Growing Up!, Study notes of Dance

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Puberty

The key word when it comes to puberty is CHANGE. Your body is changing, your feelings are changing and your relationships with those around you are changing. You’re growing up and becoming an adult. This change from being a child to becoming an adult is called puberty.

You’re growing up. Celebrate it and celebrate yourself.

Somewhere between the ages of about 8 and 16 puberty will begin. The experience of puberty and the time it takes to complete is different for everyone. Try not to compare yourself to others. You will grow and mature in your own way and at your own pace. By the time you’re around 18 to 20 years old, puberty will be finished.

You will grow and develop in your own way, at a pace that is different, but just as normal as everyone else’s experience.

The next few years are going to be interesting! All this change might even seem kind of scary. Just remember that the most important thing about you isn’t going to change. No matter what, you’ll always be the same person you’ve always been!

You’re growing up okay!

It is also normal for male’s breasts to change during puberty. They may swell and hurt a little. These feelings will stop after puberty.

Growth Growth can be very quick. You can have growth spurts and shoot up several inches in a short time. This fast growing might give you achy growing pains. You might also feel clumsy while you get used to your new size. Remember that everyone will grow at their own rate. You might suddenly find that you’re a head taller or shorter than a friend who’s the same age as you!

As you grow taller, it is important that you also gain some weight. Male’s shoulders and chest will broaden, while females will develop breasts and broader hips.

Perspiration Both males and females start to perspire (sweat) more during puberty. Perspiration may also have a stronger smell.

Voice The voices of both males and females will deepen. This change will be greater in males. As a male’s voice box (larynx) grows, his voice can suddenly go from high to low or from low to high. The cracking can be a bit embarrassing sometimes. In time, these voice changes will stop happening.

Masturbation Touching and rubbing your genitals can feel good. This is called masturbation. Males and females of any age may choose to masturbate or not to masturbate; both choices are normal.

The Male Body

Penis The penis is the male reproductive organ. Both urine and sperm leave the body through the penis, but never at the same time. During puberty the penis becomes larger. Penis size and shape is different for all males.

Bladder The bladder is the organ where urine is stored.

Prostate Gland The prostate gland is one of the organs that add fluid to sperm to create semen.

Seminal Vesicles The seminal vesicles are two small organs that add some of the fluid to sperm to create semen.

Vas Deferens The vas deferens are tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the prostate gland.

Testicles The two oval-shaped glands that hang inside the scrotum are the testicles. These glands make the male sex hormone testosterone. During puberty, testicles also start making sperm. Sperm are the tadpole-like male reproductive cells that can join with a female’s egg cell to start a pregnancy. Like the penis, the testicles grow during puberty. It is normal for one testicle to hang a bit lower than the other one.

Scrotum The scrotum is the sack of loose skin just behind the penis. The scrotum holds and protects the two testicles and keeps them at the right temperature for making sperm.

Wet Dreams Sometimes the penis can get erect and ejaculate semen while a male is asleep and dreaming. This is called a wet dream or a nocturnal emission. It can happen to males of all ages. It can be embarrassing to wake up in damp pyjamas and sheets, but wet dreams are just a normal sign that a male’s body is growing up.

Circumcision Penises often look different from one another. This may be because some penises are circumcised and others are not. Circumcised and uncircumcised penises both work the same way.

Circumcised Penis A circumcised penis has had the foreskin surgically removed from the penis. This procedure is usually done by a doctor.

Uncircumcised Penis An uncircumcised penis has the foreskin attached. The foreskin is loose skin that covers the tip of the penis.

The Female Body

fallopian tube ovary uterus bladder

urethra

cervix vagina clitoris vulva anus

rectum

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Side View Front View *Note: colours do not represent actual colours of organs

Uterus The uterus (also called the womb) is the muscular organ that can hold a fetus while it grows, until it is ready to be born. When a female is not pregnant, the uterus is about 7.5 cm long.

Bladder The bladder is the organ where the urine is stored.

Urethra The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Vagina The vagina is the passage that goes from the uterus to the outside of the body. It’s about 9 cm long.

Fallopian Tubes These tubes carry ova (eggs) from the ovaries to the uterus. The fallopian tubes are about 10 cm long and about as wide as a piece of spaghetti.

Anus The anus is the opening from which feces leave the body.

Ovaries The ovaries hold the ova (eggs) and make the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Each ovary is about the size of an almond.

Vulva The vulva is another word for a female’s pubic area. It means all the reproductive organs outside her body.

Labia The labia are the two folds of skin that cover the clitoris, urethra and vaginal opening. The labia are part of the vulva.

Clitoris The clitoris is a sensitive pea–sized organ. It enlarges slightly when it is touched or when a female has sexual thoughts or feelings.

Rectum The rectum is the last portion of the large intestine. The rectum stores feces until it leaves the body through the anus.

All females are born with thousands of ova (egg cells) already in their ovaries. It is not until puberty that the ova begin to ripen and leave the ovaries one at a time. This is called ovulation.

