Girlology: A Girl's Guide to Stuff that Matters

Okay, shift to reverse gear. The pathway that an egg follows to find its way out begins at the ovaries; then once ovulation occurs (when the egg is released), it cruises and shimmies down a fallopian tube and lands nice and easy (plunk!) in the endometrium of the uterus. If it is not fertilized by a sperm, it will come out as a period (don’t look for the actual egg, you’ll never see it). If it is fertilized, a baby develops and is born about nine months later. Can you trace the path and name the parts as you go?

What about Breasts?!

We can’t forget our breasts! They deserve at least a little attention here. (Boys and the media certainly give them attention, so we will, too!)

You should know by now that they come in all shapes and sizes, and no two are exactly alike, including your two. Lopsided? Join the club. Most girls and women are, but it’s not really that noticeable unless you are looking closely. If yours are more lopsided than you think they should be, check with your doctor.

Breasts have parts, too. The breast mound is the main part of your breast and is full of fatty tissue and glands that will produce milk. The nipple is the little bump in the center that can be indented, flat or poking out. Around the nipple is a circle of darker skin called the areola (uh REE oh luh). The areola or skin around it can be hairy, and the areola itself may have small white or light-colored bumps on it that are smaller than your nipple. Those extra bumps are gland openings—normal and nothing to worry about.

Nipples can have a mind of their own and suddenly become hard and even more obvious when you are cold, excited or anxious. It can be kind of embarrassing to some girls, but try not to worry too much about it. Just like everyone gets goose bumps when they are cold or nervous, your nipples can act like those goose bumps, too. Have you ever heard them called headlights? Party hats? It happens to all girls! Some girls like to wear bras to help with this occasional pop-up. Other reasons to wear a bra include comfort and general breast health. Bras may decrease the color and size of stretch marks and may help prevent back pains.

When should you start wearing a bra? Well, if you aren’t already, it’s up to you! Some women never wear a bra, and some don’t go anywhere without one. Lots of girls start wearing a bra when their breasts show through their clothes or start to jiggle a little. When your breasts are growing, it’s normal for them to be a little sore or sensitive. Sometimes wearing a bra can be more comfortable.

Your breasts will grow quickly before you start your period and then a little more after you start. During this growth phase, they may take on a shape that you don’t like. Be patient, your breasts may continue to change shape and size up to about age 18. Because of this rapid growth, you may need to buy bras more often, because a properly fitted bra is important, especially when your breasts are growing. Bras can help prevent some stretch marks, but sometimes, no matter how much support you have for your breasts, those stretch marks happen anyway. It’s genetic. You can thank your ancestors! Don’t forget to buy a special sports bra for more physical activity. Finally, a bra will not prevent your breasts from becoming saggy later in life. That usually happens to some extent as we get older and is most noticeable after we have babies.

Breasts are another important part of your girlness for several reasons. They are sensitive when touched and can give us sexual pleasure (we’ll talk about that more in chapter 8), but most importantly, breasts are for feeding babies. There is no food or formula that anyone can buy that is better for a baby than breast milk. And you know what? Your breast size has nothing to do with how much milk you can make. Even the smallest, pea-sized breasts can make enough milk to feed a big, hungry, chubby baby! Although most women can breast-feed, some decide not to for various personal or health reasons.

The Rest of Your Body

In case you haven’t noticed, your body will grow a lot in middle school. It grows up some and out some, up some more, out some more. In the year before you start your period, you may grow three to four inches taller or more! After your period starts, you can still grow a little, but it is mostly in your trunk. Your legs, arms, feet, hands and head are all done by then!

Now what about that growing “out” part? Most girls complain about that part, but it is a part of getting that womanlike body. Your whole shape will change, and it’s for a good reason. Your waist will be more obvious; your hips and thighs will grow larger. Sometimes your butt and hips will get bigger—and your breasts? Well, we’ve talked about them already. You are starting to look more like a teen or young woman—but remember, you’re still a girl.