And that first crack in the voice is a sign that his voice is changing and will become deeper. Dark, coarse, curly hair will also sprout just above his penis and on his scrotum, and later under his arms and in the beard area. His penis and testes will get larger, and erections, which a boy begins experiencing as an infant, will become more frequent. Ejaculation — the release of sperm-containing semen — will also occur.
Many boys become concerned about their penis size. A boy may need reassurance, particularly if he tends to be a later developer and he compares himself with boys who are further along in puberty. If a boy is circumcised, he may also have questions about the skin that covers the tip of an uncircumcised penis. Puberty generally starts earlier for girls, some time between 8 and 13 years of age.
For most girls, the first evidence of puberty is breast development, but it can be the growth of pubic hair. As her breasts start to grow, a girl will initially have small, firm, tender lumps called buds under one or both nipples; the breast tissue will get larger and become less firm in texture over the next year or two.
Dark, coarse, curly hair will appear on her labia the folds of skin surrounding the vagina , and later, similar hair will begin growing under her arms. The first signs of puberty are followed 1 or 2 years later by a noticeable growth spurt. Her body will begin to build up fat, particularly in the breasts and around her hips and thighs, as she takes on the contours of a woman. Her arms, legs, hands, and feet will also get bigger.
The culminating event will be the arrival of menarche, her first period menstruation. Depending on the age at which they begin their pubertal development, girls may get their first period between the ages of 9 and The physical changes kids experience as they move toward adulthood often are accompanied by emotional consequences.
Some girls are excited about their budding breasts and new training bras; others may worry that all eyes are focused on their breasts. Some boys love the sight of themselves all lathered up with shaving cream; others may be uncomfortable with the attention they get for a few new shoots of hair.
Pimples are common for most teens. Acne is caused by glands in the skin that produce a natural oil called sebum. Puberty hormones make the glands produce extra sebum, which can clog the pores. Washing gently with water and mild soap can get rid of excess sebum and help reduce breakouts. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for more severe cases of acne.
Your family doctor can recommend a dermatologist a doctor who specializes in treating the skin if basic skin care and OTC medications don't keep acne under control. Other theories as to the purpose of pubic hair include trapping pheromones. However, most well-controlled scientific studies have not shown any compelling evidence for this.
This ties in with a theory about pubic hair and puberty. Because pubic hair appears during puberty, it is often a physical sign of sexual maturity and may once have served as a visual cue for prospective mates.
The skin in the area around the genitals is very sensitive. Pubic hair can naturally reduce friction associated with the movements during sexual intercourse and other activities wherein chafing may occur.
Pubic hair can also help stop bacteria and other microorganisms from entering the body. Specifically, it can help trap dirt and pathogens that may enter the body through the vagina or penis. According to one study , pubic hair may help reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection STI. However, additional studies are necessary to prove the effect of pubic hair on preventing STIs.
Pubic hair is normal, and the amount of hair in the pubic region varies from person to person. There is no standard for the amount, the thickness, or the area that pubic hair will cover. People may notice an extreme variation in hair growth due to hormonal changes.
For example, a person may notice excessive pubic hair as a result of polycystic ovary syndrome , while others may notice pubic hair loss due to aging. No, pubic hair is not unhygienic. However, it does trap dirt and sweat, so it can become more pungent than areas of the body that have less hair.
Like other areas of the body, pubic hair does require regular cleaning. A person should wash their pubic area whenever they shower or bathe, just as they would other parts of their body.
Keeping it clean can help prevent odor. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest any health benefits associated with removing pubic hair — other than the removal of pubic lice.
Pubic hair grooming and removal are fairly common behaviors among adults. Removing or trimming the pubic hair is a personal choice, though social pressures can sometimes influence this decision. Pubic grooming injuries are surprisingly common. One survey found that Also, limited evidence suggests that removing the pubic hair can increase the risk of STIs. However, further research is necessary to determine whether or not removing the pubic hair increases this risk. No treatment is needed. In some children, a medical cause is found and treated.
For example, if the reason for late puberty is lack of hormones, hormone shots can help. The way children see their own body has a lot to do with their self-esteem.
It's important to let children know they're OK the way they are and that you love them that way. You can let your child know that he or she is normal when the tests are normal. You can tell your child that you'll help him or her with any problems if the tests show a problem. If you need help or if you think your child may need counseling, talk to your family doctor. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership?
Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference.
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Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Previous: Infant Hip Problems. Next: Preventing and Treating Traveler's Diarrhea. Jul 01, Issue. Am Fam Physician. What is puberty? Puberty is the time in life when a young person starts to become sexually mature. What are the first signs of puberty in boys and girls? Does sexual development have a typical pattern? Does sexual development always follow the same pattern?
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