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's natural to feel confused or worried about your body as it changes, and it can help to understand how hormonal shifts, medications and your physical health can impact your sexual health. Read more to help find resources and advice to navigate the stage you are at.
Ages and stages
Hormones and puberty
Puberty is triggered by hormones released in the body, prompting the body to develop sexual organs for later life. Females can begin puberty from 8 to 13 years old and males from 9 to 14 years old.
Females can begin puberty from 8 to 13 years old, when hormones progesterone and estrogen begin breast development, producing body hair, widening of the hips and the start of menstruation (periods).
Males typically start puberty between 9 and 14 years old, when increased testosterone produces body hair, starts sperm production, builds muscle mass and deepens their voice.
Both groups experience growth spurts, grow pubic and underarm hair and can develop acne due to the changes in hormones.
Menstruation (Periods)
Menstruation, or a period, is part of the menstrual cycle, when girls bleed from their uterus through their vagina. It's a completely normal part of your body changing, and usually starts around the age of 12, although it can appear earlier or later.
Periods can be a bit of a shock when they first start, but with time and understanding, you'll find products that suit you, making them a much more comfortable and normal part of life.
Body awareness
As your body changes and you become more aware of sexual relationships, it's natural to want to explore your body or compare your body to others around you.
Learning about your body and understanding how it changes can help you stay healthy as you become older. Understanding consent can help you to make informed choices about sex and relationships in future.
Find out more about masturbation
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
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.
Checking your body
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.
It's useful to consider how any medications that you take could be impacting your sexual health or contraception.
Some types of medication can stop contraception from being effective, or cause symptoms that relate to your sexual wellbeing. This is a reason to make sure you read the leaflets that come with all medication and take your GP's advice on how and when to take your medication.
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).
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
If you are sexually active, testing regularly for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) helps you to maintain good sexual health.
