Health and Hygiene
When you start puberty, lots of changes start to happen. These changes are caused by a surge of hormones; testosterone for some, estrogen for others, depending on if they have testes or ovaries. But specifically what consequences can these changes have for our health and hygiene? Let's take a look!
Hair, Hair Everywhere (almost)
During puberty, you will grow hair under your armpits and on your groin area. Some boys start to also develop a tiny mustache or beard.
One fun fact is that you don't usually grow hair on the shaft of the penis, or on the labia minora; but it can still happen for some people. The important thing is, most of the differences that you see are normal.
Some people might want to shave their body hair, while others prefer to leave it alone. Having any kind of body hair is a personal choice, but having hair does retain some of the odours which become common during puberty and beyond!
Let's watch the video below and learn a little more about body hair!
One fun fact is that you don't usually grow hair on the shaft of the penis, or on the labia minora; but it can still happen for some people. The important thing is, most of the differences that you see are normal.
Some people might want to shave their body hair, while others prefer to leave it alone. Having any kind of body hair is a personal choice, but having hair does retain some of the odours which become common during puberty and beyond!
Let's watch the video below and learn a little more about body hair!
Sweat and Oils
Speaking of odours... after you started puberty, you might have noticed that you started sweating more. Maybe people started telling you that you smell bad, or parents started to asking you to shower more. This is something every person has to go through. One day you smell like cupcakes even after spending a week running with your friends, and the next day... ew!
Fresh sweat usually doesn't smell bad, but it starts to smell if you don't shower. But sweat is not the only culprit. Your oil glands start working on overdrive during puberty as well. They are heavily found on your face, neck, and behind the ears, but are also everywhere else in the body. The fun thing is, you start growing your very own collection of pets!
Fresh sweat usually doesn't smell bad, but it starts to smell if you don't shower. But sweat is not the only culprit. Your oil glands start working on overdrive during puberty as well. They are heavily found on your face, neck, and behind the ears, but are also everywhere else in the body. The fun thing is, you start growing your very own collection of pets!
The main point is, daily showers are pretty much mandatory to control all of this. Even two showers, one at night to cool yourself during Summer and one in the
Some people sweat lots during the night. That makes sleep really uncomfortable! A good idea is to have a colder shower right before going to bed, as well as dressing lightly. If all else fails, use the one-leg-out-of-blanket trick.
Besides showers, you also should start using deodorant. A very good deodorant that lasts all day is Degree 24 hours!
Some people sweat lots during the night. That makes sleep really uncomfortable! A good idea is to have a colder shower right before going to bed, as well as dressing lightly. If all else fails, use the one-leg-out-of-blanket trick.
Besides showers, you also should start using deodorant. A very good deodorant that lasts all day is Degree 24 hours!
Zitty Zits
Besides smells and tiny pets, you also may have zits and acne. That is usually normal and temporary, and you should be free from it by the time you leave teenagehood. Some people may need prescription medication to control their acne.
Some kids get little pimples on their privates. Imagine, now you are sweating more, growing hair and using tight clothing! Ingrown hair also can cause a pimple. Sometimes, even body lotion can be causing irritation, but the majority of times this can be solved by avoiding skin irritation. A good way to avoid pimples down there is to use loose clothing, and sleep without underwear if possible. Keep things dry and don't shave around the area. Also never pop those zits! We have a lot of bacteria and oils on our groin, so the likelihood of infection is high.
Some kids get little pimples on their privates. Imagine, now you are sweating more, growing hair and using tight clothing! Ingrown hair also can cause a pimple. Sometimes, even body lotion can be causing irritation, but the majority of times this can be solved by avoiding skin irritation. A good way to avoid pimples down there is to use loose clothing, and sleep without underwear if possible. Keep things dry and don't shave around the area. Also never pop those zits! We have a lot of bacteria and oils on our groin, so the likelihood of infection is high.
Mood Changes
All people experience mood changes, but these vary depending on if they are affected by testosterone or estrogen/progesterone. Let's break it down!
AFAB people
AFAB people have a monthly mood cycle, which is driven by fluctuating hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These influence brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, causing emotional shifts that can be divided into four stages: low-energy menstruation (days 1-5), energetic follicular (days 6-13), high-confidence ovulation (around day 14), and irritable luteal (days 15 to 28)(premenstrual).
