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Puberty Changes in Girls

The first bit of information was taken from: http://www.teenwire.com/index.asp?taStrona=http://www.teenwire.com/warehous/articles/wh_19981201p045.asp
It covers a wide variety of changes that occur in girls during puberty.

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Puberty is the time when your body begins to change from a girl's body to a woman's body. It can take several years, and usually happens between the ages of nine and 17. Girls often start puberty before boys do.

Puberty happens when your brain and your sex organs send messages to the rest of your body. These messages are carried by chemicals called hormones. Hormones prepare your body and mind for sexual maturity (or adulthood).

Changes on the Outside
During puberty, girls' hips start to widen. You may not even notice this because it's a very subtle change. Next, hair starts to grow under your arms, around your genitals, and finer hair begins to show on your legs and arms. Your breasts will start to change in size and shape. This change may happen fast or slow, depending on who you are.

You will probably begin to sweat more under your arms, and your sweat may smell different. This is easy to deal with — shower or bathe more often and begin using deodorant or antiperspirant if you don't like the smell.

During puberty, both girls and boys may develop acne (also called "pimples" or "zits"). Acne is very common and fairly easy to treat. Your health care provider can help you find a treatment that's right for you.

Sometimes the hormones of puberty can cause changes in your mood, making you feel more upset or excited about things than you used to. This is normal and it's a good idea to share your feelings with someone you trust, especially if you feel very sad or frustrated. Everyone goes through puberty, so you should be able to find an adult who understands to help you sort out your feelings.

Changes on the Inside
Hormones cause changes in your internal reproductive organs to get them ready to go through menstrual cycles and someday perhaps have a baby. At some point during puberty, you will start to have menstrual cycles and you will begin to get your monthly period. Most girls start having periods around the same age that their moms did, so you might want to ask your mom how old she was when she started. This is a good way to start talking to your mom about puberty.

Your first menstrual cycle starts inside where you can't see it, when an egg is released from your ovary. This is called ovulation. The ovaries usually release only one egg a month. The egg travels down the fallopian tube on its way to the uterus. It's hard to tell when this all happens, but it's usually about two weeks before you get your period.

In the meantime, the uterus has prepared itself by growing a thick inner lining of blood. This lining will be very important if you have a baby. If you have sex with a man and your egg is fertilized by his sperm, the fertilized egg may implant itself into this lining, and pregnancy will begin. Otherwise, the lining starts to come off after a few days and leaves your body as "menstrual flow" through the v****a. This is the "bleeding" that lasts about five to seven days and is called your "period."

Your Period
Periods are part of a monthly cycle that most healthy women's bodies go through during their reproductive years. You don't usually see or feel the rest of the cycle, so your period is an indicator that the cycle happened.

The menstrual flow is usually heaviest during the first few days. Some women get cramps before or during their periods. This is normal and usually goes away with Tylenol or ibuprofen. If you have a lot of cramping, you can get help from your health care provider. Some women feel irritable, bloated, or have any number of other symptoms before their period starts. These symptoms are temporary and are called "PMS," which stands for premenstrual syndrome.

At first, most women have "irregular" periods, meaning they don't have them every month, or at the same time from month to month. Most women become more regular after a year, although some women never do. Most women's cycles are between 28 and 32 days long. There are a few things that will make your period late:

- Stress — worrying about family problems or exams or other things
- Exercise — many female athletes have irregular periods
- Big changes in your life — taking a trip somewhere, moving
- Pregnancy — this is important to think about if you are sexually active, even if you use birth control.
- Birth control — hormonal methods of birth control (the Pill, implants and injections) can cause your periods to change or stop. This is something you should talk about with the person who prescribed your birth control.
- Illness — sometimes being sick or not feeling well can cause your period to be late.

Puberty is something everyone goes through and it can be a very uncomfortable, awkward, and lonely time. It is a good time to learn about your body and how it works. It is also a good time to start talking to your mom or dad about their experiences when they were your age. You can also talk a health care provider if you have questions that you don't want to ask your parents.

