Puberty is a period of time during which girls’ and boys’ bodies change. They grow bigger and taller, their genitals mature, and hair starts growing in new places. This usually happens between ages 8-13 in girls and 10-15 in boys. Sometimes it happens earlier or later, and lasts about 2-5 years

Girls’bodies become rounder and their breasts bigger. Girls begin to menstruate (have a period) and are able to become pregnant. A girl will know she has her period when blood begins to come out of the vagina, it will normally last 3-7 days and happen once a month. Periods may come irregularly at first and may cause cramps

Boys’ bodies become more muscular, their penis will grow longer and wider and testicles will grow larger. Boys will start to have erections (hardening of the penis) and wet dreams and can make a girl pregnant during sexual intercourse

During puberty, young people might feel sensitive, become easily upset, or have questions about changes in your body. Relationships with parents, adults, and peers may change. Young people may spend more time with friends. All of this is normal. You should talk to adults you trust about these feelings

During puberty young people may have sexual feelings towards others. This is normal. Sexual feelings may cause boys to have an erection of the penis and girls wetness of the vagina. Acting on such feelings is a big responsibility.