Puberty
Sexuality is constructed in many different ways. "Natural"
is perhaps not the best word to use when discussing sexuality since
if there were basic "naturals' or "normals' then the way
we see sexuality would never change.
We are taught about our society's norms and values from as early as
we are able to communicate. We are sent messages about what is "normal'
and acceptable behavior for who we are (male, female, young, old,
etc). For example, girls are taught that they should be attracted
to boys. They are also taught that "nice girls don't _____" (with
various endings to that sentence).
Puberty is the period in the human life span during which secondary sexual characteristics develop and a person becomes
sexually mature.
Puberty is triggered when the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland near the brain, signals the
body to release the chemical messengers called hormones.
Hormones, in turn, stimulate the growth and development of the reproductive organs. A hormone secreted by the pituitary
causes a girls ovaries to produce estrogens. In boys, a hormone released by the pituitary signals the testicles to produce
the hormone testosterone. Estrogens and testosterone spur the development of a child's secondary sex characteristics. The
development of the reproductive system is also spurred by hormones. Girls ovulate, or release a mature egg, for the first
time. In boys, the production of sperm begins. Once puberty occurs, a girl can become pregnant and a boy can father a child.
Females
- Breast development
- small mounds beneath the nipple and areola
- Breast buds develop
- Breasts grow rounder and fuller
- Nipple and areola darken
- Girls' breasts often develop unevenly
- Pubic Hair: starts with a few fine strands, usually becomes coarse and curly
- Growth spurt: significant growth in height and weight
- Vaginal Discharge: yellow or white fluid discharge, usually signalling that a first period can be expected in about one year
- Underarm hair: develops in late puberty usually after menstruation begins
- Sweat and oil glands become more active
- Menstruation: usually begins between the ages of 9 and 16, most typically at age 12 or 13. During the first year or longer flow is usually light, and periods are often irregular. Once the body becomes accustomed to menstruation, bleeding normally occurs monthly
Males
- Genital development: testicles and scrotum begin to enlarge - penis grows typically at about age 12
- Pubic hair starts when genital development is under way followed by facial underarm and chest hair
- Growth spurt: between 12 and 16 muscles develop
- Ejaculation: release of semen from the penis for the first time
- Voice change: voice deepens (cracks)