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This section is specifically about menstruation, specifically a girl's first period, and the information was taken from: http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstruation.html

Menstruation (a period) represents a major stage of puberty in girls; it's one of the many physical signs that a girl is turning into a woman. And like a lot of the other changes associated with puberty, menstruation can be confusing for girls (and guys). Some girls can't wait to start their periods, whereas others may feel afraid or anxious. Many girls and guys don't have a complete understanding of a woman's reproductive system or what actually happens during the menstrual cycle, making the process seem even more mysterious.

Puberty and Periods
When girls begin to go through puberty (usually starting between the ages of 8 and 13), their bodies and minds change in many ways. The hormones in their bodies stimulate new physical development, such as growth and breast development. About 2 to 2 1/2 years after a girl's breasts begin to develop, she usually gets her first menstrual period.

About 6 months or so before getting her first period, a girl might notice an increased amount of clear vaginal discharge. This discharge is common. There's no need for a girl to worry about discharge unless it has a strong odor or causes itchiness.

The start of periods is known as menarche (pronounced: meh-nar-kee). Menarche doesn't happen until all the parts of a girl's reproductive system have matured and are working together.

Baby girls are born with ovaries, fallopian tubes, and a uterus. The two ovaries are oval-shaped and sit on either side of the uterus (womb) in the lowest part of the abdomen called the pelvis. They contain thousands of eggs, or ova. The two fallopian tubes are long and thin - like hollow strands of spaghetti (only a little bit thicker). Each fallopian tube stretches from an ovary to the uterus, a pear-shaped organ that sits in the middle of the pelvis. The muscles in a female's uterus are powerful and are able to expand to allow the uterus to accommodate a growing fetus and then help push the baby out during labor.

As a girl matures and enters puberty, the pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce other hormones called estrogen and progesterone. These hormones have many effects on a girl's body, including physical maturation, growth, and emotions.

About once a month, a tiny egg leaves one of the ovaries - a process called ovulation - and travels down one of the fallopian tubes toward the uterus. In the days before ovulation, the hormone estrogen stimulates the uterus to build up its lining with extra blood and tissue, making the walls of the uterus thick and cushioned. This happens to prepare the uterus for pregnancy: If the egg reaches the uterus and is fertilized by a sperm cell, it attaches to the cushiony wall of the uterus, where it slowly develops into a baby.

If the egg isn't fertilized, though - which is the case during most of a girl's monthly cycles - it doesn't attach to the wall of the uterus. When this happens, the uterus sheds the extra tissue lining. The blood, tissue, and unfertilized egg leave the uterus, going through the v****a on the way out of the body. This is a menstrual period. This cycle happens almost every month for several more decades (except, of course, when a female is pregnant) until a woman reaches menopause and no longer releases eggs from her ovaries.

How Often Does a Girl Get Her Period?
Just as some girls begin puberty earlier or later than others, the same applies to periods. Some girls may start menstruating as early as age 9 or 10, but others may not get their first period until later in their teens. The amount of time between a girl's periods is called her menstrual cycle (the cycle is counted from the start of one period to the start of the next). Some girls will find that their menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, whereas others might have a 24-day cycle, a 30-day cycle, or even a 35-day cycle.

Irregular periods are common in girls who are just beginning to menstruate. It may take the body a while to sort out all the changes going on, so a girl may have a 28-day cycle for 2 months, then miss a month or have two periods with hardly any time in between them, for example. Usually, after a number of months, the menstrual cycle will become more regular. Many women continue to have irregular periods into adulthood, though.

As a girl gets older and her periods settle down - or she gets more used to her own unique cycle - she will probably find that she can predict when her period will come.

