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Changes in Girls
Physical changes in girls typically occur first, and are more easily seen than the physical changes that occur in guys (just the beginning of one of many differences among the sexes). In most girls, puberty starts with breast growth. When your breasts start to develop, you may notice small, tender lumps under one or both nipples that will get bigger over the next few years.
Soft hair will start to grow in the pubic area (the area between your legs). This hair will eventually become thick and very curly. You may also notice hair under your arms and on your legs. Many women shave or wax this hair. There is no medical reason to shave or wax, it is simply a personal choice. If you decide to shave, be sure to use a lot of soap and water and a clean razor made for women. In terms of your body shape, your hips get wider and your waist will get smaller. Your body will also begin to build up fat in the stomach, buttocks, and legs. This is normal and gives your body the curvier shape of a woman.
Your menstrual cycle, or "period," begins between 9 and 16 years of age. Typically, it is around the time your mother/older sister had their period, but it does not have to happen that way. Menstruation is a monthly process; The process begins when your ovaries begin to release eggs. To prepare for the release of the egg, a thick layer of tissue and blood cells build up on the lining of your uterus. If the egg does not meet with a sperm, these tissues and cells are not needed by the body. They turn into a blood-like fluid and flow out of the vagina. The bleeding usually lasts 3-7days. This cycle continues every month throughout your life until you reach menopause. Menopause is the time when your body changes hormonally again, and stops menstruating.
Changes in Guys
With guys, puberty usually begins with a growth spurt between 10 to 16 years of age. You may notice that you grow out of your clothes or shoes much faster than you normally do. Don't worry, just as with girls, your hormones will balance out and your body will catch up. You will also get taller and your shoulders may get broader. You will gain weight. During this time, many boys experience swelling under their nipples. This may cause them to worry that they are growing breasts. If you experience this, don't worry. It is common among boys your age and is a temporary condition. If you are worried about it, talk to your pediatrician. During puberty, your muscles will also get bigger.
The shape of your body isn't the only change that will occur. Your voice will get deeper as well. This may start with your voice cracking. As you continue to grow, the cracking will stop and your voice will stay at a lower range. Just as with girls, hair will appear under your arms, on your legs and face, and above your penis. Chest hair may appear during puberty or years after, although not all men have chest hair. Some men shave the hair on their faces. There is no medical reason to shave, it is simply a personal choice. If you decide to shave, be sure to use shaving cream and a clean razor made for men. Your penis and testes will also grow. You may have erections more often due to an increase in sex hormones. Erections occur when the penis gets stiff and hard - sometimes for no reason. This is normal. Even though you may feel embarrassed, try to remember that most people will not even notice your erection unless you draw attention to it. Many boys become concerned about their penis size; a boy may compare his own penis size with that of his friends. It is important to remember that the size of a man's penis has nothing to do with his manliness or sexual functioning. Your body will also begin to produce sperm during puberty. This means that during an erection, you may also experience ejaculation. This occurs when semen (made up of sperm and other fluids) is released through the penis. This could happen while you are sleeping. You might wake up to find your sheets or pajamas are wet. This is called a nocturnal emission or "wet dream." This is normal so don't worry about it.
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