Your body is about to surprise you with those pubic changes, let’s get you prepared for what’s coming next…
It’s the time of your life people! This is the only phase of your life when you will be a teenager. And if our word is anything to go by, you must embrace this phase with all your heart before it’s too late. This however is also when you will experience huge shifts; emotionally and physically. These changes will open up a whole new world for you. You will discover things about yourself that you never thought existed. You might even find yourself grappling with these changes.
This journey to self-discovery can be both; scary and exciting. But if you are well armed with information about puberty and teens, you can go ahead and enjoy this phase without having to worry much.
Read on as Dr. Ankesh Sahetya lists down all the pubic changes you can expect as you dive into your teens and tells you how to deal with it all without getting overwhelmed…
Girls Edition –
At age 11
Expect growth spurts. For example your height will increase.
Between age 11 to 14
Expect – Development of breast buds (Thelarche)
To deal with it – Speak to an older female you trust. It could be you mother, sister, granny or a teacher. Discuss the type of under garments you need to provide support and comfort.
Between age 12 to 14
Expect – Development of Axillary and Pubic hair (Adrenarche)
To deal with it – You could trim, shave or wax your pubic hair. Choose your preferred method but maintain utmost personal hygiene. It is important to clean your vaginal area with basic soap and water, avoid a very alkaline soap. It might affect the Ph of your Vagina and cause vaginal discharge.
Between age 11 to 14
Expect – Beginning of your Menstrual cycle (Menarche)
To deal with it – Speak to an older female you trust. It could be your mom, sister, granny or a teacher. Discuss menstrual hygiene and usage of sanitary pads with your trusted lady or read up online. Once you know how it works, you will ease into using it naturally.
Make sure you tell yourself (if your mom hasn’t pacified you enough already) that this is an absolutely normal phenomenon, and all women go through it. If the cramps are too bad, consult your physician for pain killers.
After age 11
Expect – Acne, breakouts, oily skin, dandruff.
To deal with it – Start maintaining high standards of facial hygiene. Use a good face wash – preferably to eliminate oily skin. Prevent formation of acne and black heads by avoiding the triggers and keep skin pores clean.
Between age 16 to 18
Expect – Complete development of breasts. Your curves will now start showing aka expect development of your feminine figure (hips and breasts) ie: broadening of hips, development of a feminine tone.
To deal with it – Again speak to an older female you trust (mother/ sister/ teacher). Discuss the kind and size of under garments you need and buy them.
Expect – Yourself to mentally and sub-consciously get attracted to the opposite sex.
To deal with it – Understand that this is an absolutely natural phenomenon. Make sure you equip yourself well with all the knowledge you need about sex, contraception and sexuality. Be aware of teenage problems, safety and pregnancies.
Boys Edition –
Between age 12 to 13
Expect growth spurts. For example your height will increase.
Between age 12 to 14
Expect – Development of Axillary and Pubic hair. (Adrenarche)
To deal with it – You could trim or shave your pubic hair. Choose your preferred method but maintain utmost personal hygiene. It is important to clean your pubic area with basic soap and water, avoid a very alkaline soap.
Between age 12 to 14
Expect – Enlargement and darkening of the Penis and scrotum.
To deal with it – Know that it is normal, there is nothing to worry about.
After age 11
Expect – Acne, oily skin, Dandruff to surface.
To deal with it – Start maintaining high standards of facial hygiene.
Use a good face wash – preferably to eliminate oily skin. Prevent formation of acne and black heads by avoiding the triggers and keep skin pores clean.
Between age 12 to13
Expect – Night falls. You might also get wet dreams and random untimely erections.
To deal with it – Speak to someone older, it could be your mom if you are comfortable or your father or brother. It could even be a teacher you trust. Read up online about night falls and erections and you will know these are a natural phenomenon.
Between age 12 to16
Expect – Development of your masculine physique. That is your shoulders will broaden and your stature will start looking masculine. You will experience cracking of voice and develop a masculine tone.
To deal with it – Again speak to someone older. Preferably a male father figure who has been through what you are now experiencing.
Between age 14 to18
Expect – Yourself to mentally and sub-consciously get attracted to the opposite sex.
To deal with it – Understand that this is an absolutely natural phenomenon. Make sure you equip yourself well with all the knowledge you need about sex, contraception and sexuality. Be aware of teenage problems, safety and pregnancies.