How Long and How Much?
The amount of time that a girl has her period also can vary. Some girls have periods that last just 2 or 3 days; other girls may have periods that last 7 days or longer. The menstrual flow - meaning how much blood comes out of the v****a - can vary widely from person to person, too. Some girls have such light blood flow that they wonder if they even have their period at all.

Other girls may be concerned that they're losing too much blood. It can be a shock to see all that blood, but it's highly unlikely that a girl will lose too much: For most girls an entire period consists of anywhere from a few spoonfuls to less than 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of blood - it just looks like a lot! (It is possible for a girl to lose an excessive amount of blood during her period, but it's not at all common. In some cases, a female will bleed too much because she has a medical condition - such as von Willebrand disease.) The amount of blood a girl loses and how long her period lasts can differ from month to month.

If you're worried about your blood flow or whether your period is normal in other ways, talk to a doctor or nurse. Some changes in menstrual periods can be normal - but only a doctor can help determine the cause of irregular, heavy, or painful periods - or no periods at all.

Cramps, PMS, and Pimples
Some girls may notice physical or emotional changes around the time of their periods. Menstrual cramps are pretty common - in fact, more than half of all women who menstruate say they have cramps during the first few days of their periods. Doctors think that cramps are caused by prostaglandins, a chemical that causes the muscles of the uterus to contract.

Depending on the person, menstrual cramps can be dull and achy or sharp and intense, and they can sometimes be felt in the back or the thighs as well as the abdomen. These cramps often become less uncomfortable and sometimes even disappear completely as a girl gets older. In the meantime, many girls and women find that taking an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief from menstrual cramps. Taking a warm bath or applying a warm heating pad to your lower abdomen can sometimes help, too. Exercising regularly throughout the monthly cycle may also help lessen cramps in some people. If these things don't help, ask your doctor for advice.

Some girls and women find that they feel depressed or easily irritated during the few days or week before their periods. Others may get angry more quickly than normal or cry more than usual. Some girls crave certain foods. These types of emotional changes may be the result of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.

PMS is related to changes in the body's hormones. As hormone levels rise and fall during a woman's menstrual cycle, they can affect the way she feels, both emotionally and physically. Some girls, in addition to feeling more intense emotions than they usually do, notice physical changes along with their periods - some feel bloated or puffy because of water retention, others notice swollen and sore breasts, and some get headaches. PMS usually goes away soon after a period begins, but it can come back month after month. Doctors recommend that girls with PMS try to exercise to help feel better. And some girls notice that restricting caffeine intake may help relieve PMS.

It's not uncommon for girls to have an acne flare-up during certain times of their cycle; again, this is due to hormones. Fortunately, the pimples associated with periods tend to become less of a problem as girls get older.

Pads, Tampons, and Liners
Once you begin menstruating, you'll need to use something to soak up the blood - either a pad or a tampon. There are so many products out there that it may take some experimenting before you find the one that works best for you. Some girls use only pads (particularly when they first start menstruating), some use only tampons, and some girls switch around - tampons during the day and pads at night, for example. Girls who are very active, particularly girls who enjoy swimming, often find that tampons are the best option during sports.

Periods shouldn't get in the way of exercising, having fun, and enjoying life. If you have questions about pads, tampons, or coping with periods, ask a parent, health teacher, school nurse, or older sister. There are also a number of online resources that can give you answers to some of your most personal questions.

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This information on breast-size in teenagers is taken from: http://kidshealth.org/teen/question/just_girls/breast_size.html

Having different-sized breasts is perfectly normal. It's quite common for girls to have different-sized breasts or nipples, especially as they develop during puberty. Everyone's different, and no two women's breasts will look exactly the same. In fact, asymmetry - where one body part, like a foot or a hand, is a different size or shape from its partner - is quite common in humans.

When girls begin puberty, usually between the ages of 8 and 13, their breasts begin to develop starting with just a little swelling under the n****e. This is known as breast budding. You may notice that one of your breasts starts developing before the other or that one is growing more quickly. Many times this difference in breast size evens out once a girl is older, usually around age 20. But it's also perfectly normal for women's breasts to remain different sizes even when they're fully developed.

