What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
What is STI testing? STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and either a self-collected swab or a urine sample. Why is STI testing important? […]
It’s Valentine’s Day National Condom Day! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day fall on the same day… but in terms of which one we’re celebrating, well, that’s a no brainer. Here at Play Safe, we’ll take any excuse to celebrate condoms, but today, on National Condom […]
World AIDS Day Ever wondered why you see red ribbons everywhere in early December? Well, it’s because of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year and is all about showing support for people living with HIV, raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing […]
What is contraception? Contraception, also sometimes referred to as ‘birth control’, is something people can use when they want to have sex that can result in pregnancy, but do not want to become pregnant or have a baby. Understanding contraception and figuring out the best contraceptive method for you is […]
It’s a question that everybody asks themselves from time to time. Truth is there are so many types of normal that two people can be completely different, but still be normal.
Whether you’re talking about sexuality, desires, or genital shape and size, being normal is all about being comfortable with yourself.
Confused? Well, not surprising. The uncertainty of knowing what’s normal or not normal can often be affected by the things we read and ideas we pick up from our friends and other people. Information given on television, the internet, and social media sites can sometimes be extreme and untrue.
If you’re curious or have questions, it’s best to get some advice from a reliable source. A reliable source is one you know you can trust. Nurse Nettie, a school counsellor, or an Australian Government website, have the facts. A GP or sexual health nurse is also a reliable source. Anything discussed with a doctor or nurse is confidential (that means any information shared between you and your health worker is protected and kept safe).
Puberty can start from about 9 or 10 through to 16 years old, with the average age about 12. It’s a time when your body starts to produce hormones and undergo rapid changes in preparation for sexual maturity. Both boys and girls notice the appearance of pubic hair, underarm hair, and the genitals will develop in size and shape. As well as starting to look different, you will start to feel different.
Everybody goes through these changes so know you’re not alone!
Next time I’ll be talking more specifically about changes to female breasts.
But, if you have any questions before my next blog feel free to drop by the ask Nurse Nettie page or call 1800 451 624 between 9:00am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday to talk with a sexual health nurse. It’s confidential and free if you call from a landline.
Jugs, sweater stretchers, airbags, tits, hooters, lung protectors, bongos, knockers, melons, gazongas, frost detectors, honkers, fun bags, boobs, bazookas, boobies… BREASTS! Young women often worry about their breasts. Are they the ‘right’ size? Are they the ‘right’ shape? Breasts grow over several years and then change throughout life due to […]
No matter how often guys hear the expression ‘size doesn’t matter’, chances are they’ve, at some stage, worried about the size, shape, look, and ability of their penis. Here are some facts about penises that you probably didn’t know. During puberty, the penis grows in length and width, increasing up […]