Some people experience an extreme case of PMS which is called premenstrual dysphoria disorder. This causes anxiety, sharp mood changes, irritability and anger, and other serious and strong symptoms. This can be debilitating and can be mitigated somewhat by eating healthy, but also by taking SSRIs and the pill, which help balance the hormones and the serotonin levels.
Some people experience an extreme case of PMS which is called premenstrual dysphoria disorder. This causes anxiety, sharp mood changes, irritability and anger, and other serious and strong symptoms. This can be debilitating and can be mitigated somewhat by eating healthy, but also by taking SSRIs and the pill, which help balance the hormones and the serotonin levels.
AMAB people
AMAB people experience hormonal mood cycles driven by daily (and sometimes monthly) testosterone fluctuations, rather than a menstrual cycle. Testosterone typically peaks in the morning, boosting energy and focus, and drops by evening. A quick drop on testosterone levels can cause irritability, mood swings, and fatigue, sometimes referred to as Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS). Thankfully, this can be mitigated by medical intervention, so don't just be a crankypants and accept it -- go to the doctor and get checked out!
Please note that, if a person is transitioning from male to female or vice-versa, and is undertaking hormone treatment, they will experience the hormonal changes and phases for the sex they are transitioning toward.
Secretions
As we reach puberty, people start creating secretions to lubricate their private parts. Some, like the vagina, are also very good at being self-cleaning due to its naturally acidic PH.
These secretions can also increase during sex in order to lubricate private parts and diminish friction; when these fail, you can also use lubricants. Lubricants are liquids that can be applied to the entrance of the vagina or the penis before penetration. These remove friction, making sex easier and more enjoyable.
Hold on hold on. Don't we make our own goos and secretions and etc during sex? Why are we talking about lubricants?
There are many reasons why we should talk about lubricants, particularly because not all of them are the same. Some people may have issues with lubrication, and might choose the wrong thing because they don't know any better.
Lubricants should never be oil based. Almond oil and other fun massage oils should stay far away from your privates; they make it easy for bacteria from the anus to migrate to the vulva, for instance, possibly causing infections and other issues. They will also weaken the material on condoms, making them more likely to break.
The best lubricants you can get are water based, such as Astroglide, and sold at the grocery stores, usually near condoms. They last a long time and reduce friction which can cause discomfort.
These secretions can also increase during sex in order to lubricate private parts and diminish friction; when these fail, you can also use lubricants. Lubricants are liquids that can be applied to the entrance of the vagina or the penis before penetration. These remove friction, making sex easier and more enjoyable.
Hold on hold on. Don't we make our own goos and secretions and etc during sex? Why are we talking about lubricants?
There are many reasons why we should talk about lubricants, particularly because not all of them are the same. Some people may have issues with lubrication, and might choose the wrong thing because they don't know any better.
Lubricants should never be oil based. Almond oil and other fun massage oils should stay far away from your privates; they make it easy for bacteria from the anus to migrate to the vulva, for instance, possibly causing infections and other issues. They will also weaken the material on condoms, making them more likely to break.
The best lubricants you can get are water based, such as Astroglide, and sold at the grocery stores, usually near condoms. They last a long time and reduce friction which can cause discomfort.
Pain During Sex
Sometimes, penises may be in a hurry and end up causing painful tears in vaginal walls (or other walls). With good lubricant and good communication, these can be avoided (although these tears heal quickly if you take a break!).
Remember, the rules of consent continue throughout the whole sex act. If someone says stop for any reason, then you stop!
The other good thing about lubricants is that they make condoms much more enjoyable. Lubricated condoms may be fine from the penis side, but they are only comfortable enough for the receiver with proper lubrication, and sometimes that does not come naturally for a variety of reasons -- even nervourness. Make it enjoyable for both, and you will be more likely to protect yourselves from unwanted pregnancies and STIs, as tears and cuts make it more likely to catch an infection.
If you know the friction is not bad and there is no tear, pain during sex could be caused by an STI or by an easily corrected anatomical difference, so please go check with your doctor.
Remember, the rules of consent continue throughout the whole sex act. If someone says stop for any reason, then you stop!
The other good thing about lubricants is that they make condoms much more enjoyable. Lubricated condoms may be fine from the penis side, but they are only comfortable enough for the receiver with proper lubrication, and sometimes that does not come naturally for a variety of reasons -- even nervourness. Make it enjoyable for both, and you will be more likely to protect yourselves from unwanted pregnancies and STIs, as tears and cuts make it more likely to catch an infection.