Some girls with different-sized breasts worry that there's something medically wrong, but chances are, for a teen, there isn't. If you're really worried about your breast size, talk to your doctor or gynecologist. He or she should be able to reassure you that you don't have any health problems. In fact, the good news about noticing your breasts are different sizes is that it means you're aware of your breasts - and being aware of your breasts can help you stay healthy! Learning how your breasts normally look (and feel) can help you notice any changes that might not be normal. Your doctor can teach you how to do a breast self-exam that will help you become familiar with your breasts so you can identify any changes.

Some girls worry about their different-sized breasts for cosmetic reasons. Many girls with different-sized breasts or nipples just accept that they are normal and don't do anything differently. But other girls feel self-conscious. It's likely that no one else notices your breasts look different, though. Other people usually can't see the difference in the size of a girl's breasts - even if that difference is a full cup size.

The fact is that exercises, supplements, or diets won't change the size or shape of a girl's breasts, only plastic surgery can do that. (And most doctors recommend that a girl wait until her breasts have finished growing before getting plastic surgery.) Some girls decide to wear especially supportive bras or special inserts that make their breasts appear more equal in size. Talk to a nurse or lingerie salesperson if you want some suggestions for evening things out. It may also help to talk to your mom, older sister, or an aunt or grandmother - they may have worried about having different-sized breasts during their teen years, too.

Everyone develops differently, and girls aren't the only ones with questions. A guy may wonder if his p***s is developing normally, too. We humans aren't as evenly proportioned as we appear at first glance!

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The following information on changes in a girl's skin and in the appearance of hair on her body is taken from: http://www.aap.org/family/puberty.htm

Skin: Skin may get more oily and you may notice you sweat more. This is because your glands are growing too. It is important to wash every day to keep your skin clean and to use a deodorant or antiperspirant to keep odor and wetness under control. Despite your best efforts to keep your face clean, you still may get pimples. This is called acne and is normal during this time when your hormone levels are high. Almost all teenagers get acne at one time or another. Whether your case is mild or severe, there are things you can do to keep it under control. For more information on controlling acne, talk to your pediatrician or see the brochure "Acne Treatment and Control" from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Hair: Soft hair will start to grow in the pubic area (the area between your legs). This hair will eventually become thick and very curly. You may also notice hair under your arms and on your legs. Many women shave this hair. There is no medical reason to shave, it is simply a personal choice. If you decide to shave, be sure to use a lot of soap and water and a clean razor made for women. It is a good idea to use your own personal razor or electric shaver and not to share one with your family or friends.

Body shape: Hips get wider and your waist will get smaller. Your body will also begin to build up fat in the stomach, buttocks, and legs. This is normal and gives your body the curvier shape of a woman.

Body size: Arms, legs, hands, and feet may grow faster than the rest of your body. Until the rest of your body catches up, you may feel a little clumsier than usual.


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Taken from: http://www.girlzone.com/amk/PubicHair.html

Cambria has a question about pubic hair...

I am 15 and I hate my pubic hair - can I shave it off?


Ms. KnowBODY says...

Dear Cambria,
The short answer is yes, you can shave your pubic hair if you want to -- and just like any hair on your body, it WILL grow back. The good news is that you are not going to hurt anything if you shave off your pubic hair. The bad news is that when the hair grows back it can be very itchy and painful.

Growing pubic hair is one of the normal body changes that happen during puberty. It may be the first sign that your body is developing and you are going through puberty, and it can happen anywhere around ages 6 to 14. Pubic hair grows in a specific pattern around your v****a. The hair is thick and has a very different texture from the other hair on your body. This hair growth is completely normal and it happens to both boys and girls.

