My body
Changes in my body
Sexual health is a lifelong journey, and your body changes naturally as you age. Key periods of change include:
- puberty and young adulthood
- reproductive years (20s-40s)
- perimenopause and menopause
- later life
It is normal to feel confused or worried about your body as it changes. Hormones, medicines and your physical health can all affect your sexual health. Understanding these changes can help you feel more confident about your sexual health.
Ages and stages
Hormones and puberty
Puberty is a time when the body changes as you grow from a child into an adult. These changes are caused by hormones.
Females can start puberty between 8 and 13 years old. Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone can cause breasts to grow, body hair to grow, hips to widen, and periods to start.
Males usually start puberty between 9 and 14 years old. The hormone testosterone can cause body hair to grow, sperm production to start, muscles to grow, and the voice to become deeper.
Both males and females have a growth spurt during puberty. They may also grow pubic and underarm hair and develop spots or acne because of changes in their hormones.
Menstruation (Periods)
Menstruation, or a period, is a normal part of growing up. It happens when blood and tissue leave the uterus through the vagina.
Periods usually start around the age of 12, but they can start earlier or later. Everyone is different.
Getting your first period can feel strange or worrying at first. It can take some time to get used to, but there are lots of period products to choose from. You can find the ones that feel right and comfortable for you.
Body awareness
As your body changes, you may become more interested in sex and relationships. It is normal to be curious about your body and to notice how it is different from other people's bodies.
Learning about your body and the changes that happen during puberty can help you stay healthy as you grow up. Learning about consent can also help you make safe and informed choices about sex and relationships.
Learning about sex
Young people begin to learn about relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) at school. However, there are many charities and organisations that have created accurate and reliable information to be able to find out more:
During the reproductive years, sexual health can mean different things for different people.
By your 20s, you have learned a bit about your body and understand what's normal for you. We should all be checking ourselves, from breasts, vulvas, to testicles. If you notice any concerns like new lumps and bumps, you should get checked out by your GP.
Fertility
It's during this period of life that many people want to start a family and may become more aware of their fertility.
Good sexual health can support fertility, as untreated sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can have an impact on future fertility in both men and women. STI screening is an important part of keeping you healthy.
Tips to support trying to conceive include:
- Understanding contraception and ovulation can help people who want to get pregnant to learn about fertile windows.
- Having a healthy lifestyle can support fertility, including regular exercise, healthy eating and limiting stress.
If you have been trying to conceive for one year without success (or 6 months if over 35), speak to your GP.
Pregnancy and childbirth
During pregnancy and childbirth, the body can go through dramatic physical and emotional changes.
Find a week by week guide to pregnancy, which details the physical changes your body will go through.
To understand the pregnancy journey, and early days of having a baby, you can find a wealth of information at Just One Norfolk.
Find out more about your pregnancy journey
Male and female hormonal changes
As you approach the biological end of your reproductive years, you will begin to notice changes in your body due to hormonal changes.
Hormone levels decline rapidly and begin between the ages of 45 and 55. Ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, which can cause an array of symptoms from hot flushes to insomnia. This shift is called perimenopause to menopause.
Find out more about perimenopause and the menopause
You may notice changes in your levels of testosterone, which can begin aged 30-40 and decrease at a slower, steadier pace. This shift is called Andropause, but is often referred to as the male menopause and can cause symptoms including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and fatigue.
Changes to libido
Changes to libido, or your appetite for sex, are common in people over 50 and are driven by changes in hormones, such as declining testosterone, estrogen or progesterone.
While the hormones themselves can change the way you feel about sex, the other symptoms of menopause can also be a factor.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common problem. It can be caused by illness, medication and other factors. However, it is typically common during and after the menopause.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is very common, especially in people over 40. There can be many reasons for trouble keeping an erection, which can be caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol.
Most people occasionally fail to get an erection, but if it happens often, it's worth talking to your GP, as in most cases it can be easily treated.
All ages
Contraception refers to the methods that are used to prevent pregnancy.
Your contraceptive needs may change over time as you understand what works best for you.
As you get to know your body, you begin to learn what's normal for you. Regular self-examination can help reassure you that everything is fine, and identify any concerns quickly to be able to report any unusual changes, lumps and sores to a health professional.
How to check your testicles:
How to check your breasts:
Vulva appearance:
Find a resource below which helps you learn what the normal anatomy of a vulva looks like.
Some medicines can affect your sexual health or contraception.
Some medicines can make some types of contraception less effective. Others can cause side effects that affect your sex life, such as a lower sex drive or problems getting or keeping an erection.
Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Follow your GP's advice about how and when to take it.
Common side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction can be caused by common medications like:
- antidepressants
- blood pressure medications
- antihistamines
- diuretics
Find out more about contraceptive interactions with medication
Sexual health screening can be nerve-racking for many people, but it can be particularly distressing for those who have had a history of sexual trauma.
Specialist services can be accessed to support you if you have experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
If you are sexually active, testing regularly for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) helps you to maintain good sexual health.
