Puberty in Adolescent Males Ready, Set, Develop By: Carol Friedl Reviewed by: Daniel Klein PhD, MSW When it comes to puberty; how much do you know? Have you learned anything from school? Can you talk to your parents about puberty? Just remember the key to all of this is COMMUNICATION Puberty usually starts anywhere from 9-15 years old and can end at an age anywhere from 12-18 years old (1). It starts with increases in hormone levels: testosterone (2). Since puberty is perfectly normal it helps to know what the changes are in your body and how to accept them. Changes don t happen all at once they happen a little at a time. These changes happen differently for every person. They can also make a difference to your body type or the way your body is built. There are 3 types: endomorph (rounder body), ectomorph (slim body), and mesomorph (muscular body). By looking at your body type you can chart your changes, better. 1. Madaras, L. (2000). The What s Happening to My Body Book for Boy s? NY, NY: Newmarket 2. Santrock, J. (2003). Adolescents. NY, NY: McGraw-Hill
Body changes (Ordered in the most common developmental order) Testicles and scrotum grow Pubic hair begins to grow Penis grows in size Erections and Ejaculations Growth spurt in height Shoulders broaden Voice changes Oilier hair and skin Nipples get bigger and darker Peck muscles enlarge Muscles get bigger Hair on legs darkens Feet get bigger Facial hair Arm hair Hair on chest and back Everyone s bodies change at different rates. To the left are the changes boys go through during puberty. These changes are exciting and normal. Boys that know about development: changes, terms, and expectations tend to do better during the transition. During this time it is very important to take care of your body. You can do this by: eating good foods, exercising, and giving self-exams. I cannot answer a lot of questions about what you ll look like. The answer lies in your family genes. Facts: Facts taken from The What s Happening to my Body Book for Boys. Annoyed with that crack in your voice during class. Voice changes are normal; although they might be embarrassing everyone goes through them during puberty. The reason for this is because your larynx (voice box) is growing. 1 st ejaculation can happen anywhere between the ages of 11 and 15 (some before and after this). Most boys have their 1 st ejaculation either by masturbation (2/3 of boys), (rubbing or stimulation of the sex organs) or via wet dream (ejaculation while sleeping). Most wet dreams happen during REM sleep (rapid eye movement) when other dreams occur Ejaculation although it only lasts about 10 seconds it can seem longer from the intensity Pre-Ejaculation flushes urine out of the urethra that could be harmful to sperm (this can contain sperm)
Hormones can affect a boy s mood swings the same as a girls. Emotions Boys as well as girls experience mood swings during puberty. Emotions can consist of caring more about others or caring about the way others view you, but romantic or sexual feelings are among and most popular of these emotions. It is important to show your emotions and to know that these feelings are normal; being your self is the best way to handle them. Many boys become aware of their bodies and want to compare theirs to friends, when doing so keep in mind that people change at different rates and your body style is unique to you. Taken from: http://www.kotex.com/info/education/guythingbrochure.pdf More about the penis Shapes and sizes of the penis can vary among individuals depending on their height and weight. The size of your penis has nothing to do with a man s manliness or sexual functioning. There is no ideal penis size or look; everybody s is different The penis will be shorter when flaccid (soft); longer and wider during an erection. Most people will not notice your erection unless attention is drawn to it.
Shaving! For most boys shaving is a very important part of growing up. A question most boys ask is once I start shaving will my hair come in thicker? The answer to this question is no. A piece of hair is thinner on the top (the part you cut off when shaving) than on the bottom (the part that is left). So, when the cut hair grows it seems to be thicker African-American Boys need to watch out for: Abrasive soaps and scrubs (will not help with acne could discolor your complexions causing patches of discolored skin) In-Grown hairs can be a problem when shaving (because these hairs are so strong and they are curly they can re-enter the skin) o Do not pluck the hairs it can worsen the situation Keloid Problems (abnormal scaring) Madaras, L., Madaras, A. (2000) My Body, My Self for Boys. NY, NY: Newmarket Never Share your Razor!! Guide to shaving with a blade razor 1. Make sure blades are clean and sharp 2. Wet the hair first 3. Use shaving cream or gel NOT soap 4. Shave in the direction of the hair flow 5. Rinse with cool water and pat dry Guide for shaving with electric shavers 1. Shave when face is dry 2. Go easy 3. Clean the heads Taken from The What s Happening to my Body Book for Boys At one time or another every one gets pimples due to the amount you get depends on if doctors call it acne or not. At this point in your life your body produces more oil. When oil clogs your skin s pores it causes pus pockets of infection or pimples. A person can get pimples almost anywhere on their body. Most likely they appear on the face, neck, back, and shoulders. Using an anti-bacterial soap and washing your face frequently are your best defenses. If the case worsens you can buy acne medications at a local shopping store.
Oily Skin Test! You need: your face, washcloth, soap, water, rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab, timer, and tissue paper. What to do: scrub your forehead with soap and washcloth. Clean part of your forehead with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Wait 4 hours (don t touch your forehead). Now firmly smear the tissue paper across your forehead. If the paper is more than half oil marked you have oily skin. If a light smudge your skin is normal, and if there is no oil on the paper you have dry skin. Branzei, S. (2002) Grossology. NY, NY: Penguin Putnam books New things to try How tall will I be? o Add 5 inches to your dad s height o Add this to your mom s height o Divide by 2 Testicular self-exams o Place your testicle (one at a time) between your thumb and first three index fingers (it s a good idea to do this in the bath) roll the testicle in your fingers feeling for o Your looking for abnormalities, pain, and soreness Developing boys tend to have a hard time in our society; this tends to be because the changes boys go through are not seen like changes girls go through or do not require as much attention. Puberty can be very enjoyable with the right knowledge. This is your time to grow bigger, accept change, and self-exploration.
Most of the time adults that you live with are the best ones to ask questions about puberty to. If you feel that is embarrassing try some of these: When you were my age When you went through puberty Try drawing a bubble with a stick figure thinking, put questions in the bubble for an adult to answer. Resources for you: Websites --The American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.medem.com/medlb/articleslb.cfm?su b_cat=15 Or http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.c fm?article_id=zzzw0z7nh4c&sub_cat=15 Or http://www.kotex.com/info/education/guything/i ndex.asp Or http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/g uys/normal_erections.html Books --The What s Happening to My Body? Book for Boys By: Lynda Madaras --My Body, My Self for Boys By: Lynda Madaras and Area Madaras --Changing Bodies, Changing Lives: A book for Teens on Sex and Relationships By: Ruth Bell