Alex's Answer
I have some questions about puberty
Your Question
Dear Alex. I have just started puberty as a young girl I know everything I’m experiencing is normal. I have recently noticed that at times when I’m changing there is a wet spot on my bed where I have sat. I also noticed that I am suddenly really interested in sex is this normal. Lastly in sex ed at school my teacher talked about boys running their willys and that sticky stuff would shoot out but nothing about if girls were to rub their lady parts, if I tuned myself down there would stuff sticky stuff shoot out. Sorry for all the questions.
Answer
Hi there, you are very welcome to Ask Alex.
Thank you for contacting us. We understand that it’s not always easy to share how we’re feeling or what we are experiencing, but we also know how important it is to talk about what’s on our mind.
You said that you have just started puberty and you have recently noticed changes in your body. It sounds like your teacher has talked about sex education in school, but you would like more information on parts that may not have been explained fully.
As you have correctly noted (well done you!), what you are going through is completely normal and something that every young person experiences. During puberty, the body goes through a series of hormonal and physical changes which prepare us for adulthood and, particularly, sexual maturity. You mentioned that you are suddenly really interested in sex. This is totally normal! It sounds like you are in tune with the messages that your body is sending you. You can respond to this in a way that feels comfortable for you. Exploring our bodies is a normal part of our development but remember that you should always feel safe and secure.
Masturbation, also known as self-pleasuring, involves rubbing or touching parts of your body for sexual pleasure. An orgasm is the release of tension that can happen during masturbation and sex. It is often intense and feels good and this can also be referred to as coming/cumming or climaxing. An orgasm can cause changes in your body – your face becomes warm and red, your heart beats faster, muscles spasm in your genitals and you may experience a pleasurable feeling across your whole body.
During an orgasm, the penis squirts a small amount of semen – a white liquid that contains sperm and other fluids and this is called ejaculation. It is also possible for the female vulva to squirt out a fluid during an orgasm. Female ejaculation in this way is less common but it is still normal. Everybody is different and there isn’t one right way to have an orgasm. Also, a female does not need to orgasm to release fluid – sexual excitement is a common cause of discharge, and this fluid cleans, protects and lubricates the vagina – aren’t our bodies amazing?! This discharge is often more noticeable when sexually aroused as the discharge thickens and increases.
As you continue to grow and notice the different changes in your body, you will have more questions. Do you have a trusted adult such as an older sibling, uncle/aunt, parents, or perhaps your teacher that you would feel comfortable talking to about these changes and feelings? It may feel embarrassing talking about these types of things, but you do have the right to accurate information and support.
Sometimes, it might feel a bit awkward talking to people you know about these topics, but Childline is always here to listen to you, and we would never judge anything you say. We have our online chat services at www.childline.ie and our phone service on 1800 66 66 66. Childline services are free and confidential, and are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. We would be delighted to hear from you.
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Take care,
Alex