Navigating puberty
This page contains general information about the experience of puberty. It provides information on specific bodily experiences for people assigned female or male at birth and refers to people with those particular body parts who are going through puberty. Not everyone will have the same experience. If you are unsure about whether something you are experiencing is a normal part of puberty, speak to your doctor or make an appointment at a sexual health clinic.
When you enter adolescence (usually when you are a teenager), your body undergoes changes and progresses toward sexual maturity (basically, transitioning from childhood to adulthood). This experience is known as puberty. You may experience a variety of physical and emotional changes during this time, which can sometimes be confusing.
Understanding and Embracing Bodily Changes – People assigned female at birth
During puberty your body may develop breasts, and you may begin to have periods (menstrual cycles). Additionally, you may notice an increase in body hair and experience other bodily transformations.
It is important to be aware of these bodily changes and to understand that they are a natural and normal part of puberty.
Chest and breast development
Chest and breast development occurs during adolescence and can vary in shape and size from person to person. These variations are similar to other physical characteristics, such as hair or eye colour, and contribute to your unique identity.
It's important to check your chest and breasts regularly. Get to know how they look and feel. Many people with breasts notice changes such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge when showering, bathing, or getting dressed. It’s always a good idea to speak to a doctor if you notice changes to your breasts and you’re unsure.
If you become pregnant, there will be hormonal changes in your body leading to breast enlargement and the production of milk after giving birth to a baby.
Learn more about looking after your breasts.
Vagina
The vagina is a muscular canal about 10 centimetres long which extends from the cervix at the neck of the uterus to the vaginal entrance.
The hymen is a thin membrane of tissue that lines the vaginal opening. During puberty, the vagina grows and the hymen may stretch and tear. It may also stretch and tear during activities such as sports, masturbation or when using tampons.
Even before puberty, small holes in the hymen allow menstrual blood to pass through. When engaging in penetrative sexual intercourse for the first time, the hymen may tear, which can cause some bleeding, pain and tenderness.
Learn more about internal reproductive organs of people assigned female at birth.
Vulva
Typically, the external genital area of the body of a person assigned female at birth is called the vulva. At the top of the vulva is a mound of fatty tissue called the mons pubis, which usually develops hair during puberty.
Below the mons pubis, there are two folds of skin called the labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips). The labia majora may also have hair growth during puberty. The labia minora often thinner in comparison, are sensitive to touch and remain moist due to the presence of lubricating fluid produced by glands in the labia.
Located at the top of the labia minora is the clitoris, which has many nerve endings and is highly sensitive. The labia minora form a fold of skin or hood over the clitoris. Sexual arousal can cause the clitoris to become exposed and firm. Inside the labia minora there are two openings – the urethral opening (for urine) and the vaginal opening.
It’s important to be aware that the vulva and labia can vary in colour and shape, and these characteristics can change throughout puberty.
Periods
Many people assigned female at birth typically get their first period around the age of 12 or 13, although it can occur earlier or later for some people. A period (menstruation) is a regular flow of blood from the body’s vagina, which results from the build-up of blood on the lining of the uterus and is influenced by hormonal changes. It usually lasts for about 3 to 7 days, with the blood flow usually starting off heavier and gradually becoming lighter during this time.
Most people who have periods experience them once every 4 weeks (28 days), although it is normal for the cycle to range between 3 and 6 weeks. When people with uteruses begin menstruating, their periods may not follow a regular pattern at first. This means you might not know when to expect your next period. If you haven’t started having periods by the age of 16, you should see a health professional. While cramping and other pain during menstruation is normal, if you experience excessive pain that stops you from normal activities (referred to as dysmenorrhoea), talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Watch an animated movie about reproduction.
Vaginal discharge
It is normal and healthy to have some vaginal discharge following puberty. This discharge is due to the hormone oestrogen and bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. The amount of discharge varies from person to person and may change at different stages of the menstrual cycle.
The vagina is an acidic environment due to bacteria called lactobacillus that colonise there. This bacterium maintains a normal healthy acidic environment. However, if the balance is upset or other bacteria “overgrow” it may result in an infection.
Vaginal yeast infections (often referred to as thrush) are caused by one of the many species of fungus called candida. Candida normally lives in small numbers in the vagina. However, if yeast “overgrows” you may experience symptoms such as a thick, white vaginal discharge with vulval irritation, burning, and itchiness. Yeast infections are not usually transmitted through sexual intercourse and are not considered a sexually transmitted infection.
If you notice any change in the colour, odour, amount, or texture of your vaginal discharge, it may indicate a possible vaginal infection and you should seek advice from your doctor.
Find out more
- Learn more about reproductive anatomy of people assigned female at birth.
- Find out more about puberty for all genders.
- Regular cervical screening, which is recommended for people with a cervix aged 25-74 who have been sexually active.
- Find out more about relevant health conditions (plus more useful information from Queensland Government).
- Visit the Women's Health & Equality Queensland website for a wide range of information about conditions and treatments.
Understanding and Embracing Bodily Changes – People assigned male at birth
During puberty, you may experience your voice deepening, an increase in body hair and other bodily transformations.
It is important to be aware of these bodily changes and to understand that they are a natural and normal part of puberty.
Genitals
The penis is the reproductive organ consisting of the shaft, glans (head) and foreskin (if present). The penis is used for passing urine and for sexual activity. When the penis is erect (usually when stimulated), the tissue in the shaft fill with blood, causing it to become firmer and usually larger. It is important to maintain hygiene by washing the penis daily. For people with a foreskin, it is recommended to retract it and wash the glans (head) regularly, especially in warmer climates.
When the penis is erect, a clear oily liquid may flow from the urethra. If stimulated enough, semen (a milky white liquid) may flow from the penis (this is called ejaculation). Sometimes, this can occur naturally when you’re asleep when to release unused semen – these are called nocturnal emissions (or ‘wet dreams’). Erections become more frequent throughout puberty.
Some people with penises may be circumcised. Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, which can be done for religious, cultural or medical reasons, often during infancy. The removal of the foreskin does not impact how the penis functions, but it can affect sensitivity.
The testicles (often referred to as “balls”) are the two organs responsible for producing sperm cells. They hang away from the body in a loose fleshy pouch called the scrotum. It is common and normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other.
People with testicles should regularly check their testicles for any changes, such as lumps or hardness, after taking a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is relaxed. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor as some changes could be a sign of cancer. However, most changes are not cancer-related and can be easily treated. Early detection of cancer usually leads to successful treatment.
If you are experiencing discomfort or notice changes such as lumps or unusual firmness, seek advice from your local doctor, family planning clinic, or sexual health clinic.
Read more about early detection of testicular cancer.
Watch an animated movie about reproduction.
Find out more
- Learn more about reproductive anatomy of people assigned male at birth.
- Find out more about puberty for all genders.
- Find out more about relevant health conditions (plus more useful information from Queensland Government).
Sexual health
It’s important to look after your body, mind, and sexual health in order to stay healthy. Taking care of your sexual health to maintain overall health means not only making sure your body is healthy and free from genital infections, but also nurturing your emotional well-being.
Staying free from sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is important. If left untreated, STIs can have serious health consequences and may potentially impact fertility (the ability to have children).
If you engage in sexual activity, it’s important to consider:
- Regular sexual health checks. Queensland Health offers free tests for specific sexually transmitted infections for Queenslanders aged 16 years and older.
- Practicing safe sex.
- Contraception options and the use of barriers (such as condoms).
- Empowering yourself to communicate about and engage in sexual experiences that are healthy and right for you, thinking about your personal well-being, safety, values and boundaries.