Am I normal? - Play Safe
Use this button to quickly leave the website
Quick Exit
Visit the blog

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).

So what are the normal changes that occur when you go through puberty?

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.