If you know the friction is not bad and there is no tear, pain during sex could be caused by an STI or by an easily corrected anatomical difference, so please go check with your doctor.
Some issues are specific to owning a penis or a vagina.
Let's take a look at these separately!
Let's take a look at these separately!
AMAB Health and Hygiene
For people assigned male at birth, there are unique issues which are penis-related. Read more below to find out about them, and if something is not covered here, please let me know!
Uncircumcised vs Circumcised Penis
An interesting question that popped up was regarding circumcision. A circumcised penis had a portion of the prepuce (foreskin) removed, making it easier to clean the glans. Being able to clean it is the most important thing; when looking at numbers, circumcised people are less likely to get urinary tract infections, STIs, fimosis and penile cancer.
What are the differences? Let's take a look!
What are the differences? Let's take a look!
But that is not the prepuce's fault! These can all be avoided with daily proper care and hygiene! So if you still have your hood, as long as you keep things clean, you will not have a problem, and may even enjoy some benefits due to more nerve endings and extra sensations.
A study was made with women from societies that normally circumcise penises, and societies where circumcision is not a thing, as a comparison; both women groups said overwhelmingly that they prefer the look and feel of the most common penises in their society, although circumcised men were favoured when considering health and hygiene.
This means that all penises probably feel the same, and it is a matter of getting used to it. So, if you are worried about what your partner will think of your penis, don't be. People pick their partners based on their personality, not their privates.
But keep things clean!
This means that all penises probably feel the same, and it is a matter of getting used to it. So, if you are worried about what your partner will think of your penis, don't be. People pick their partners based on their personality, not their privates.
But keep things clean!
Phimosis
Phimosis is a condition in uncircumcised males where the foreskin (prepuce) is too tight to be fully pulled back (retracted) over the head (glans) of the penis. It is normal in infants/children (physiologic) but sometimes it can also happen in teens and adults.
AFAB Health and Hygiene
Periods and Cramps
Before we start with this topic, let's hear from Key and Peele on what's going on with them vagina-keeping individuals:
Now that we got this very informative and short video out of the way, let's get down with the period cramps! What causes them, and why? Just... WHY!!!
To stop period cramps permanently, all you have to do is go into menopause!
No, but seriously. Period cramps suck, and they are caused by the incredible inflamation in your uterus. It's shedding layers and layers of lining and, for most women, a lot of blood and clots. I remember being young and reading in books that the average amount a woman bleeds is one tablespoon of blood the whole period. This was clearly written by men who wanted to minimize this incredible and horrible process.
The best way to stop cramps for good is to have an awareness of your body. Count the days between your periods, so that you can start guessing when they will come; when you are young, this may shift while your body adjusts, and it is normal to miss a period or have two periods on the same month.
But once things feel more regular, as soon as you feel a bit "off" or feel a sliding feeling coming from the area of your uterus, it's time to start ibuprofen. YES before the pain starts... and keep going every six hours or as advised on the box. Follow instructions and don't overdo it -- you are just trying to stop the inflamation that comes along with the period, which causes most of the pain.
This should be your first plan. I hope it works for you!
No, but seriously. Period cramps suck, and they are caused by the incredible inflamation in your uterus. It's shedding layers and layers of lining and, for most women, a lot of blood and clots. I remember being young and reading in books that the average amount a woman bleeds is one tablespoon of blood the whole period. This was clearly written by men who wanted to minimize this incredible and horrible process.
The best way to stop cramps for good is to have an awareness of your body. Count the days between your periods, so that you can start guessing when they will come; when you are young, this may shift while your body adjusts, and it is normal to miss a period or have two periods on the same month.
But once things feel more regular, as soon as you feel a bit "off" or feel a sliding feeling coming from the area of your uterus, it's time to start ibuprofen. YES before the pain starts... and keep going every six hours or as advised on the box. Follow instructions and don't overdo it -- you are just trying to stop the inflamation that comes along with the period, which causes most of the pain.
This should be your first plan. I hope it works for you!
Period Products
There are many types and brands of period products for sale now. The two videos below discuss the different types of products, including the newest one, which is the cup. The cup is a product that covers the entrance of the cervix and fills with blood, and can last up to 12 hours. This is indicated for women with regular or light flows, but women with heavy flows might find this is not a good solution.
