Introduction
Puberty covers a formative period in the development from child to adult. It includes a physical, social and psychological development and maturation phase that lasts three to four years. The cornerstones of puberty are, in addition to gender-specific physical changes, above all the development of sexual interest, as well as separation from the family and a strong orientation towards peers.
What happens to girls?
In girls, puberty begins on average between 8 and 14 years of age. It begins with the first appearance of the secondary sexual characteristics and ends with the completion of sexual maturity. The development of the secondary sexual characteristics in girls includes the growth of the breast and pubic hair.
This occurs under the influence of the female sex hormone estrogen and is accompanied by the growth of breast tissue, the development of the mammary glands and the enlargement of the nipples. In addition, under the influence of the male sex hormone testosterone, underarm and pubic hair is formed. In addition, a redistribution of the subcutaneous fatty tissue and a widening of the pelvis is observed, so that the female curves become visible.
The most significant change in a girl’s sexual development is the onset of her first menstrual bleeding. The point in time varies from individual to individual, but is announced months in advance by a whitish discharge from the vagina. It is only with the following bleeding that we speak of menstrual bleeding that completes sexual maturity. A regular cycle only sets in after several months. This last phase of puberty is often accompanied by moodiness, irritability and severe mood swings.
What happens with boys?
The phases of puberty in boys differ in some points from those of girls. Puberty in boys usually begins later than in girls, between the ages of 10 and 16. The boyish body gradually begins to build up more muscles and appears more masculine and distinctive.
The facial features become more angular and precise, and the action of the male sex hormones causes hair to grow in the armpits and pubic area, as well as beard growth and testicular growth. The beard initially announces itself as soft fluff over the upper lip and increases strongly in the course of puberty. A further sign of puberty in boys is the first ejaculation.
It is not clear what triggers this, but the hormonal effects stimulate the production of seminal fluid so that ejaculation is possible at all. In addition, the rapid growth of the larynx causes the voice to break. The vocal cords expand and become thicker, so that the voice appears deeper and has a stronger and darker sound.
Boys also get into conflict or an unlawful situation much more often than girls during puberty. They have an increased tendency to duel with their peers and crave attention and recognition. They want to take on the image of a strong, fearless man, but they also have to learn to cope with disappointment and rejection and find their own place as an independent individual in society.