In our culture, many women choose to shave their legs, under their arms, and their bikini line, while men shave their faces. This shaving is purely for looks, not for health purposes. Apparently, women in the US started shaving their leg and underarm hair in the 1920's when flappers wore sleeveless dresses, and skirts were shorter than ever before.
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More will be added when I can find it, or when someone suggests something!

Puberty Changes in Both Boys and Girls

Information taken from: http://www.aap.org/family/puberty.htm

Emotional changes during puberty

In addition to the many physical changes you will go through during puberty, there are many emotional changes as well. You may start to care more about what other people think about you. You want to be accepted and liked. At this time in your life, your relationships with others may begin to change. Some become more important and some less so. You start to separate more from your parents and identify with others your age. You may begin to make decisions that could affect the rest of your life.

Many people your age feel self-conscious about their changing bodies - too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny. Because puberty causes so many changes, it is hard not to compare what is going on with your body with what is happening to your friends' bodies. Try to keep in mind that everyone goes through puberty differently. Eventually, everyone catches up.

Sex and growing up

During this time, you also become more aware of your sexuality. A look, touch, or just thinking about someone may make your heart beat faster and produce a warm, tingling feeling all over. This is completely normal. You may be asking yourself the following questions:


- "Is it okay to masturbate (touch your genitals for sexual pleasure)?"
- "When should I start dating?"
- "When is it okay to kiss?"
- "How far is too far?"
- "When will I be ready to have sexual intercourse?"
- "Will having sex help my relationship?"

Masturbation is normal and will not harm you. Many boys and girls masturbate, many do not.
Deciding to become sexually active can be very confusing. On one hand, you hear so many warnings and dangers about having sex. On the other hand, movies, TV, magazines, even billboards seem to be telling you that having sex is okay. The fact is, sex is a part of life and, like many parts of life, it can be good or bad. It all depends on you and the choices you make.

As you continue through puberty, you may experience pressure from many sources to have sex. Knowing where the pressures come from will make them much easier to deal with. Pressure to have sex may come from:

The media: Because there are so many images in the media about sex, it is easy to get the idea that having sex is the right thing to do. Sex in movies, TV shows, magazines, and in music is often shown as not having any risks. Do not let these messages fool you. In real life, having sex can be very risky.

Your own body: It is perfectly normal to be interested in sex. After all, growing sexually is what puberty is all about. The sexual urges you feel during puberty can be very powerful. What is most important is to stay in control of these feelings and not let them control you. Keep in mind that sex is not the only way to express how you feel about someone. Taking walks, talking, holding hands, hugging, and touching are great ways to be close to someone you have strong feelings for.
Your friends: It may seem like "everybody's doing it" or that people who have sex are "cool." Maybe you feel like you should have sex to be popular and fit in with the group. However, people like to talk about sex and some may want others to believe that they are having sex even when they are not. Someone who does not want to be your friend just because you are not having sex is probably someone who is not worth being friends with anyway. Do not let friends - or anyone - talk you into having sex. This is a decision you make when it is right for you, not for your friends.

Deciding whether or not to have sexual intercourse is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Why not take your time and think it through? Talk with your parents about their values. Waiting to have sexual intercourse until you are older, in a serious relationship, and able to accept the responsibilities that come along with it is a great idea! You should enjoy being young without having to worry about things like pregnancy and deadly diseases.

However, if you decide to have sex, talk with your pediatrician about which type of birth control is best for you. When using condoms, always use latex condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, herpes, and HIV (the AIDS virus). For more information on preventing pregnancy, ask your pediatrician about the AAP brochures "Deciding to Wait" and "Making the Right Choice: Facts for Teens on Preventing Pregnancy."

Learning to take care of yourself
As you get older, there will be many decisions that you will need to make to ensure that you stay healthy. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest are important during puberty because of all the changes your body is going through. It is also important to feel good about yourself and the decisions you make. You have to learn to care for your own body, work hard and maintain good health, and to like yourself as you are.


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Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pubic_hair
Warning: Mature picture in link.