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Periods cannot be held in; there is no sphincter, or muscle ring, to hold things in. There is a sphincter on the bladder, which is why we can hold our pee; there is a sphincter in our anus, which is why we can hold our poop. But there is no sphincter on the vagina. So the period comes when it wants to come; at the grocery store, in the pool (yes! You can bleed in water!), while you are showering, while having sex, while attending that awesome concert you saved money for... aaaany time. Which is why it's good to get to know your cycle!
Vaginal Infections
A healthy vagina has a perfectly balanced ecosystem of good bacteria, bad bacteria and fungus. Often an imbalance will happen, and the bad bacteria or fungus with have an overgrowth, which means they overpopulate the vagina and cause unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms.
The unfortunate thing is, these can behave just like a sexually transmitted infection; the overgrowth of bad bacteria on a woman can pass to a penis or another vagina, and stay hiding there, and end up reinfecting the first vagina after she finished her treatment.
This is why it is important for BOTH people in a relationship to get treated for these minor, simple things, and practice good hygiene habits in the process, so that they don't get caught in a silly and painful loop.
The unfortunate thing is, these can behave just like a sexually transmitted infection; the overgrowth of bad bacteria on a woman can pass to a penis or another vagina, and stay hiding there, and end up reinfecting the first vagina after she finished her treatment.
This is why it is important for BOTH people in a relationship to get treated for these minor, simple things, and practice good hygiene habits in the process, so that they don't get caught in a silly and painful loop.
YEAST INFECTIONS
Yeast infections are annoying, but you can usually prevent them by taking probiotics (such as yogurt, or probiotic pills) and prebiotics (fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi).
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Bacterial Vaginosis is another common vaginal condition that results from an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina. It can happen naturally for a variety of reasons, even when you are young and not sexually active.
It is very likely to happen for people who overdo their vaginal cleaning. By this, I mean using antibacterial soaps, for instance, or bath oils, or douching (when water is forced up the vagina canal via a bottle filled with a cleaning liquid.) This is why it is important to wash yourselves with warm water and a mild, non-scented soap, such as Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented bar.
It can also happen for people who wipe from back to front, or who don't clean up properly after sex (remember that the vagina needs to have a acidic PH, and semen is basic, which would give the infection an advantage.)
Like yeast infections, these can be passed to another sexual partner, and so it is important to treat both sexual partners for bacterial vaginosis to ensure people are not reinfecting themselves forever.
Symptoms are grey discharge, a strong fishy odor, itching or burning, and pain when urinating. This might sound similar to yeast infections, so watch the video below for more information.
It is very likely to happen for people who overdo their vaginal cleaning. By this, I mean using antibacterial soaps, for instance, or bath oils, or douching (when water is forced up the vagina canal via a bottle filled with a cleaning liquid.) This is why it is important to wash yourselves with warm water and a mild, non-scented soap, such as Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented bar.
It can also happen for people who wipe from back to front, or who don't clean up properly after sex (remember that the vagina needs to have a acidic PH, and semen is basic, which would give the infection an advantage.)
Like yeast infections, these can be passed to another sexual partner, and so it is important to treat both sexual partners for bacterial vaginosis to ensure people are not reinfecting themselves forever.
Symptoms are grey discharge, a strong fishy odor, itching or burning, and pain when urinating. This might sound similar to yeast infections, so watch the video below for more information.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Urinary tract infections are not something you should ignore. As they progress, they can reach all the way to your kidneys and cause damage, so as soon as you notice its very specific signs, go to a doctor right away.
While these may happen at any age, AFAB people who are sexually active have a higher likelihood of getting frequent urinary tract infections. If you are sexually active, a good way to avoid having these infections frequently is to urinate immediately after sex, to clear your urethra from any bacteria or semen. Remember, semen is basic, which bacteria loves.
Watch the video below and find out more about urinary tract infections!
While these may happen at any age, AFAB people who are sexually active have a higher likelihood of getting frequent urinary tract infections. If you are sexually active, a good way to avoid having these infections frequently is to urinate immediately after sex, to clear your urethra from any bacteria or semen. Remember, semen is basic, which bacteria loves.
Watch the video below and find out more about urinary tract infections!
