GirlsStuff

Breasts

Breasts come in different shapes and sizes, and one breast may be bigger than the other. In the middle of the breast is the nipple, which can stick out all the time, stick out if the girl is cold or aroused, or turn inward all the time. If the nipple sticks out, it can be short or long. The areola surrounds the nipple and might be big or small, light or dark. It can also be bumpy and have hair around it.

Breasts develop at different ages for different girls, so don’t worry if your breasts develop before or after someone else’s.

As breasts develop, they can be tender and the nipples can be sensitive. Breasts can also become tender when a girl has her period, or a few days before her period is due.

Sexy feelings

Arousal is the tingly feeling that happens when something is sexually appealing. Lots of body parts are involved, but can you guess the main one? The brain! If a girl thinks something is sexy, the brain sends signals making the heart beat faster, sending blood to the clitoris, which makes the clitoris swell up, and the nipples and the skin all over the body become sensitive. This might start to happen during puberty.

Sometimes, if someone is aroused, they might choose to masturbate. This means massaging their genitals because it feels good. It’s OK to masturbate as long as it’s done in a private place. It’s also OK if a person doesn’t want to masturbate.

The menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is how a girl’s body prepares for a possible pregnancy. A full menstrual cycle typically lasts around 21 to 35 days, although it can be longer, especially during the first years of menstruation. If no pregnancy occurs, she will have a menstrual period.

During the menstrual cycle:

- Hormones cause an egg to develop in the ovary and the lining of the uterus to thicken

- The egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus

- If sperm are not present for fertilisation, the egg dies and the lining of the uterus breaks down

- Blood and tissue from the uterus then flow out through the vagina as a menstrual period – this is also called menstruation

- A menstrual period, or menstruation, lasts between two and seven days. If menstruation lasts more than 7 days, you should visit a medical professional. 

- The whole cycle then starts again

Sanitary towels, pads & tampons

To soak up the menstrual flow, girls can use sanitary pads or tampons. These are bought at the supermarket and come with instructions for use. Reusable sanitary pads are also available and must be washed after each use. 

Be prepared by keeping some pads and tampons with you.

Period pain

Just before or during a period, some girls might have cramps, bloating, tiredness, or a headache. Sometimes girls won’t experience any pain.

Things that might help:

- Mild exercise

- Heat packs

- Painkillers or anti-cramping medication

- If the pain is severe, talk to a doctor or nurse