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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to ask if pubic hair at 9 is normal?

20 replies

branstonsandcheese · 27/06/2011 22:37

DS had a couple of wispy armpit hairs a few weeks ago, I noticed them while doing a smell-check! We were chatting today and he mentioned he has some on his crotch - and he does! Loads!

DH thinks this is massively too early and we should take him to the doctor, the internet says it is early-ish and that his testicles should grow before he gets pubic hair (I don't think they look any different). But I don't want to take him to the doctor and scar him for life or anything - my mother took me along for my stretch marks and that was horrible and shaming. So we are being very 'cool whatever' about it at home.

He has occasionally-greasy skin, stinky sweat, absolutely NO 'emotional' signs of puberty (many of his peers are very interested in boobs, fancying etc).

I don't really know any other children his age - I don't really feel close enough to his classmate's mums to ask(!!!) and most of my friends have daughters...

OP posts:

lubeybooby · 27/06/2011 22:38

I remember underarm hair and the beginnings of pubes at ten. I think it's most probably within the realms of normal

molemesseskilledIpom · 27/06/2011 22:39

It's normal, it all happens around that age.

RevoltingPeasant · 27/06/2011 22:40

I think it is normal but early. I don't have DCs yet so that is my patchy remembering of health class from about 15 years ago though....

tbh what does your DH think could possibly be wrong with him? Or rather, what does he want a GP to do - stop him developing for another couple of years?

Surely it's just one of those things - as long as he seems healthy, leave him to it....?

Original poster

branstonsandcheese · 27/06/2011 22:42

I developed quite early but am a girl.

I suspect DH was a late starter. And/or he's freaking out at the concept of DS starting puberty - 9 does seem young to be starting the transition. Mind you he can do stroppy teenager already :)

OP posts:

reelingintheyears · 27/06/2011 22:43

RevoltingPeasant is right....

Normal but early.

Can i ask why you were doing a smell check?

Disasterpiece · 27/06/2011 22:44

Its normal, please dont take him tot he doctor, youll only embarrass him and he might not be so trusting anymore.

Just keep being really cool about it all, have lots of chats, maybe get him some books and let him know he can ask you whatever you want. Answer things as honestly as you can.

That advice might be shit though, my DS is only a toddler and as much as I hope to be able to act all cool and help him with any questions he may have I can imagine myself going bright red, making up some shitty excuse to leave the room quicjkly and cringing at myself in a pillow for half an hour.

usualsuspect · 27/06/2011 22:45

This is not really an AIBU question is it?

RevoltingPeasant · 27/06/2011 22:46

at smell check.

I do those on DP sometimes because after we're in bed it's too late.

Also preteen boys are sometimes not fans of washing.

Original poster

branstonsandcheese · 27/06/2011 22:49

usualsuspect (and others I am sure) - you are right, and I actually saw the current thread on AIBU-suitability and cringed. I'm sorry and I won't do it again.

DS was being very insistent he didn't need a shower after karate - he really did though. He doesn't 'get' the point of personal hygeine 100% yet.

OP posts:

usualsuspect · 27/06/2011 22:51

fair enough

forum police over and out

HowlingBitch · 27/06/2011 22:51

Ok I read that COMPLETELY wrong (I thought you were smelling DSs crotch but I am very tired) :o

I say don't make a big fuss really. Nothing to be overly concerned about. :)

Original poster

branstonsandcheese · 27/06/2011 22:55

EWwwwww no no no crotch-smelling here. I've tried to stay away from that end of things since he was out of nappies

OP posts:

HowlingBitch · 27/06/2011 22:57

:o :o

Thank goodness!

bibbitybobbityhat · 27/06/2011 22:57

Yabu.

reelingintheyears · 27/06/2011 22:58

Blimey you lot.....

I thought she was sniffing his armpits.....

TheSparrow · 27/06/2011 22:59

9 is early for girls, very early for boys: Possibly sign of hormonal disorder.

Speak to GP: if he / she thinks it warrants investigation, discuss what investigation entails, then sell it to DS as routine blood test / urine test / exam / whatever.

Chances are 99% it's within normal limits and its all OK; but if I were you, I would get professional confirmation.

Driftwood999 · 27/06/2011 23:08

Within your home, under your roof; one should always sniff at the "health" of the family/household, that is very appropriate. Then decide on whatever action is necessary.

omaoma · 27/06/2011 23:20

FWIW - starting periods at 9 is improbable but does happen and apparently moreso now that girls are gaining weight younger.

If you're worried about scaring your son for life, why not go see the GP yourself without him, explain the issue - if it's v unusual and there is a possibility of some kind of hormone imbalance they'll soon tell you and then you can do a job of ensuring they deal with it very tactfully.

omaoma · 27/06/2011 23:20

sorry my first point was to show that puberty can start that early! not to suggest your son will be starting his period... :)

porcamiseria · 28/06/2011 08:52

sorry but its just a tad inappropriate to mention this topic in aIBU, more for your sons sake

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