Puberty
Puberty is the process of physical maturation where an adolescent reaches sexual maturity and becomes capable of reproduction. On average, puberty typically begins between 8 and 13 in females and 9 and 14 in males
Physical Changes for Boys
Physical Changes for Boys
Physical changes for boys around puberty is the time when all the major organs and body systems mature. At the end of puberty, boys are sexually and reproductively mature.
The growth and development that occurs during puberty is prompted by changes in the levels of certain hormones in the body.
Hormonal changes begin in the mid-primary school years, but puberty properly starts at around 10 years for girls and 11 years for boys. Everyone is different – you may start puberty earlier or later. Girls typically start puberty well before boys.
As puberty advances, both boys and girls experience many emotional changes; for many, it is a time of choosing different ways of engaging with family, friends and teachers.
Remember we are all totally unique in our own way. Our bodies will develop at different times. We may not experience any or few of the changes below.
The physical changes that happen for boys around puberty include
Height and Muscle Growth
Boys will get taller and stronger and start to grow muscle. This occurs at different rates for everyone.
Acne
Acne - You may develop acne. This is a condition of the skin that shows up as bumps – most commonly on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back and chest. These bumps can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. Hormonal changes during puberty cause acne in teens.
Voice Changes
Voice changes - Your voice will get deeper. This is sometimes called ‘voice breaking’ because of the ups and downs in voice tone.
Genital Growth
Genital growth - Your testicles and penis will get bigger. It is normal for one testicle to be bigger than the other. Some boys worry about their penis size, but sexual function, including the ability to have sex and father children, does not depend on penis size. Talk to a doctor if you are worried.
Hair Growth
Hair growth - Body hair starts to grow around the pubic area, legs, under the arms and on the face. It starts off fine and then gets thicker and darker. Some young men keep growing and getting more body hair into their 20s.
Wet Dreams
Wet dreams - You may have wet dreams, where you ejaculate in your sleep. This is a normal part of growing up.
Erections
Erections - Sometimes erections happen when you get nervous or excited, or for no reason at all, which can make you feel embarrassed. Other people will not usually notice them and they will go away after a few minutes.