“With my current girlfriend, there is a lot of T-A-L-K about sex, pleasure and contraception. It is equally important, if not more, that she enjoys sex as much as me.”
—Russell, 18, Canada
Are girls the only ones who worry about their body image?
No. Although there’s a lot more information for girls about body image, boys also experience similar pressures and worries about their bodies. The messages given to girls and boys (based on stereotypes about what males and females “should” look like) are different, too.
Girls get the message that they should be super thin. Guys get the message that they should be big with bulging muscles. That often leads guys to start lifting weights at a young age. When you start lifting weights before age 14 or 15 (as a general rule), the heavy exercise can damage muscles, tendons and bones that are still trying to finish growing. That can lead to permanent damage.
Guys sometimes even take steroids, drugs that can make them larger and stronger. But these drugs are harmful and illegal. Even steroid-type supplements sold in health food stores can cause health problems. Click here for more info about steriods, and here for information about supplements.
Guys also worry about their hair, skin and the way they look in general. But unlike girls, guys are discouraged from talking about their feelings. Instead, they’re supposed to “be strong” and keep it all inside.
But guys who feel insecure about their bodies should also get help. Talk to a parent or other trusted adult (a teacher, relative or clergy, for example). They can connect you with counselors or support groups that can help.
Girls get the message that they should be super thin. Guys get the message that they should be big with bulging muscles. That often leads guys to start lifting weights at a young age. When you start lifting weights before age 14 or 15 (as a general rule), the heavy exercise can damage muscles, tendons and bones that are still trying to finish growing. That can lead to permanent damage.
Guys sometimes even take steroids, drugs that can make them larger and stronger. But these drugs are harmful and illegal. Even steroid-type supplements sold in health food stores can cause health problems. Click here for more info about steriods, and here for information about supplements.
Guys also worry about their hair, skin and the way they look in general. But unlike girls, guys are discouraged from talking about their feelings. Instead, they’re supposed to “be strong” and keep it all inside.
But guys who feel insecure about their bodies should also get help. Talk to a parent or other trusted adult (a teacher, relative or clergy, for example). They can connect you with counselors or support groups that can help.
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Your Comments
lumps in breasts
Posted by: katkin20 on Jan 7th, 2008 7:52pm
I have the exact same problem ,both nipples but especially
the right is really painful,I went to the doctor and they
just said I'm still growing.But I don't believe this and I
think it's an infection. Anyone else got same problem?
RE: i have a question but i dont know if u have an anwser???
Posted by: DanR on Oct 22nd, 2007 10:52am
Normal breasts can be smooth or lumpy. Most lumps are due to
normal changes in breast tissue that occur during
development. Your breasts may also feel different or lumpy
around the time of your period. After you start to get your
periods you may notice that your breasts become tender or
sore about a week before you get your period each month.
Remember, some lumps are normal, but if you are concerned,
you should talk to your health care provider.
i have a question but i dont know if u have an anwser???
Posted by: anonamus on Oct 21st, 2007 6:11am
im 15 and i started my period last year my boobs are sore
and there a lumps in them im scared that it is cancer but my
sisters friend told me when she was growing she had lumps in
hers to is that normal??? they often hurt i think my boobs
are just growing but im still really scared!
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I know how y'all feel!!
Posted by: ChrisMalcolm1992 on May 4th, 2008 1:07pm
I'm 15 in June, and I'm 5'5, 154 pounds of muscle. But my
body is stick framed, and I'm shorter than most of the guys
in the locker room, and they pick on me because of this,
even though I'm benching over three times by body weight!!