Dear Ziggy1234,

Masturbation has no effect on how quickly or slowly a person goes through puberty. Masturbation is a perfectly healthy activity, whether a person is a girl or boy, woman or man. Although some people may worry that masturbation is harmful, it actually is one of the body's most effective ways to relieve stress.

Teens start going through puberty at very different ages. Girls usually start anywhere between eight and 14 years old, and boys usually start anywhere between 10 and 17 years old. Also, puberty doesn't happen all at once — it happens in stages. So young people may show some signs of puberty at an early age — like breasts beginning to grow or a voice that's starting to crack, but they may not show other signs of puberty until they are much older — like getting a period or growing facial hair. Believe it or not, it can take up to 20 years of age for all the changes to take place.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.