About once a month an ovum (egg) leaves an ovary and travels down a fallopian tube into the uterus. The lining of the uterus is made up of a thick mixture of blood and fluid. If a sperm (the male reproductive cell) fertilizes the ovum, a pregnancy will occur. The blood-rich lining in the uterus will help to support a growing fetus. If it is not fertilized, the pin-point-sized ovum either dissolves or flows out the vagina with the usual vaginal discharge. You won’t even notice it. Soon after the ovum is gone, the lining of the uterus also leaves the body through the vagina. This is called menstruation.

During menstruation, about 4 to 6 tablespoons of blood and fluid leave a female’s body through her vagina each day. It usually happens around every 28 days and lasts between 2 and 7 days. The exact length of time and amount of fluid are different for each female.

One of the biggest changes that happen to a female during puberty is menstruation.

Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle Many females like to keep track of their menstrual cycle. It helps them figure out when they will probably get their next period. You can keep track of your personal menstrual cycle by circling the days on a calendar that your period starts and ends. The day you begin to menstruate is the first day of your menstrual cycle. Each time you menstruate, count the number of days that have passed since your last period started. After a few months, it will be easier to tell when your next period should occur.

At first, your menstrual cycle might not be very regular. You might even skip your period for a month or so and then it will start again. Sometimes it can take a while (even a couple of years) for a female’s body to get into a regular pattern.

Most females will develop a regular menstrual cycle, which means that it will be approximately the same number of days each month. Some females may continue to have an irregular menstrual cycle, which means that the number of days for each menstrual cycle can vary.

Questions and Answers about

Menstruation

Question – What do you do about the blood when you have your period?

Answer - During her period, a female can use either pads or tampons to absorb her menstrual flow. Pads attach to the inside of underwear with small sticky strips and catch menstrual flow outside of the body. Tampons, on the other hand, are small absorbent rolls that are inserted into the vagina. Some females find it easier to use pads when they first start menstruating.

If you decide to use pads, make sure you change them several times each day and again before you go to bed. This will help to stop odour and leaks.

Tampons also need to be changed often. It is important that females choose the absorbency that is best for them. Using tampons the right way can prevent a very rare but serous infection called toxic shock syndrome.

Tampons are safe and can be very comfortable, but using them can take some practice. When inserted properly, you shouldn’t be able to feel a tampon at all. Tampons are usually inserted into the vagina using an applicator. Don’t worry about the tampon getting lost inside your body or falling out. The muscles in the walls of your vagina will hold the tampon in place until you’re ready to take it out. The tampon will have a string that hangs out of your vagina for easy removal.

Every box of tampons or pads comes with a sheet of instructions and diagrams. Read these carefully. You can also talk to a parent, an older sister, nurse or another trusted adult about what to do when you start menstruation.

Here are some things you can do to make cramps less painful:

• Mild exercise or stretching.
• Take a hot bath.
• Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen or back, depending on where you have cramps.
• Take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always speak to a parent or trusted adult before taking any medication.
• If your cramps are always very painful, you should see your doctor.

Questions and Answers about Breasts

During puberty, breasts begin to grow and develop. There is no set time that this will start. It is different for every female. There is also no one normal size or shape for breasts. There are as many different sizes and shapes of breasts as there are females.

Question – How long does it take for breasts to be fully developed? If a female starts puberty later, will she have smaller breasts?

Answer - It takes a different amount of time for every female’s breasts to develop. If a female starts puberty later than other females, it doesn’t mean that her breasts will be smaller.

While your breasts begin to grow they might feel uncomfortable and tingle.

Question – What if one breast is bigger than the other one?

Answer - Often females have one breast that is a bit larger than the other. It usually isn’t noticeable. Sometimes one breast can grow just a bit more quickly than the other one.

Question - Will breasts hurt while they grow? Can they pop or burst?

Answer - Some females find that their breasts itch and hurt a little while they are developing. Growing breasts will not pop or burst. Breasts develop slowly allowing the skin to grow along with them.

Question – What if a nipple doesn’t stick out?

Answer - This is called an inverted nipple. A nipple that is inverted may change to an outward nipple as the breast grows. Even if it looks different, an inverted nipple will work the same way as a nipple that is not inverted. There is nothing wrong with an inverted nipple.

Question – Is there any way to make breasts grow bigger?

Answer - There are no exercises or creams that can make your breasts grow larger. All sizes of breasts are normal.

Question – Do you have to wear a bra?

Answer - You don’t have to wear a bra, but most females find it more comfortable and supportive to wear a bra.

Some people may get a severe case of pimples and blackheads called acne. Acne usually gets better after puberty. Until then, you can ask a doctor about medicine that might help.

During puberty, your skin can become oily due to increased oil gland activity.

Dental Floss and brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. For extra fresh breath, be sure to brush your tongue.

