Growing Genitals
When do we start to grow a penis or a vulva?
When Do We Start to Grow a Penis or a Vulva?
When a baby starts developing in the womb, the parts that will become the penis or vulva start to form very early on. Here's a breakdown of how it happens:
1. Early Stages (First 6 weeks):
- At the very beginning, all babies have the same tiny, basic parts that could turn into either a penis or a vulva.
2. Gender Determination (Around 7 weeks):
- By the 7th week, if the baby has a Y chromosome (typically meaning they’re genetically male), a special gene called the SRY gene will start the process to develop a penis.
- If the baby has two X chromosomes (typically meaning they’re genetically female), they’ll start developing a vulva.
3. Development Process:
- For a Penis: The tiny part called the genital tubercle grows longer to form the penis. Other parts will become the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles).
- For a Vulva: The genital tubercle doesn’t grow as long and becomes the clitoris. The surrounding parts develop into the labia (the outer and inner "lips" of the vulva).
4. Role of Hormones:
- Hormones are like special messengers in the body. In babies developing a penis, hormones called androgens (like testosterone) help guide the growth.
- In babies developing a vulva, the absence of high levels of these hormones allows the vulva to form.
5. Neurological Gender Development (Around 12 weeks):
- By the 12th week, the baby's brain also starts developing in ways that relate to gender. This is when neurological (brain) differences begin to form, influenced by hormones and other factors.
By the end of the first trimester (around 12 weeks), the basic structures of the penis or vulva are in place, and the brain has started to develop its gender characteristics. These parts will continue to grow and develop throughout the rest of the pregnancy and into puberty.
So, from very early on, our bodies start to form the parts that will eventually become our genitals, guided by our genes and hormones. Around the same time, our brains also begin developing gender-specific characteristics.