Used real photos to educate on foreskin tightness and when to consult a doctor.
If you grew up in Germany—or were a curious teen anywhere in Europe—the name likely brings back a flood of memories. Between the giant posters and "Love Stories," there was one section that everyone talked about (often in whispers): Dr. Sommer’s "That’s Me" (later known as "Bodycheck" ).
For those interested in historical context, digital versions of past columns are often available through the Bravo Archive . Bravo dr sommer bodycheck thats me boys
By showing diverse body types, hair, and physical features, it aims to normalize "normal" bodies for teenagers going through puberty.
Just laugh it off! Even the biggest rockstars went through the "squeak" phase. 4. Muscle & Shape Used real photos to educate on foreskin tightness
For young men, the column initially served as a baseline to address severe anatomical anxiety. In the early days, readers relied heavily on text descriptions to answer stressful questions about growth milestones. The introduction of visual comparison photo series—such as the digital BRAVO Penis-Galerie —fundamentally shifted how boys evaluated their own development. Seeing real, non-idealized bodies helped dismantle the unrealistic expectations created by adult entertainment. The Cultural Legacy of Dr. Sommer
The fundamental message of the boys' Bodycheck was showcasing that there is no singular "correct" way for a male body to mature. The spreads featured boys of varying heights, weights, muscular builds, and stages of pubertal hair development. It visually answered the terrifying, unspoken question every teenager harbored: "Am I normal?" 2. Dismantling the Myths of Male Perfection Sommer’s "That’s Me" (later known as "Bodycheck" )
Reader letters, explicit advice, and text-focused education. Pioneer era of public sex education; highly controversial. That's Me! 14–20 (later 16–20)
Historically, adolescent body anxieties are heavily documented in young girls. However, addressed an equally fragile demographic: teenage boys.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, the column expanded from text-based Q&As into highly visual formats. To combat the profound insecurities teenagers felt about their changing bodies, the editorial team launched segments dedicated to showing "real" anatomy. Aufklärung in den 90ern - BRAVO-ARCHIV
