Puberty is a difficult and whirlwind time for many teenagers. For both boys and girls, it is normal to feel insecure and hesitant in the face of the transformations affecting this moment in life. You will notice a lot of changes in the body, but don't worry as they are absolutely normal and happen to everyone. If you know what to expect, you will be able to handle the situation better.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Dealing with Problems Affecting Boys and Girls
Step 1. Learn to keep body odors at bay
During puberty you will certainly notice that sweating becomes more profuse (especially under the arms) and is accompanied by stronger odors. This is normal, but this means that you need to pay more attention to personal hygiene. Try to shower every day and wear clean clothes. Deodorant will also help keep you cooler if you apply it every morning.
- Some deodorants contain antiperspirant agents that inhibit sweating. Normal ones, without antiperspirant, do not have this action, but they prevent bad body odors.
- Your hair may get greasier too, so you'll likely need to wash it more often than you did before.
Step 2. Treat acne
During puberty, the skin begins to change as a result of hormonal changes that can lead to acne. You may also notice that the skin becomes drier or oily. To combat these problems, be sure to wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser. In addition, an acne cream can help prevent pimples, while a moisturizer is more suitable for particularly dry skin.
- Acne medications based on benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid are very effective. Skin has different needs for different people, so try various products until you find the right one.
- Remember that acne medications can dry out your skin, so you may want to apply a moisturizer as well.
- Always use an oil-free face moisturizer, especially if you have acne. In case of oily skin, a very rich cream risks aggravating acne manifestations. Plus, sunscreen moisturizers protect you from sun damage.
- The habit of squeezing pimples can make the problem worse, so avoid.
- Do not bring your hands to your face and remove the hair from the skin because you risk contaminating it with fatty substances, favoring the formation of pimples.
- If you have serious acne problems that don't respond to self-medication, consider seeing a dermatologist.
Step 3. Expect to grow tall
Generally, an increase in height occurs during puberty. You will likely grow a few inches during this time and, as your physique changes, you will also gain a few pounds. If you feel physically uncomfortable, know that you will come out of this phase. Some people gain weight before they start growing tall, while others start getting taller before gaining weight, but in both cases, these are normal changes.
- You can feel better wearing clothes of your size. If you notice that the old ones don't suit you anymore, ask your parents to buy you some new clothes (even just a few pieces). It's not a permanent solution, as you may continue to grow and undergo physical changes for quite a while.
- Also, you may feel like your feet are bigger and hindered at this stage of your life. In fact, they often grow earlier than the rest of the body. Know that this feeling of difficulty will not last long, soon the body will restore its harmony.
Step 4. Manage emotional changes
Puberty is subject to the hormonal influx of estrogen and testosterone. Their action affects not only the physical appearance, but also the mood. As a result, you may lose your temper more often or feel more touchy than before. There is not much you can do in these cases, but try to identify the emotional changes and avoid blaming others.
- During this time, you may also feel uncomfortable with your body. Always remember that all these changes are normal.
- Sometimes you may feel more tired than usual, so take a rest. If fatigue gets worse, report it to your doctor.
- Whether it's a friend or an adult, sharing your emotions with someone usually offers some comfort. You may need a little support at this time in your life, so don't be afraid to seek it out.
- To improve your self-confidence at this critical time in your life, try dedicating yourself to something you are passionate about. Whether it's singing, painting or playing football, you can fuel your self-esteem by following your talent.
- If certain emotions prevent you from living your daily life peacefully or severely distress you, see a mental health professional. A psychologist can teach you to manage them in a healthier way.
- Sport helps to keep the anxiety that comes from all the changes taking place in the period of puberty at bay. Exercise increases the production of chemicals in the brain that improve mood, so find a sport you enjoy, whether it's swimming, dancing, or playing in a team.
Step 5. Avoid making comparisons with others
Puberty is a phase of human life that must go through sooner or later. If you notice that changes are occurring in you before all of your friends or you have the impression that they are happening late, you don't need to worry! In a few years you will all be at the same point.
- Typically, puberty begins between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls.
- For boys, however, it usually starts between the ages of 9 and 15.
Step 6. Expect to feel sexual desire
At some point, during puberty, you will begin to be sexually attracted to someone. However, just because you feel this desire doesn't mean you're emotionally ready for sex. It is best to consult an adult you can trust who will help you know when you are ready and will inform you about methods of contraception to have safe sex.
- If you decide to have sex, keep in mind that you need to protect yourself from the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The best way is always to use a condom, although it is not 100% effective.
- Oral sex can also be a vehicle for sexually transmitted diseases, so it's important to practice it safely. Use the dental dam, a plastic wrap, or a condom cut into a quadrangular shape for cunnilingus (contact between the mouth and vagina) and anilingus (stimulation of the anus with the tongue). Use a condom for fellatio (oral sex aimed at the penis). You can find these items in the supermarket or pharmacy.
- Don't let anyone push you into sex if you don't feel ready. It is a personal decision that no one can make for you.
Step 7. Find a confidant
If you feel uncomfortable about the changes affecting your body, you should speak to someone who has already gone through puberty. Talk to an adult of the same sex you trust, be it a parent, older sibling, or doctor.
- You can talk about these issues with your friends too, but remember they are just as confused as you are, so don't rely on them if you want to get advice.
- If you are being followed by a pediatrician of the opposite sex to yours and you are not comfortable with the idea of referring to him the problems that are emerging during this period, ask your parents if you can see another doctor.
