1. Take the Quiz on Puberty
2. Parenting Principles Slideshow Pictures
3. Parenting and Healthy Eating Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

The highest incidence of STDs occurs in sexually active teens. Biological reasons for this epidemic include an earlier age of menarche coupled with the relative lack of maturation of the lining tissues of the cervix during the first one to two years following menarche. This immaturity makes infection with Chlamydia and human papillomavirus (HPV) more likely. Behavioral issues associated with the high rate of STDs in teens include an earlier age of first intercourse and a false perception of invincibility ("It won't happen to me").

Psychological issues

The attainment of puberty has been observed to coincide with many profound psychological changes. It is important to realize that the refinement of abstract thought (for example, ability to intellectually explore various possible behaviors and anticipate realistic consequences) takes place in late puberty and extends into young adulthood (18-25 years old). The incidence of depression also rises during the teen years -- more frequently in females than males. Some studies have indicated that boys tend to develop a stronger self-image as puberty advances; females are thought to have a more self-critical body-image perception during early and mid puberty. Racial background studies indicate this self-depreciating phenomenon is more likely in Caucasian vs. African-American females. Girls who start puberty earlier than their peers appear to have a more stressful entry into this time of their life and are noted to have a higher likelihood of disruptive behaviors and possibly suicide attempts. Boys who are "late bloomers" are more likely to have issues with internalization and suppression of their feelings and may develop a stronger emotional reliance on others.

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