General health checks for teens

Common Teen and Puberty Concerns
As kids mature, they may have questions or concerns about the changes they’re going through. Common puberty concerns include:

• Body odor. Your child should bathe or shower regularly. Using deodorant or antiperspirant can help.
• Acne. Remind your child to wash their face once or twice a day with a mild soap or gentle cleanser and warm water.
• Penis size. Boys should know that there’s a wide range of normal penis sizes.
• Breast size. Breasts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It’s also common for one breast to be larger than the other.
• Erections and ejaculation. Erections can happen spontaneously without sexual fantasies or touching. Ejaculations can happen during masturbation or as a nocturnal emission (a wet dream).
• Masturbation. Masturbation is a way for kids and teens to explore their bodies and discover their sexuality. It is a normal part of growing up.
• Vaginal discharge. Girls may notice thin, clear, or whitish discharge on their underpants 6 months to a year before they get their periods. A change in color, itchiness, or unpleasant odor may be signs of an infection.
• Weight gain. Some kids struggle with their physical appearance as it changes during puberty. Be sensitive to talk about self-esteem and body satisfaction.
• Questions about gender. Some kids may feel unsure about what gender means to them. Your child may want to explore these feelings with you, your pediatrician, or a counselor.
• Strong emotions. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Help them find ways to handle strong emotions and mood swings, such as breathing, meditation, exercise, writing, or art.

When Should I Call the Doctor?
All kids go through puberty differently. But talk to your doctor if:

• Your son shows signs of puberty before age 9.
  Your daughter shows signs of puberty before age 7.
  Your daughter does not show any signs of puberty by age 13.
  Your daughter has not had her period within 5 years of when her breasts started to grow.
  Your daughter has not had her period by age 16.
  Your son does not show any signs of puberty by age 14.
  Your child has a strong desire to be another gender (gender dysphoria).

Also call the doctor if you’re worried that your child:

• is very anxious, stressed, or depressed
• is drinking, doing drugs, smoking, or having unsafe sex
• may hurt themselves or someone else