For Pre-teens

Growing up is full of changes—some exciting, some confusing, and some you might have questions about but don’t know where to start. That’s what My Vagina is all about! We’re here to help you understand everything about your vagina, vulva, and all the awesome and unusual things your body does during puberty.

From periods to puberty changes, and even questions about things like itching, smells, or exploring your body (yep, it’s normal to be curious!)—you’re in the right place. This is a safe space to learn, explore, and figure it all out, because your body deserves to be understood and celebrated.

Think of this as your go-to guide for all things YOU. We’ll explain what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how to feel confident and comfortable with all the changes coming your way. No judgment, no awkwardness—just the real facts to help you feel awesome in your own skin.

You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers!

What is inside my vagina?

We explain your anatomy, with diagrams, so that you can visualise what’s going on inside the bits you can’t see or touch. Learning what goes where means you can navigate using tampons, masturbating, and even going to the bathroom!

The vulva and vagina are important parts of the body, but they can be confusing if you’re just starting to learn about them. Let’s break it down!

The vulva is the outside part you can see—it includes the labia (the “lips”), the clitoris, and the openings for the vagina and urethra (where pee comes out).

Everyone’s vulva looks a little different. It might have different shapes, sizes, or colors, and it’s all normal!

The vagina, on the other hand, is the inside part. It’s a stretchy tube-like passage that connects the vulva to the uterus (the place inside your belly where a baby can grow).

The vagina has some amazing abilities, like stretching during childbirth or to fit a tampon, and it can clean itself using natural fluids (sometimes called discharge). If you notice changes in discharge as your body grows, that’s usually normal—it’s one way your body keeps itself healthy.

As you go through puberty, your vulva and vagina might start to change, like growing hair around the vulva or noticing more discharge. These changes are natural and a sign your body is developing as it should.

If you’re LGBTQIA+ or questioning your identity, these changes might feel complicated or confusing, and that’s okay. You deserve to feel supported and safe as you navigate your feelings about your body.

Learning about your vulva and vagina helps you understand your body better and take care of it. If you have questions or worries, it’s always okay to talk to a trusted adult or doctor.

Everyone’s body is unique, and these parts are just one more incredible thing about how your body works!

Pubic hair is the hair that starts to grow around your genitals as you go through puberty. If you don’t have any yet, don’t worry—it’s normal for it to start growing at different times for everyone.

Some people might notice pubic hair as early as 9 or 10, while for others, it might not happen until they’re a little older. This hair grows as a part of your body’s changes during puberty, and it’s a sign that your body is developing just as it’s supposed to.

Pubic hair helps protect your skin from irritation and infections by acting as a barrier. It’s thicker and curlier than the hair on your head, and over time, it might cover areas like your vulva, penis, or even the top of your thighs.

Everyone’s pubic hair looks different—it might be light, dark, thick, or thin. There’s no “normal” amount or style, so whatever your body does is perfectly okay.

When it comes to pubic hair, some people like to leave it as it is, while others might choose to trim, shave, or remove it. There’s no right or wrong choice—it’s entirely up to you and what makes you feel comfortable.

If you decide to remove it, be gentle and careful, as the skin around your genitals is sensitive. Whether you have a little, a lot, or none at all yet, remember that your body is unique and growing in its own way, and that’s something to celebrate!

As you grow up, you might start hearing or feeling curious about sexual pleasure, masturbation, and sex. These are natural parts of life, and it’s okay to have questions.

Understanding what feels good

Sexual pleasure is when your body feels good from touch, including your private parts, and it can happen alone or with someone else.

Everyone’s body is unique, and what feels good is different for each person. It’s also normal if you don’t feel curious about these things yet—that’s okay too!

What is masturbating?

Masturbation is when someone touches their own body, especially their genitals, to feel good. It’s a private, personal thing and completely normal if you choose to do it. Some people do, some people don’t, and either is fine.

Masturbation is a safe way to explore your body and learn what feels comfortable for you. It’s not harmful, and it’s something many people do at different points in their lives.

What is sex?

Sex, on the other hand, is an activity that usually happens between two people. It’s often about sharing intimacy, love, and connection, but it’s also a big decision that involves trust and communication.

People have sex in different ways, and it’s not just about pregnancy—it’s about feeling close to someone.

What is sex for people who identify as LGBTQIA+?

For LGBTQIA+ people, sex and relationships might look different depending on who they’re attracted to or how they identify, and that’s normal. There’s no one “right” way to experience these things.

If you have questions or are curious, it’s always okay to talk to a trusted adult or learn from safe, reliable sources.

Your body is yours, and you get to decide when and how you explore these parts of life. The most important thing is to take care of yourself and make choices that feel right for you.

What is a Period?

A period is a natural part of growing up and happens when your body sheds the lining of the uterus through your vagina. This usually happens every month and lasts 3-5 days.

Periods can start at different ages, typically between 10 and 15, and it’s important to let someone you trust know when you get your first period so they can help you prepare.

Your period is part of a cycle your body goes through to get ready for pregnancy, but if there’s no pregnancy, the lining isn’t needed and exits as period blood.

You’ll need to use menstrual products to manage the blood, such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear. The flow—how much blood you have—can vary from light to heavy, especially in the first few days. Period products are absorbent and need to be changed regularly to stay comfortable and hygienic. It’s also a good idea to track your periods using a calendar or an app so you can predict when your next one is coming and avoid surprises.

Dealing with period pain

Period pain, caused by your uterus contracting to shed its lining, is common when you first start having periods.

Period pain can range from mild discomfort to more intense cramps, but there are ways to manage it, like taking pain relievers, using heat packs, or massaging your lower abdomen. Over time, your body usually adjusts, and period pain often becomes less severe.

