Puberty and Adolescence
Alternate Names : Adolescence, Maturation - Sexual, Reproductive Development, Sexual Education, Sexual Maturation
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Puberty in boys
Puberty usually occurs in boys between 13 and 15 years old. Unlike girls, there is no clearcut sign that tells a boy that he has entered puberty. However, boys will normally experience:
- accelerated growth, especially height
- increased shoulder width
- growth of the penis and testicles
- voice changes
- pubic, beard, and armpit hair growth
- nighttime ejaculations (nocturnal emissions; "wet dreams")
There are five stages in the sexual development of boys:
- Stage one is characterized by downy pubic hair that is similar to the hair found on the abdomen.
- Stage two involves enlargement of the scrotum and testes. The enlargement of the scrotum is accompanied by reddening and folding of the skin. The first sparse pubic hair becomes apparent.
- Stage three involves enlargement of the penis. A majority of this developement occurs in the length of the penis, although there may be small changes in the diameter of the shaft. Further enlargement and development of the scrotum and testis takes place and pubic hair thickens. Other changes involving the pubic hair include curling and coarsening in texture.
- These changes continue throughout the fourth stage accompanied by enlargement of the penile glans with thickening of hair in the pubic area.
- Stage five is the completion of sexual maturation. The penis, scrotum and testis are fully matured and are adult-sized. Pubic hair fills the pubic area and extends onto the surface of the thighs and up the abdomen. Increased body hair, voice changes and other physical changes are called the secondary sex characteristics of puberty. They are the consequence of changing hormone levels in the male body.
Unlike ovaries, their female counterpart, the testes constantly manufacture sperm. While some sperm can be stored in a structure called the epididymis, the stored sperm must be occasionally released as part of the normal process to make room for new sperm. This can occur automatically during sleep (known as a nocturnal emission or "wet dream") or following masturbation or sexual intercourse. Nocturnal emissions may be a common concern for young men entering puberty but they should be reassured that is a normal part of maturation.
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