Puberty

MDCPS Health Education Programs

PUBERTY

(pronounced “pew-burr-tee”) Means growing physically from a child into an adult.

• It’s a time of change.

• Boys and Girls mature at different rates • Girls usually begin puberty before boys.

• Mentally • Emotionally • Socially • Physically • Sexual

Endocrine System

Glands that produce secretions which pass directly into the blood stream or lymph system. Those secretions are called hormones.

PITUITARY GLAND

Master gland that controls the entire system.

Responsible for triggering growth.

Responsible for producing a special hormone at puberty which brings about maturing of the sex glands in both boys and girls.

Maturing as Boys

It’s time of change. Body goes through a lot of changes. They can be exciting and confusing at the same time

Boys Mature at different rates.

• Boys may begin at age 9 or age 15 or anywhere in between. • It may seem that they may mature overnight or it may happen gradually over several years.

Mental Changes

Boys start to think new thoughts and learn more about themselves and others

Emotionally

Boys may feel happier and sadder than ever before! They tend to care about others in new ways, also. They may also start to feel different from their friends and family

Socially

Tend to act more like a young adult less like a “kid”. Tend to get along with peer which tends to be the most important. They also tend to think more about the way others see them

• Size • Skin • Body shape • Chest • Voice • Body Hair • Sweat glands • Coordination

Physical

Sexual

• Boy’s sex organs grow during puberty and begin to produce sperm. Sperm are tiny cells that can cause pregnancy.

Other things that are

Important!!!!

• Erection-When boys get sexually excited, and when the penis usually gets hard. • Ejaculation-Sexual excitement can cause a whitish, stick fluid (semen) to be released from the penis.

• “Wet Dreams”-occur when ejaculation occurs while sleeping.

As Girls Mature

Each girl grows at her own pace.

In girls, puberty usually begins between ages 9 and 16. It usually takes a few years for the body to mature fully. Some change sooner that others.

Mentally

• They get better at solving complex problems. Tend to have more interest in things such as politics and religion.

Emotionally

• Feelings of love, joy loneliness. Emotions tend to often become more intense. They suddenly fell different from friends and family.

Socially

Having friends may feel very important at this time. It’s also common to want to explore new interest and try out new ways of dressing, talking and acting.

Physical & Sexual

• Grow Taller • Grow hair arms and genital area • Skin becomes more oily, and sweat more • develop breast • Hips widen • Begin menstruating