Underwear Both females and males should wear cotton underwear. Cotton is a natural fibre that allows the skin to breathe and prevents the trapping of moisture that can lead to infections. If you choose underwear that is made of another material, make sure it has a cotton crotch. Males can choose either boxers or briefs, as long as they aren’t too tight. Underwear should be changed every day.

Shoes Smelly feet can usually be controlled by wearing a clean pair of socks every day. It’s also a good idea to wash the insoles of your shoes every now and then. You can buy sprays that fight foot odour, but often a light dusting of baking soda in the bottom of your shoes can help control odour too.

Genital Area (males) It is very important to keep the genital area clean. Males need to wash around their genitals and anus with mild, unscented soap and water. During a bath or shower, males who are not circumcised should clean beneath the foreskin of their penis, with mild soap and water, and carefully rinse thoroughly.

Genital Area (females) To keep their external genital area clean, females need to wash the vulva, the area around the vagina and the anus with mild, unscented soap and water, and carefully rinse thoroughly. The inside of the vagina cleans itself naturally. The vagina’s natural cleaning can leave a slight creamy yellow, odourless discharge on your underwear. This is normal. Taking regular baths and showers should leave you feeling clean and fresh.

Females should try to wipe from front to back after they go to the washroom. This will help stop harmful bacteria from the anus from getting into the vagina.

Staying Healthy

Now is a great time to decide to live a healthy life. The habits you start today will be hard to break later on, so why not start good ones now? Eating right, getting enough exercise and sleep, and staying away from smoking, drugs and alcohol can make your life longer and happier.

Eating Right As you gain more independence, you’ll have more freedom to choose the foods you want to eat. You’ll also be able to choose when and how much to eat. Candy, chips and pop might taste good, but they won’t put the right nutrients into your growing and changing body. Make a point to choose more healthy snacks – like fruit and vegetables. Canada’s Food Guide* shows you the kinds of foods you should choose and how much of them you should eat.

Dieting usually isn’t a good idea. This is especially true during puberty. Diets won’t help you get that “ideal” body and they can harm your health in the future. Besides, gaining weight during puberty is a good sign your body is growing. Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise should keep you at a healthy weight – with room for a treat now and then.

*For more information, visit Canada’s Food Guide at healthcanada.gc.ca/foodguide.

Exercise Getting enough exercise is also important. Not only will exercise help build strong bones and muscles, it also gives you a chance to take part in some fun activities. When you’re active, the ups and downs of puberty can seem a lot easier to handle.

Changing Emotions

As if all the changes to your body weren’t enough, you’ll notice that your emotions are changing too. You might discover that you have new interests, concerns and attitudes. You might also find that all those hormones are making you moody. You might feel terrific one minute and sad the next. Your feelings might surprise you. They might even make you a little worried. Try not to worry – you and your friends are all going through the same things.

Feeling Grown Up In many ways, you’re starting to feel like an adult. You probably want to be more independent and make more of your own choices. You might want to have more privacy or be taken more seriously; you’ll even find that you don’t like some of the same games, books or TV shows you used to enjoy. New interests and feelings are taking the place of old ones.

Feeling Attractive You might be more interested in your looks than you used to be. When you think about how much your body is changing, that’s not surprising. Right now, your body is a work in progress. You’ll be interested in how it’s going to turn out. You may worry about how attractive you are to others. You might even wish you could change things about yourself or that you could look more like the people you see in magazines, on TV or in the movies.

The truth is most of us won’t look like models or movie stars, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t attractive. Often the “ideal” bodies we see aren’t ideal at all, but instead they are unrealistic and unhealthy. Learning to like the unique person you are is part of becoming a happy adult.

Feeling Liked During puberty, you might find that you’re more interested in being liked by others. It’s normal to worry about being liked. Still, you shouldn’t have to act like someone else or do things you don’t want to do just to fit in. Sometimes you might feel awkward or even left out and lonely. Don’t be afraid to talk about these feelings with a parent, a friend or a teacher you trust. Believe it or not, most of your classmates are feeling the exact same way!

Sexual Feelings You and your friends are also starting to have new sexual feelings. You might discover that a certain book or show sexually excites you. A certain person might seem attractive to you. You might imagine what it would be like to be in love or to kiss or touch someone. Sexual feelings can occur towards someone of the opposite sex or the same sex. It can take some time to get used to these strong new feelings. Remember, you can always ask a parent, teacher, doctor, nurse or another trusted adult if you have any questions.

Changing Relationships

As you grow up, the way you interact with those around you is likely to change. Your relationships with your family and peers are different when you’re a pre-teen or teen than they were when you were a young child. In some ways, relationships may be more complex.

Friends As you gain more independence, your relationships with your friends might seem more important than your relationship with your family. It can seem like your friends just understand you better. You may want to be in with a certain group, make new friends or drift away from friends you’ve outgrown. The desire to fit in can be very strong. Remember that the best friendships are based on respect and trust. You have to respect others and you have to respect yourself.

A healthy part of growing up includes friendships with both sexes.