Puberty changes for girls and boys - FPWA Sexual Health Services

You will get hair in different places
You will start to grow hair in new places on your
body, including your armpits, legs and around
your genitals. Boys may also get chest and facial
hair. You may have more or less hair than other
people and this is normal.
You may get pimples
Your skin may become oily and you may get
pimples. Try not to touch or squeeze them, as this
can make them worse. If your pimples are very
bad, it may help to see a doctor.
You will sweat more
You will start to sweat more, so take care with
your personal hygiene at this time. Shower and
change your clothes regularly. You may want to
use deodorant.
Masturbation is normal
Touching or rubbing your genitals is called
masturbation.This usually feels good.
Masturbation is private and is a normal and
healthy way of learning how your body works
and feels.
For more information contact:
FPWA Sexual Health Services
70 Roe Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Ph 08 9227 6177
Quarry Health Centre for Under 25s
170 Aberdeen Street Northbridge WA 6003
Ph 08 9227 1444
quarryhealthcentre.org.au
Sexual Health Helpline
Metropolitan callers 08 9227 6178
Country callers 1800 198 205
sexhelp@fpwa.org.au
For more puberty information visit
www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au
Your local contact is:
www.fpwa.org.au
What is Puberty?
Puberty is the time when your body changes from
the body of a child to the body of an adult.
Changes during puberty will affect the way
you look, feel and think. Puberty is different for
everyone.
Everyone experiences changes. It is good to learn
about what happens to both boys and girls.
When does Puberty begin?
Changes for girls usually start between the ages of 8
and 13 and for boys slightly later, between the ages
of 9 and 14. Everyone is different.
Puberty changes for
girls and boys
You may feel different
Your thoughts and feelings will change as you
begin to work out who you are. You may not always
understand how you feel and your moods may
change quickly.
As your body changes, you may feel self-conscious,
easily embarrassed and want more privacy. Puberty
is a time when friendships become more important
and it is common to have feelings of attraction
towards others.
Sexual Health Services
© Family Planning Association of WA (Inc) May 2013
Sexual Health Services
Your body is changing
Your body is becoming physically ready to make
a baby (even though this may be the last thing
on your mind). It is normal for your body shape
to change; you will grow taller and gain weight.
Everyone is different and this is ok.

Girl’s stuff
Ovary
Breasts
Boy’s stuff
Penis
Why do you have periods?
Inside your body you have a uterus (womb). This is
where a baby can grow. Each month an egg (which
can meet with sperm during sex to make a baby) is
released from an ovary and the lining of the uterus
thickens to prepare for a pregnancy. If a pregnancy
does not occur, the lining breaks down and is
passed out of your body through your vagina. This
bleeding is called a period or menstruation.
Most girls will have a period about every 28 days
but this varies. A period usually lasts for 3 to 7 days,
with around 2 tablespoons of blood lost. The blood
may vary in amount and colour from day to day.
Most girls start their periods between the ages of
10 and 14. When you first start having periods they
may not happen regularly and this is normal.
Using pads and tampons
Pads and tampons can be used to absorb period
blood. Pads have a sticky strip on the back that
attaches to your underwear; tampons are inserted
into your vagina. Practise using tampons as they
can be tricky to use at first.
Plan ahead and carry pads or tampons in your bag.
Pads and tampons should be changed every 3 to 4
hours (put them in the bin afterwards).
Uterus
Egg
Vagina
Inside your body
How will you feel when you have
your period?
You may get tummy cramps just before or during
your period. A hot water bottle on your tummy or
light exercise may help. You may also notice you
are more emotional around this time. It may be
helpful to talk about your feelings.
Developing breasts
All girls develop breasts during puberty. Breasts
come in different shapes and sizes and it is quite
normal for your own two breasts to be slightly
different.
Your vulva and vagina
Your vulva (external genital area) can be difficult
to see - you may find it helpful to look with a
mirror. Every vulva is different in size and shape.
You will also start to produce fluid (discharge)
from your vagina. This is how your vagina keeps
itself clean and healthy. The amount of discharge
varies and is usually whitish. You may notice it on
your underwear.
Vulva
Your penis and testicles
During puberty your penis, scrotum and
testicles will change.
Every penis is different in size and shape.
Your penis is made of spongy tissue and will
sometimes get hard when this fills up with
blood. This is called an erection and can feel
good. During puberty erections can happen at
any time.
Boys are born with a fold of skin which covers
the head of the penis. This is called a foreskin.
It is important for boys to gently wash under
their foreskin. Some boys have their foreskin
removed. This is called circumcision.
Inside your scrotum, your testicles will start
to produce sperm (which can meet with a
woman’s egg during sex to make a baby).
Ejaculation (cumming) is when a whitish fluid
called semen (which contains sperm) comes out
of your erect penis.
Wet dreams
A wet dream is when you ejaculate (cum) while
you are asleep. Not all boys have wet dreams
but it is normal if you do and it happens less
often as you get older.
Your voice will change
Between the ages of 13 and 16, your voice may
alternate between high and squeaky and deep
and throaty. Your voice will gradually become
deeper and this is known as your voice breaking.
Foreskin
Testicle
Sperm
Scrotum
Breasts?
You may notice some growth of your breast tissue.
This usually goes away.
Liking the new you
Learning to accept the changes in your body will
help you to be happy with who you are. This may
take time.
Talking about your feelings can help, whether it is
with a parent, teacher, school nurse, counsellor or
friend.
Find time to exercise, sleep and eat well. Do activities
that you enjoy such as playing a sport, or going out
with friends.
During puberty you may also start to explore new
types of relationships.