Part 2 of 3: Dealing with Girl Problems
Step 1. Learn how to remove unwanted hair
During puberty, hair begins to grow on the arms, legs and groin area in women. You don't have to shave if you don't want to, but most girls start shaving shortly after the first appearance of unwanted hair. You should discuss this with your mother or another adult woman you trust before trying to remove them for the first time.
- The razor is the simplest tool for shaving. There are other ways to shave, but they should all be used with a lubricating substance, such as shaving gel or bubble bath. You need to be careful when shaving to avoid cutting yourself. You can also use an electric razor if you prefer.
- You can shave by waxing your legs, armpits and bikini line. It can be painful, but it lasts longer than shaving.
- In addition, there are chemical-based products on the market that allow you to remove hair independently without the use of a razor.
Step 2. Bring your bra
The bra becomes indispensable when the breasts begin to grow. Ask your mother or another adult woman you trust to accompany you to buy it.
- You may need a particular model that offers more support when playing sports.
- It is very important that the bra is the right size. If you need help, you can find experienced salespeople in lingerie stores, so just ask.
- Don't worry if one breast starts growing faster than the other. In the end they will be the same, although in most women they do not reach exactly the same size.
Step 3. Prepare for your first period
It can be scary at first, but preparing yourself can make it easier for you. When you are menstruating, you need to use the tampon by sticking it inside the underwear or the tampon by introducing it into the vagina. Read the directions for use on the package, but it would be helpful to ask an adult woman (like your mother) for advice.
- It's a good idea to keep a spare pair of panties and an extra sanitary pad in your backpack in case your first period occurs at school.
- In most girls, menarche appears around the age of 12, but it is absolutely normal for it to occur between the ages of 8 and 16.
- This event marks the entry into the fertile age, that is, with the beginning of the menstrual cycle you will have the opportunity to procreate. If the egg does not meet the sperm, it is expelled resulting in menstruation, which lasts about 3-7 days and results in a blood loss of 30-40 ml.
- Don't be alarmed if your first period is dark in color rather than bright red. It is absolutely normal, just as it is normal that at the beginning they are irregular with a tendency to regularize during growth.
- Change your tampon or tampon regularly (at least once every four hours). If left inside for more than 8 hours, the tampon can cause a violent response from the body called toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
- In addition to menstruation, you may notice clear or whitish discharge on your underwear. They can occur in the days leading up to the first menstrual flow and continue afterwards. This type of vaginal discharge is caused by hormonal changes that take place in the body and actually help keep the vagina healthy.
Step 4. Expect weight gain
In addition to breast development, girls undergo other physiological changes that affect the structure of the body. It is normal and healthy for them to gain weight and become more shapely during puberty, so don't stand in the way of this healthy transformation.
It is harmful to diet during puberty to prevent natural weight gain! Even if you feel uncomfortable with the physical changes that are taking place, you need to let things take their course. A woman's body is different from a girl's and there is nothing wrong with that
Part 3 of 3: Handling Problems Relating to Kids
Step 1. Accept the voice change
During puberty, a lowering of the pitch of the voice occurs in boys, because the larynx and vocal cords undergo rapid development. Unfortunately, as the body adjusts to these changes, you will notice a break in the voice with sudden changes to a high pitched pitch. There's nothing you can do to avoid it, but it's comforting to know that it usually only lasts a few months.
In most boys, this phenomenon occurs between the ages of 11 and 14
Step 2. Start shaving
At some point, you will begin to notice the beard on the chin and in the area above the upper lip. You will definitely want to start shaving as it becomes more noticeable; try talking to your dad or another adult you trust before making this decision.
- The electric shaver with the flexible head is convenient and effective, even if it does not guarantee a perfect shave.
- You can also use the manual razor, but you will have to be careful not to cut yourself. In these cases, always use a shaving cream or gel to prevent any irritation.
- Additionally, you will see hair appear under the arms and in the groin area. Those on the arms, legs, and other places on the body thicken and become thicker. You can leave them if you want, or try waxing or razor waxing if they bother you.
Step 3. Expect an erection
Puberty is the period in which the man begins to have his first erections, characterized by the swelling and the increase in size of the penis as a result of the influx of blood. They can happen unexpectedly, but don't be alarmed.
- Erections can occur at any time, whether you are sexually aroused or not.
- Don't be overly embarrassed if it happens in front of other people. They don't necessarily notice.
- If you want to inhibit the erection phenomenon, don't think about it. Instead, try focusing your attention on a boring and repetitive activity, like saying the alphabet backwards.
Step 4. Expect the development of the genital organs
You will notice that the penis and testicles also begin to develop during puberty. Do not think about the size and do not make comparisons with others. Also, don't worry if one testicle appears to grow faster than the other because they will eventually be the same.
Step 5. Remember that ejaculation is a normal phenomenon
In addition to the erection, you will also begin to ejaculate. It occurs at the end of an erection with the ejection of semen from the penis. Like an erection, it can happen unexpectedly, so don't be overly alarmed. It is absolutely normal and indicates the transition from childhood to adulthood.
- Ejaculation can occur at any time following an erection, whether you are aroused or not.
- There are also nocturnal pollutions, which consist in the involuntary and uncontrolled emission of seminal fluid. They happen when, following an erection during sleep, you ejaculate without being aware of it. While it doesn't happen to all kids, it's a perfectly normal developmental stage that ends as they grow up.
Step 6. Don't worry if your breasts grow slightly
When the male body in the pubertal stage begins to get more muscular, it often experiences a small breast growth. This phenomenon is also absolutely normal and does not indicate anything wrong with the hormonal level. As the body continues to grow and change, it will disappear.
