Getting aroused means that your body is reacting to something that feels sexually exciting. You might feel a tingling sensation in your genitals, your vagina may become wet, or you might get an erection. You could also notice your heartbeat speeding up, your nipples becoming more sensitive, or a general feeling of warmth or curiosity. This is your body’s natural response to sexual feelings — and it can happen suddenly, even without a clear reason.

During puberty, sex hormones increase a lot, which makes arousal more common and sometimes stronger than before. You might feel turned on by thoughts, touch, images, or for no particular reason at all. It’s also normal to be curious about your body and to explore it through masturbation. That’s completely safe and a natural part of learning about yourself.

Feeling aroused doesn’t mean you have to do anything sexual. It’s simply a physical signal — like hunger or tiredness. You decide what you want to do with that feeling, and there’s no rush to understand or act on it.

Alma’s tips:

• Explore what feels comfortable for you — your body belongs to you.

• You don’t have to understand every feeling right away; it makes sense over time.

• Talk to someone you trust if you have questions about sex or your body. It’s completely normal to wonder about these things.