Puberty
Puberty is the process that changes a child’s body into an adult body that is capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty is triggered by the release of hormones from a small gland in at the base of the brain. For girls puberty starts at around 10 years of age with a range of eight to 13 years being normal. For boys it is usually between 11 and 12 years, however the normal range can be from 9 to 14 years.
Changes for girls:
- breast development
- hips widen and body becomes curvier
- grow taller
- hair growth – hair will start to grow in pubic area, under arms and hair on the arms and legs will darken
- vaginal discharge – may start having a clear or whitish discharge for the vagina
- periods will start
- pimples may appear
Changes for boys:
- shoulders and chest becomes broader
- grow taller
- body becomes more muscular
- voice gets deeper
- penis and testicles become larger and darker in colour
- hair growth - hair will start to grow in pubic area, under arms, chest and back and hair on the arms and legs will darken
- during wet dreams or when masturbating, ejaculation may occur
- pimples may appear.