Pubic hair is hair in the frontal genital area and in the crotch, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the legs; these areas form the pubic region. Although fine vellus hair is present in the area in childhood, the term pubic hair is generally restricted to the heavier, longer hair that develops with puberty as an effect of rising levels of androgens on the skin of the genital area.


Development of pubic hair

Before puberty, the genital area of both boys and girls has very fine vellus hair, referred to as Tanner stage 1 hair. In response to rising levels of androgens as puberty begins, the skin of the genital area begins to produce thicker, often curlier, hair with a faster growth rate. The onset of pubic hair development is termed pubarche. The change for each hair follicle is relatively abrupt, but the extent of skin which grows androgenic hair gradually increases over several years.

In most girls, pubic hair first appears along the edges of the labia majora (stage 2), and spreads forward to the mons (stage 3) over the next 2 years. By 3 years into puberty (roughly the time of menarche for most girls), the pubic triangle is densely filled. Within another 2 years pubic hair also grows from the near thighs in most young women, and sometimes a small amount up the line of the abdomen toward the umbilicus.

In boys, the first pubic hair appears as a few sparse hairs on the scrotum or at the upper base of the p***s (stage 2). Within a year, hairs around the base of the p***s are too numerous to count (stage 3), and within 3 to 4 years, hair fills the pubic area (stage 4), and by 5 years extends to the near thighs and upwards on the abdomen toward the umbilicus (stage 5).

Other areas of the skin are similarly, though slightly less, sensitive to androgens and androgenic hair typically appears somewhat later. In rough sequence of sensitivity to androgens and appearance of androgenic hair, are the armpits (axillae), perianal area, upper lip, preauricular areas (sideburns), periareolar areas (nipples), middle of the chest, neck under the chin, remainder of chest and beard area, limbs and shoulders, back, and buttocks.

Although generally considered part of the process of puberty, pubarche is distinct and independent of the process of maturation of the gonads that leads to sexual maturation and fertility. Pubic hair can develop from adrenal androgens alone, and can develop even when the ovaries or testes are defective and nonfunctional. See puberty for details.

There is little if any difference in the capacity of male and female bodies to grow hair in response to androgens. The obvious sex-dimorphic difference in hair distribution in men and women is primarily a result of differences in the levels of androgen reached as maturity occurs.


Variations

Patterns of pubic hair vary among people. On some people, pubic hair is thick and/or coarse, while on others it may be sparse and/or fine.

Pubic hair and axillary (armpit) hair can vary in color considerably from the hair of the scalp. In most people it is darker, although it can also be lighter. On many men, pubic hair color is closest to the color of their beards (before their beards start turning white with age), which again can vary from the color of the hair on top of the head. On most women, the pubic patch is triangular and lies over the mons veneris, or mound of Venus. On many men, the pubic patch tapers upwards to a line of hair pointing towards the navel. As with axillary (armpit) hair, pubic hair is associated with a concentration of sebaceous glands in the area.

Like other hair, pubic hair may be infested by lice, with a specific category of pubic lice


Function of pubic hair

It is believed that the functions of pubic hair include the dissemination of pheromones and protection from the friction of sexual intercourse.


Culture

Attitudes

Varying attitudes can be inferred from the slang terms that are used for pubic hair: bush, bushpie, hairpie, furburger, muff, curlies, pubes, etc.

Francisco Goya, The Nude MajaIn Japanese drawings pubic hair is often omitted for legal reasons (see hentai), as for a long time the display of pubic hair was not legal. The interpretation of the law has since changed.

In Islamic societies, removing the pubic hair is a religiously endorsed hygiene practice, ranked along with circumcision, clipping the fingernails, brushing the teeth, etc.

