My name is Bailey, and I'm 11 years old. I started my period early but its has passed. But sometimes I feel like I'm different and unusual because I feel like other girls my age wouldn't hit it this early and I feel like somethings wrong with me and my body. Also, about the masterbating part, whenever I do it, I feel embarrassed because sometimes I feel disappointed in my self because it sometimes just comes and I don't know what to do, help!
Sam
Hi there,
Puberty happens at different times for each person. Some girls can start their periods as young as 9 - though it's more common for it to happen somewhere between 11 and 14. There's nothing wrong if someone starts earlier or later than their friends and it doesn't say anything about them as a person or their maturity.
When your period starts you might notice that it's not very regular. You might have a period then not have one for months before it starts again in a more regular pattern. You will need things like pads, tampons or a menstrual cup. You might need to talk to your parents or carers to ask for these things.
Masturbating is something anyone can do no matter what gender, age or sexual orientation they are. There is nothing wrong with doing it and you don't need to feel embarrassed. Lots of people choose to masturbate and do so because they enjoy doing it. If you have an urge to masturbate, so long as you do it privately then that's okay.
You can masturbate as much as you like as there's no health risks to doing it. Sometimes people feel like they masturbate too much because it has a negative effect on other parts of their life. If you feel like this is your case, then maybe you can talk to one of our counsellors about ways you can manage the amount you do it and how it affects you. Our counsellors can keep this confidential and won’t judge you.
I hope this has helped, thanks for writing in about this.
Take care.
Sam
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