Overview
Sooner or later, every boy goes through puberty. Puberty is the period of time when sexual characteristics develop and sexual organs mature. There is a significant growth spurt and the timing of that 'spurt' can vary from person to person. Along with sexual maturation and development, a wide range of emotional changes also take place. Some boys go through this period very easily and for others it can be difficult.
The changes associated with puberty generally occur between the ages of nine and 16 years of age, but this can vary considerably from person to person.
Symptoms
11 to 14 years of age:
Hair usually begins to grow on various parts of the body (although it may continue to spread to other parts of the body until a young man reaches age 20). There may be a sparse growth of slightly pigmented pubic hair at the base of penis when he is about age 12.4. Adult-type hair will spread to the inside of thighs but not up the abdomen.
Hair is typically seen on a young man's face, underarm area, pubic area, abdomen, chest, arms, legs and buttocks during this period. The amount and distribution of hair can vary considerably from one man to the next.
Thinning and reddening of the scrotum occurs around 12 years old. Also during this time, the body takes on a more muscular and angular shape because of testosterone. This generally begins around age 12.5 when testosterone causes muscle mass to increase. The greatest effect can usually be seen in the upper chest and shoulder muscles. Testosterone also causes bones to lengthen, giving young men a heavier bone structure and longer arms and legs.
Oil glands in the skin become more active and this can cause acne. Many people will have problems with acne into adulthood.
As a result of increased testosterone, vocal cords become longer and thicker and the voice becomes lower around this age. It is not unusual for the voice to change pitch abruptly or 'crack' at times. The voice usually starts to lower around 13.5 years of age and is usually finished 'changing' around age 14.5.
13 to 16 years of age:
Increased growth of the penis and scrotum often starts at about age 13 and continues until adult size is reached about two years later. There is a fair degree of age variation with genital development from one boy to the next.
Males have spontaneous penis erections throughout their lives (even throughout infancy), but during puberty, boys tend to get erections more frequently. Erections can occur with or without any physical or sexual stimulation, and often lead to nocturnal emissions ("wet dreams").
Ask Your Parents
This can be a very difficult time because hormones fluctuate without your control. It’s good to have a friend, older brother or parent with whom you can discuss your emotional changes and urges.
If you are having serious problems with teenage depression, click here.