Before the twentieth century, fine-art paintings and sculpture in the Western tradition usually depicted women without pubic hair. John Ruskin, the famous author, artist, and art critic, was apparently accustomed to these depictions and unaware of the actual appearance of nude women. On his wedding night, he was allegedly so shocked by his discovery of his wife Effie's pubic hair that he rejected her, and the marriage was legally annulled. Francisco Goya's The Nude Maja was probably the first European painting to show woman's pubic hair, though others had hinted at it.


Modification

Trimming or completely removing pubic hair has become a custom in many cultures. The methodology of removing hair is called depilation (when removing only the hair above the skin) or epilation (when removing the entire hair). It is a common practice in the Islamic world for either sex (men usually prefer trimming or shaving, women prefer complete removal by waxing or shaving) and since the 1960s it has become popular to trim or completely remove pubic hair in the Western societies.

Different cultures have different shaving habits as well as different reasons for why they modify or remove pubic hair, which include:

- hygiene, especially during menstruation
- aesthetic
- tradition
- religion
- sexual practice, such as BDSM cultures or for oral sex


Styles, cultures, norms and taboos

Among the more popular styles of trimming and styling the pubic area, include the following:

- Bikini waxing - trimming the sides of the triangle so that pubic hair cannot be seen while wearing swimwear (either gender)
- Strip - removing hair from both sides of labia majora, leaving a strip (females) sometimes called a "landing strip"
- Brazilian Waxing - removing all pubic hair, or (less commonly) removing all except a small patch, line, or triangle over the clitoris or p***s


Removal of pubic hair

One who has a preference for hairless genitals is known as an acomoclitic. In naturism, nudists who remove all body hair (and pubic hair in particular) are called "smoothies".

The trimming or removal of body hair by men is sometimes referred to as manscaping.

Pubic hair is usually removed or reduced by shaving, but often for more long-term removal, waxing or use of a mechanical device is used to pull the hair out at the root.

In the 1990s, a permanent method of hair removal evolved with many opting for more permanent removal of pubic hair. This method involves the use of focused, high power light. This type of depilation falls under two main categories: intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser epilation. IPL uses broad spectrum (white) light, and laser epilation uses a very specific wavelength (color) of light to destroy the hair-producing gland, the follicle. Unlike some temporary methods, light epilation does not cause razor bumps, ingrown hairs or dermatitis. It is still controversial as to which method, IPL or laser, is the most effective.


Removal Methods

A full list of methods to remove pubic hair includes:

- Shaving - uses a razor (straight razor, safety razor, or electric razor) to cut the hair at the level of the skin (or very close to it)
- Epilators - these electric devices use rotating coils to pull the hairs out by the roots
- Laser epilation and Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Waxing and Sugaring - Some hair salons in France offer what is called "epilé complet" which is the removal of all pubic hair using hot wax.
- Hair removal creams and lotions
- Electrology - involves using a current of electricity down the length of the hair to to kill the hair root
- Hair Growth Inhibitors - these lotions claim to slow the hair growth and even prevent its growth but they have had limited success
- Tweezers - this is a manual method usually done to remove any remaining hairs after use of the other treatments.

Note that:

- Electrical razors are a little safer and do not shave off skin along with the hair.
- Shaving can cause skin irritation (pseudofolliculitis barbae, or "razor bumps") and hair getting locked under the skin area.
- Hair re-growth can sometimes be uncomfortable and itchy, although continued removal reduces this effect.
- Using hair removal creams or lotions in the pubic and chest areas is not advisable, as it may result in serious skin irritations.

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How to Deal With "Urges"
Someone asked me to post some information on this, so I'll give it a shot.
If you feel the urge to have sex, be sexual, but you're nervous and not sure how to deal with them, try:

1) Doing something to take your mind off the urges. Read, watch a movie, get out of the house. Go for a walk. Swim, Bike-ride. Try a sport or hobby. Keep yourself away from things that might remind you of sex, or of your urges.

2) Masturbate. This might relieve some sexual tension, and will probably just help make the person feel better overall. It also helps one know their own body better, since they're exploring it firsthand to find out what they like best.