Period tracking

Keeping track of your periods helps you notice patterns and prepare for when your period might start. Signs like mood swings, tender breasts, or extra hunger can give you clues.

Remember, periods are just one part of your menstrual cycle, and it’s okay if your cycles aren’t perfectly regular—it can take time for your body to settle into a pattern.

We’ve made a period guide to start you and your period off on the right foot.

•  Periods

As your body grows and changes, it’s important to understand how to keep it healthy, including your private areas. Vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common issues that can happen to anyone, no matter their gender or age.

These infections might feel uncomfortable, but they’re usually easy to treat with the right care. Knowing the basics can help you feel more confident about your body and what to do if something feels off.

Vaginal infections

Vaginal infections, like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV), happen when the balance of bacteria or yeast in the vagina is disrupted. This can lead to itching, changes in discharge (like color or smell), or discomfort.

These infections aren’t about being “dirty”—things like hormonal changes, tight clothing, or using scented soaps can cause them.

For people who have vaginas but may not feel connected to having one, like some transgender or nonbinary individuals, these changes can sometimes feel confusing or challenging. It’s okay to have those feelings, and there are supportive adults and healthcare providers who can help.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs, on the other hand, affect the urinary tract, which includes your bladder and the tube (urethra) that carries pee out of your body. UTIs can happen when bacteria get into your urinary tract, and they can make peeing feel painful, or make you feel like you need to pee all the time. Drinking plenty of water and peeing regularly (especially after activities like swimming or using the toilet) can help prevent them.

If you notice unusual symptoms, like pain, itching, or discomfort, it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted adult or doctor. They can help figure out what’s going on and give you the right treatment to feel better.

Remember, it’s normal to have questions about your body as it changes, and learning how to care for yourself is an important part of growing up. Whether you have a vagina, urinary tract, or both, your body is unique and worth taking care of!

• Vaginal Infections

The most common infections are bacterial vaginosis (BV) , urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Each infection has its own symptoms and treatment, so if you think something is wrong, get tested and checked by a doctor or a sexual health clinic. 

Hormones are like little messengers in your body that tell different parts of it what to do and when. During puberty, your hormones kick into action, and one big thing they control is the menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle is what happens in your body to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Even if you haven’t had your first period yet, your body is getting ready, and it’s all completely normal.

Here’s how it works: hormones like estrogen and progesterone are in charge of your cycle. They tell your body to build up a lining in your uterus (a place inside your belly where a baby can grow).

If your body doesn’t need that lining, it breaks down and comes out as blood through your vagina—this is your period. The cycle starts again after your period ends, with hormones working behind the scenes to make everything happen.

For people who haven’t had their first period yet, hormones might already be causing changes like breast growth, mood swings, or body hair. These changes are a sign your body is growing and getting ready.

If you’re transgender, nonbinary, or questioning your gender, these changes might feel exciting, confusing, or even uncomfortable—and that’s okay. You deserve to feel supported, and there are ways to navigate those feelings with trusted adults or healthcare providers.

The menstrual cycle is unique to everyone. Some people feel great during certain parts of their cycle, while others might get cramps, mood swings, or feel tired.

If you’re waiting for your first period, know that it’s normal to start anytime between the ages of 9 and 15. And no matter where you are in your journey, your body’s changes are a sign it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to!

• Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle

Birth control, or contraception, is a way to prevent pregnancy if someone with a penis and someone with a uterus have sex. It’s also a way to take control of your body and protect your health.

Even if you’re not having sex right now (and that’s completely normal at your age), learning about contraception is important because it helps you make smart, informed decisions later in life.

There are many types of contraception, like condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs. Condoms are one of the most common methods because they’re simple to use, protect against pregnancy, and also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can use condoms if they’re having the kind of sex that involves a penis. They can also be used with things like dental dams to stay safe during oral sex.

If you’re LGBTQIA+ and don’t plan on having the kind of sex that could result in pregnancy, you might not need birth control for that reason, but barrier methods like condoms or dental dams are still important for preventing STIs.

For some people, like those with periods, certain types of contraception (like the pill or IUDs) can also be used to help with things like heavy periods or cramps, even if they’re not sexually active.

Whether you’re exploring these topics for yourself or just learning for the future, it’s important to remember that your body is your own, and decisions about contraception are personal.

If you ever have questions, talking to a trusted adult or healthcare provider can help you understand your options and feel confident about your choices.

• All your options – birth control and contraception
• Sexually transmitted infections

Your body is unique, and that includes your private parts—whether you have a vulva, a penis, or something in between.

Everyone’s genitals look different, and there’s no such thing as “normal.” Vulvas, for example, can have labia (the “lips” around the vagina) that are small, big, wrinkly, smooth, light, or dark in color, and they might not match on both sides—that’s all okay! Penises also come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, and all of them are normal.

Sometimes, it’s easy to feel unsure or self-conscious about private parts, especially if they don’t look like what you see in pictures or hear about from others.

It’s important to remember that those pictures (especially online) aren’t always real or show just one type of body. Your body is yours, and it’s perfect the way it is.

For people who are LGBTQIA+, you might not feel like your private parts match who you are inside, and that can be a complicated feeling. It’s okay to feel this way, and there are supportive people and resources who can help you feel more comfortable in your body.

The most important thing is to take care of your genitals by keeping them clean and healthy and treating them with kindness. If you ever have questions or worries, talk to someone you trust, like a parent, caregiver, or a doctor.

Confidence comes from knowing that your body is just right for you, no matter how it looks or feels. Everyone’s journey to body confidence is different, and it’s okay to take your time as you learn to appreciate and care for the amazing body you have.