Your Changing Body Learning Changing Discovering Growing Social

Your Changing Body

Learning Changing Discovering Growing

Social � New friends and interests. � More responsibility in school and at home. � Ability to do more for yourself. � “Standing in their shoes” - seeing things from someone else’s point of view. Emotional � Friendships become more important. � Mood swings are common. � Feelings are more intense. � Romantic attraction to other people of the opposite or of the same sex.

Urethra Majora © Human Relations Media Labia Minora

About once a month a woman or girl gets her menstrual “period”. � Blood and other vaginal fluids will dribble out through her vaginal opening for 3 -8 days � This is a sign that a girl or woman is able to conceive a child. � Sometimes a girl or woman will get cramps before or during her period. � Use a pad or tampon to catch blood during your period.

1. ) Unwrap the pad. 2. ) Pull off the paper strip that covers the sticky part of the pad. 3. ) Attach the sticky part of the pad to the center of your underwear. Some pads have “wings” that wrap around the bottom of your underwear. 4. ) Used pads should be wrapped in toilet paper and thrown in the trash – NEVER in the toilet.

� Many girls and women choose to use them when they are playing sports or running. � Always use a tampon if you go swimming while you have your period. � ALWAYS take out the old tampon before putting in a new one. � NEVER hours. leave a tampon in for more than 6

During your period: � Change your pad or tampon every 4 -6 hours. � ALWAYS remove the old tampon before inserting a new one. � Choose a smaller pad or tampon for times when blood flood is light. � Choose a larger pad or tampon for time when blood flow is heavy or overnight. � Wrap used pads and tampons in toilet paper and throw in the trash, NOT the toilet. � Shower daily and use gentle soap and water on your genital area.

Help!

Breast development is one of the first signs of puberty. If you can see your breast buds under a light shirt or are uncomfortable playing sports, it is a good time to start wearing a bra. Growing breasts may be sensitive or itchy, but this will go away. Ask mom, big sister, or grandma for help!