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The Right Words
Talk to Your Daughter About the Human Body
By Kelly Burgess
The male reproductive system begins with the penis. Hanging below the penis is the scrotum. Within the scrotum are the testicles and part of the male duct system that helps produce sperm and semen.
Puberty is the process by which the body matures, and it can begin as early as age 9. In girls, it starts with breast budding and the growth of pubic hair. A growth spurt follows breast budding by about a year. Your daughter will usually get her first period about two years after puberty begins. Puberty then continues to progress with breast enlargement and body hair growth.
As your daughter's breasts begin to bud, it's time to think about bra shopping. First bras, or trainer bras, don't rely on cup size; they're more for making her feel less self-conscious about her changing breasts. Your daughter may even prefer sports-type bras that come in small, medium and large.
As her breasts begin to grow, here is how to measure for bra size: Measure around her body, right across the nipples. This is the breast measurement Then measure around her body under her breasts and add five inches (for the fastener). This is the band measurement. The difference between the two is cup size. Each inch of difference equals one cup size. In other words, 1 inch equals an "A" cup. The band measurement, then, is the size bra she needs, for example a 32A.