Puberty marks the onset of sexual maturity in boys and girls. Puberty in both the sexes is accompanied by a series of physical and hormonal changes in the body leading to the development of reproductive system and certain characteristics, like pubic hair and mustaches. The transition period from childhood to adulthood not only leads to physical changes in the personality but also to physiological and emotional changes. Developing a sense of individuality and a new relationship with parents, are evident in puberty. Read more on adolescents.
Puberty Questions for Boys
Some commonly asked questions and their answers about puberty in boys are as follows:
When does puberty begin in boys?
The age when puberty begins in an individual varies from person too person. In boys, puberty generally occurs between the ages of 12 to 16 years. Various factors like environmental influences and deficiency of hormones in the body can affect the start of puberty.
What are the physical effects of puberty in boys?
Puberty marks its beginning in boys with the increase in size of testicles. The enlargement of testicles begins at the age of 11 or 12 and lasts for around six months. As the testicles grow in size, there is an increase in the size of the penis. Then there is the growth of the pubic hair and hair in the armpits. Along with these, the voice becomes rough and deeper. The development of facial hair is the last step in the process of puberty. Increase in height and weight are some other physical changes cause by puberty in boys.
Why do some of the boys gain weight and height during puberty, whereas others are dissatisfied with their looks?
Puberty in boys leads to significant changes in the bodily constitution. While many boys gain weight and appear older than their age, various others don’t grow much or are unable to put on much weight. It is to be understood that puberty is natural and so the growth process differs for every individual. Besides these, your nutrition also plays a vital role in your growth during puberty. That’s why, it is advised to consume a healthy diet, especially during growing ages. Every one responds differently to puberty changes, so, boys not gaining weight shouldn’t worry much. Follow a healthy diet and get trained under an expert gym trainer.
What are ‘wet dreams’?
Wet dreams or nocturnal emissions are nothing but the discharge of semen through the penis, while a boy is asleep. Generally, there is a lot of embarrassment and hesitation when it comes to discussing wet dreams. However, wet dreams are common during the puberty ages and there is no need to feel embarrassed. Wet dreams occur when the body starts making more testosterone (the male sex hormone) and there is an erection in the penis. Erection is nothing but the filling of the penis with blood. Erection leads to ejaculation, which is the discharge of semen from the body, through the penis. Wet dreams are normal for all boys and none should feel guilty of having a wet dream.
Puberty Questions for Girls
Here are some puberty questions for girls.
When does puberty begin in girls?
As compared to boys, puberty changes in girls are more faster. In girls, puberty occurs roughly at the age of 11 years. However, there is no right time and right age that one can predict for the onset of puberty. Some girls have been reported to have onset of puberty at the age of 9 years.
What are the physical changes of puberty in girls?
The development of breasts are the first signs of puberty in girls followed by the growth of pubic hair and it is followed by the growth of hair in the armpit. The growth of armpit hair in some cases can be prior to the breast development. Menstruation, or what we normally call periods, occur after two and a half years of reaching the puberty stage.
What is menstruation?
Menstruation is one of the major signs, that show a girl has reached the stage of maturity. Women call it by different names like periods, menses, monthly cycle, few girls even use code words like chumps, Aunt Flo or MC. Menstruation is a part of the natural cycle of the biological clock of women. It is the monthly vaginal bleeding that occurs in girls from the age of puberty till the age of menopause.
All girls have two ovaries that contain thousands of eggs. Every month one egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. The egg is in the developmental stage and the uterus begins preparing to receive the egg. It builds up the endometrial lining with extra blood and tissues. If the egg is not fertilized by the male sperm, the egg will be flushed out of the uterus through the vagina. Along with the egg, the extra blood and tissue lining will also be shed. Thus, resulting in the monthly cycle of menstruation. A normal menstruation cycle is of about 28 days. Many girls have longer or shorter menstruation cycles. A normal period will last 2 or 3 days and some may experience bleeding for 7 days. Amount of bleeding varies from girl to girl. More on menstrual period symptoms.
What are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps are the most common signs of puberty before the start of menstruation cycle. Many girls experience menstrual cramps for the first few days of their periods. The cramps are due to the contraction of the uterus because of the release of a chemical prostaglandin. Few girls often feel dull aches and menstrual cramps. Few experience sharp and intense menstrual cramps. Many times, menstrual cramps disappear with age. Read more on severe menstrual cramps.
Puberty Questions for Parents
Parents can play a significant role in maintaining the teen sexual health. However, many parents are so embarrassed of talking on topics related to puberty and sex with their children, that they avoid it as much as possible. This attitude is nothing less than poor parenting. Children are not born with all the knowledge and life experiences. Parents must ensure that they give their children right information and at the right time, so that, they are not dependent on external sources for information. Some questions that may help parents are as follows:
What are the puberty questions that parents can answer?
Parents can talk about various issues related to puberty, like the role of hormonal changes in the body, especially the role of testosterone and estrogen. Where does embarrassment come into picture? What you are doing is nothing but explaining a naturally occurring phenomena, on the basis of biological science. If you will properly explain things, it would help your child develop a good notion about sex and other related concepts.
What should parents talk to boys?
Parents should explain boys, the role of testosterone, that is the male sex hormone. They can explain them that boys can experience mood swings and they will develop hair on private parts. Besides these, over a course of time their voice will become rough and harsh. As parents, one should remind them these are just bodily changes that occur in this age group. With time, they will be comfortable with these changes. Testicular growth, erections, enlarged penis, wet dreams etc. must be discussed with the child, so that, when he encounters these things, he does not develop guilt, shame or embarrassment. Read more on the subject sex education.
What should parents talk to girls?
The relation of a mother and daughter assumes great significance during the puberty stage. It is the mother who can guide the daughter on issues related to menstruation and hygiene. The mother should sit with the daughter and explain her the various changes, that the body will go through, especially, the breast size. Mothers can help the daughter understand the bodily changes, she is growing through. Read more on parenting teenagers.
During the puberty phase, interest in the opposite sex is perfectly normal. Parents should talk to their children about maintaining healthy friendship with the opposite sex. Issues related to masturbation and other topics must be discussed with the children, if not possible by the parents, then with the help of a counselor. Parents can be the best friends of their children and children look for guidance and support from the parents. So, it is necessary that parents talk to their children about these issues. Hope, this article must have helped you in getting some of your puberty questions answered.
Comments Off
Tags: