| Puberty in girls | 623.000000000000 | Puberty in girls | Puberty in girls | P | English | Developmental | Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Uterus;Skin | Vagina;Uterus;Skin;Sweat glands | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2010-06-29T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 6.70000000000000 | 65.6000000000000 | 1025.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Puberty is a stage of development where your child's body starts to take on adult form. Learn about puberty in girls and how to talk to your daughter about puberty.</p> | <h2>What is puberty?</h2><p>Puberty is a stage of development. It is when your child’s body starts to change into adult form. During puberty, your child’s brain releases hormones. Puberty is marked by physical changes. It involves the onset of sexuality and the ability to reproduce. Puberty enables your daughter’s body to get pregnant.<br></p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Talk to your daughter about sex on an ongoing basis.</li>
<li>Make sure she knows that masturbation is a normal and private matter.</li>
<li>Several short conversations about sexuality may be better received than fewer, longer ones.</li>
<li>Listen to her thoughts in a non-judgmental, unconditionally loving way.</li>
</ul> | <h2>How does puberty affect girls?</h2>
<p>In girls, puberty starts with growing breasts (called breast “buds”) and the growth of soft hair around the vagina. Breast buds are tender, hard bumps below the skin under the nipple area. Over time, the breasts begin to grow and swell. They will become less tender. Around the same time, your daughter will grow in height and weight. She will develop underarm hair and sweat glands. </p>
<p>The onset of the menstrual period occurs at the end of the puberty stage. <a href="/Article?contentid=299&language=English">Menstruation</a> is the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus when there is no pregnancy. This causes bleeding from the vagina. This is the stage in a girl’s life when her body becomes capable of getting pregnant. </p>
<p>Puberty is also indicated by sweating, acne, and body odour. </p>
<p>Girls may have new feelings. They may approach their parents and peers differently. </p>
<h2>When does puberty start in girls?</h2>
<p>The age at which the onset of puberty occurs is unique per child. Usually the physical changes begin around 10 years of age. </p>
<p>Most girls get their period about 2 years after the breasts start to form. On average, girls get their first menstrual period when they are about 12 or 13 years old. Some girls get their first period as early as 8 or 9 years. Others may not get it until their mid-teens. </p>
<p>By 15 or 16 years of age, a girl’s body will reach adult proportions. Young women have darkened nipples and areolae, the area around the nipples. They also have wider hips, coarse pubic hair, and thicker thighs. </p>
<p>See your doctor if your daughter starts to show signs of puberty before 8 years. Also, if your daughter is not showing signs of puberty by age 15, see the doctor. </p>
<h2>How to help your daughter prepare for puberty</h2>
<h3>Open communication</h3>
<p>Encourage your daughter to ask questions about puberty. She should feel free to ask without fear or judgment. Your daughter’s friends and the Internet should not be her only sources of education. If they are, she may receive some poor advice. </p>
<p>If your daughter has not brought up the topic as she nears her preteen years, start the conversation. You can begin by asking what she knows about puberty. Offer as much information as you think she needs to know. Numerous short talks can cover various topics. You may want to discuss basic hygiene, sexual maturity, and teenage pregnancy. It is important to discuss this stage of puberty with your child. </p>
<p>If single fathers do not feel comfortable bringing up the topic, ask a female friend or relative to speak with your daughter. </p>
<h3>Prepare before puberty </h3>
<p>Your daughter’s transition into puberty will be a lot smoother if you help her prepare. Discuss the stages of puberty before she goes through them. Also discuss the “tools” your daughter will need to manage the signs of puberty. For example, she will need to know how to use feminine products for her period once it arrives. Also, deodorant may be necessary to prevent body odour. Acne may also be an issue. If blemishes or pimples are particularly bad, seek help from your child’s doctor. </p>
<h2>Growing independence</h2>
<p>Puberty is a stage that begins adolescence. With puberty comes growing independence. Your daughter may start to argue with you more. She may become more disagreeable. She may have mood swings. At times, she may want to be by herself. </p>
<p>It is best to encourage communication. Try to show your daughter that you love her unconditionally. Also, be sure to maintain order and routine in the home. You may need to use different forms of <a href="/Article?contentid=714&language=English">discipline</a> as your daughter goes through puberty and tests your limits.</p>
<h2>Masturbation</h2>
<p>Masturbation means touching one’s own genitals. Masturbation is normal. Young women may touch themselves because it feels good. There is no harm in masturbation.</p>
<p>Masturbation can be done at any age. It is more common in older children, preteens, teenagers, and adults. Scolding or punishment may make your child feel ashamed. This can lead to problems with sexuality and self-esteem later in life. Instead, you can tell your child that masturbation is OK but it is a private matter. </p>
<h2>Emotional and sexual changes</h2>
<p>Puberty involves heightened hormones in the body. There will be new feelings toward peers, and sexual curiosity. Your daughter may have sexual thoughts or feelings. Many of her peers will talk about sex. They may have sex. </p>
<h2>Physical and emotional risks</h2>
<p>There are physical risks associated with unprotected sex. Explain to your daughter that sperm cells contain genetic material. Pregnancy may occur when sperm fertilizes a girl's or woman’s egg. Once a boy starts ejaculating sperm, he is able to father a child with a girl who has begun menstruating. Discuss with your daughter the importance of birth control options. </p>
<p>Also talk about using condoms during oral sex or intercourse. This can help prevent sexually transmitted infection. </p>
<p>There are also emotional risks associated with sex. Issues of jealousy, insecurity, trust, and faith can arise when teenagers become sexually active. Many girls are coerced into becoming sexually active before they are emotionally ready. As a result, they may lose self-esteem and have a lower sense of self-worth. Talk to your daughter about the emotional risks associated with having sex. You can discuss this with her or you can have her doctor engage in a conversation. </p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <p> Share this teen-specific learning hub about sexual health with your child. It offers helpful information and resources for teens: <a href="https://teens.aboutkidshealth.ca/adolescenthealth?topic=sexualhealth">Adolescent Health – Sexual health</a> </p><br> | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/puberty_in_girls.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/puberty_in_girls.jpg | | | | | | | Puberty in girls | | False | | | | | | | | |
