What is Puberty?

Puberty is the time between childhood and adulthood when girls' and boys' bodies change rapidly as they grow into young women and men.

Everyone's body changes at different times and at different rates. Some young people start puberty when they are nine, 10, or 11 years old. Others start when they are in their middle to late teens. Generally, girls start puberty before boys. Caused by chemicals in the body called hormones, puberty does not happen overnight. It can last for a few years.

During puberty, girls and boys experience many changes.They often wonder if they are "normal." Changes include a growth spurt, increased pubic and underarm hair, acne, and the development of sweat glands.They also often experience a rollercoaster of emotions-feeling happy one minute and angry the next.

During puberty, girls' bodies change shape. Breasts develop and hips widen. Menstruation starts-making it possible for those that have intercourse to get pregnant.

During puberty, boys grow facial hair, develop deeper voices, grow larger penises, and begin to make sperm -making it possible for them to father a child if they have intercourse.

Puberty is a time when young people often want more independence and privacy.Their relationships with friends and family often change.They may develop crushes, begin to date, experience sexual feelings, face peer pressure, and struggle with body image and self-esteem.

Following are some typical questions about sexuality from students in fifth and sixth grade classes. It can be helpful for parents and caregivers to practice answering these questions before talking with their children.

General Questions

"Why do we have to go through puberty?"
"Does puberty hurt?"
"What is a sign that puberty is starting?"
"Why do we get hair on our privates?"
"How can people get a 'six pack' in their stomachs?"
"What is masturbation?"

Questions about Girls' Bodies

"When do girls grow breasts and why?"
"Why do girls have a period?"
"How do you know you're beginning to get your period?"
"How old do you have to be to get your period?"
"Is it true that girls have one breast smaller than the other?"
"What if you have your period; is it better to use a tampon or pad?"

Questions about Boys' Bodies

"Do boys develop sperm at a young age?"
"What is the color of sperm?"
"Does sperm come from the testicles?"
"What's a wet dream?"
"What happens when you jerk off?"
"How long is the man's or boy's penis or the longest it could grow?"

Other Questions Young People Asked

"When you have sex, do you bleed?"
"How does the man make the woman pregnant?"
"How does it feel to have sex?"
"Where do babies come from?"
"How do you reproduce?"
"What happens during an orgasm?" 

With the exception of infancy, young people experience their most rapid growth during puberty. And puberty is happening earlier than ever before-sometimes as early as age nine. Young people will probably notice the signs of puberty before their parents and caregivers do.They will have many questions and will wonder if their experiences are "normal." Puberty can be both exciting and scary. It is important that parents and caregivers prepare their children little by little so they will understand puberty and feel comfortable about the changes happening to their bodies.

It's easy for young people to overlook the fact that parents and caregivers once went through puberty.Talking to the young people in your life about your experiences can help them prepare for the changes that happen during puberty. It also lets them know that you are there to support them through the physical and emotional changes that they are likely to experience. Parents and caregivers can begin the conversation when a "teachable moment" presents itself or by saying something like "I remember when I was your age and my body began to change..."