Sex is a huge topic — way too big for just one article — so we’re breaking it down into several articles.

Let’s start at the very beginning: what is it and why do people want to do it?!

It’s through sex that humans and animals are able to reproduce; and this is all part of life. Look at butterflies. It looks like they’re just enjoying flying around the garden, they help to pollinate, by placing pollen in flowers, to create more flowers in the world. Isn’t it amazing?

When we are still really young, our minds and bodies aren’t ready to reproduce. But there will come a time when all of us reach a point when we start to mature. This is what you call “puberty”. It is during this time that we undergo a lot of physical and hormonal changes. For girls, puberty usually starts from the ages of 10 to 14. (For boys, puberty happens a little later — usually between 12 and 16 years old.)

For girls, puberty also means the beginning of your period. Once a girl has her period, the body is physically ready to carry a baby. However, it’s another thing to make sure that one is emotionally ready with the responsibility of having a baby.

During puberty, many people start to see the people around us differently. There might be someone you like right now; someone you can’t stop thinking about! Does it make you feel confused? That’s okay! It’s normal to have a crush, and it can be exciting, too!

With all the many changes happening in your body, with all the thoughts and feelings that run through you, and even when it comes to love, you might be confused and you might have many questions. Even about sex. It’s important to have the right information from someone you trust, so little by little, you can be comfortable in your own skin.

Understanding your body is the beginning of understanding and loving yourself!