find that you trip over your feet, or your hips look big for the rest of your body. Although this may make you feel anxious it is important to remember you are not alone.
Some of the changes to expect
- your voice deepens
- you grow taller
- your muscles develop and your chest gets broader
- your genitals (penis and testicles) grow larger
- your nipples can become sensitive for a short time and may have some swelling
- hair grows under your arms, on your legs, chest, genitals and face (upper lip and chin) - you may choose to start shaving
- you may get spots
- the sweat glands are more active under your arms and between your legs
You may also have "wet dreams". This is when you lose semen (which is wet and mixed with sperm) from your penis during sleep.
Erections happen when you are sexually excited and often even when you aren't and your penis will seem to have a mind of its own. During an erection the penis grows stiff, longer and wider and will sticks outwards and upwards.Puberty - female
For most people, puberty occurs between eight and 16, however, people’s bodies develop at different rates, some can start early or late and develop quickly or slowly. What to remember is body changes are normal and many people feel worried that their body is not like everyone else's.
Some of the changes to expect:
- you grow taller
- your nipples and breasts start to swell and fill out – often one breast is bigger than the other
- your body shape grows more rounded and curvy with a slim waist and broader hips
- hair grows under your arms, on your legs and genitals
- you may get spots
- the sweat glands are more active under arms and between legs
- your hair may get more greasy
- your periods start and you loose approx half a cup of blood during this time
- people can't tell when a girl is having a period
Puberty is the part of growing up when our bodies and minds start to change from being a child to being an adult. Most people feel insecure or anxious that they are not normal. But the truth is, the rate your body changes is normal. However, if you are worried then talk to an adult you trust so that they can reassure you or support you in getting help or drop into your local C2U drop in.
Many people feel self-conscious about the way they look as their bodies grow and change, and sometimes different parts of our body grow at different speeds so you may find that you trip over your feet, or your hips look big for the rest of your body. Although this may make you feel anxious it is important to remember you are not alone.