3) Talk to someone about it. If someone else is experiencing the same things or the same urges you are, it might make you feel better to talk to someone who is going through what you are.

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Information on Back Acne

Taken from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Back-Acne-Havoc&id=67545

If you are between 10 to 40 you have great chances of getting back acne. People use different terms to refer to back acne, some of them are bacne and zits. Back acne is more prevalent during or starting with puberty and more common in male and female puberty cycles. There are many manifestations of back acne some of them to mention are pustules, blackheads, pimples and cysts. Back acne can appear on your back or even on buttocks. So, some times it gets very painful because we cannot possibly keep these parts of our body untouched either by carrying something or pressed against clothing or by sitting.

Though how back acne is formed is studied, unfortunately, the medical field is still unable to put its finger and say this is the reason why back acne is caused. All that is known is it is due to bacterial growth under the skin. May be there are more than one reason for the cause of back acne. While for other acnes heredity or genetics may play a vital role, for back acne heredity plays only a minor role.

There are lots of misconceptions regarding back acne. People believe that back acne is caused due to eating lots of chocolates and or oily food or fat rich food or fried food but medical tests show no direct correlation between back acne and oily food. The second misconception is that mental stress aggravates back acne. No, mental stress does not aggravate back acne though stress might play a minor role in other forms of acne; it does not aggravate back acne. The third misconception is that back acne is contagious. Back acne is not contagious. The fourth misconception is that many think that by repetitive washing of the affected part they can get away with back acne. But it is not true though it may keep you from more acne buds sprouting, it certainly does not wash away your back acne. Another dangerous misconception is that you can cure back acne with moisturizer. At times the use of moisturizer will only aggravate the condition of back acne.

There are many back acne treatments available in all fields of medicine including herbal and natural medicine. In treating back acne one should exercise patience. It is for sure a long term treatment. Since there are lots of treatments for acne people tend to switch from one to the other, this can produce undesirable effects. Those affected with back acne should identify one form of treatment and continue with the same for a considerable amount of time before they can see any noticeable improvement.

One of the major side effects of back acne is that the affected individuals tend to undergo depression and tend to have low self confidence and self esteem. This is more prevalent among the adolescents. Those affected with back acne tend to reduce their social life and stop going for swimming or any other activity that will force them to expose their body. Eventually, back acne which could have been easily cured with persistent treatment changes itself to a chronicle psychological disorder.

For further resources to understand acne and various acne treatments please visit the following website http://www.acne-site.com/
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No, this isn't a whining rant...don't worry, I'm just looking for more answers.
Alright. I know i'm not the only one out there with this problem. As most people know the majority of painkillers/suppressants are made of three basic ingredients:Acetaminophen, Ibprofen and (Asprin was what I was told, but isn't it ASA?) I happen to be allergic to the latter two. With regards to my period, this has proved a problem. The majority of muscle relaxants as well as medications designed to reduce swelling are Ibprofen and ASA (/Asprin) based. I have been having severe cramps since the age of ten. Now, eight years later, I continue to have this problem, and I find it to be not only temporarily debilitating, but interfering with my daily routines, work, etc. My doctor has told me that, due to my allergies I cannot take any of the prescription medications that are available.
Unfortunately, a full dose of Pamprin, a heating pad and Tai Jutsu class don't quite cut it on getting the cramps out of the way...Do you or anyone know of any other solutions that might work? I've even looked into birth control, however my doctor said my allergies would interfere with that as well...

Also...I still don't get it. Is there actually a point to having pubic hair?

I'm honestly not sure. Normally I've been ok with antibiotics, but you sound like you're taking a lot. All I can think to tell you is to check with your doctor, sorry. whee

Tainted Rose: xd I know there's a reason, I just can't think of it... I'm guessing it's to keep stuff out of the v****a. Like nose hair keeps stuff out of the nose. I'm honestly not sure though, maybe it's worth asking a doctor or looking up online?