Growing up: Information for boys about puberty
What is puberty?
Puberty is a time when your body goes through many changes—you’re growing from a child into a teenager and eventually into an adult. Although puberty doesn’t happen at the same time for everyone, it usually starts between age 10 and 15 for boys.
Puberty isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a process that takes place over several years. It all starts with hormones, which are natural chemicals that are released in your body. The hormones travel through your blood to your testicles, telling your body to start producing sperm and testosterone (a hormone).
How does my body change?
Changes to your body will happen gradually, over many years:
- First, your testicles and penis begin to grow bigger.
- Your body shape may start to change as more muscle tissue forms. You will become taller, develop more muscles and your shoulders will get broader.
- Hair begins to grow around your genitals and your scrotum (the soft pouch underneath your penis that holds your testicles). It will also grow on your chest, arms, legs, armpits and face.
- Your reproductive organs, the parts of your body that help to make a baby, will start to make semen. Semen is the fluid that leaves your penis when you ejaculate. It’s made from different fluids and sperm, which is made in the testicles. You probably won’t even know this is happening until you have a “wet dream.” This is when you dream, have an erection (your penis gets hard) and you ejaculate (semen comes out of your penis).
- In the last phase of puberty, your growth spurt will slow down. You will reach your adult height, your genitals will reach their adult size and you may develop more body hair.
Other changes you can expect include:
- More sweat. Since sweat can cause body odour, it helps to take a bath or shower every day and to start wearing deodorant.
- Some boys develop acne (pimples). Washing your face in the morning and at night with regular soap and water is important. If you do get pimples, acne lotions, creams and special soaps may help. If they don’t work, talk to your doctor about other treatments.
- Your voice will change. Sometimes it cracks as it gets lower. This is because your larynx (voicebox) is growing to make your voice lower.
Will I feel different?
Just as these hormones are causing all kinds of changes in your body, they also affect how you feel. Emotions during puberty may feel a bit like a roller coaster, you may:
- Be afraid of the changes in your body one minute and excited about them the next.
- Feel awkward or confused.
- Get along and fight with good friends in the same day.
- Feel grown up one day and like a child the next.
- Feel angry at times.
Sometimes, these changes may seem too much to take. You’re not alone. Like other teens, you’re going through a period of transition in your life. It can be both scary and exciting at the same time.
Taking care of yourself during puberty and throughout life
Sleep
Your changing body needs sleep—lots of it. Puberty takes up a lot of energy. Most teens need at least 8-1/2 hours of sleep each night, and some need more than 9 hours.
Food and exercise
Since a growing body needs food, you will often be hungry. Eating healthy food and being physically active are important to your health. Try to make physical activity and exercise part of your daily routine. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Do things where you’re moving, not sitting. Spend less time watching TV, playing video games, and surfing the Internet.
- Walk more—to school, the mall, a friend’s house.
- Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
- Walk the dog, rake the leaves, or shovel snow.
- Spend time on activities you enjoy: skating, swimming, biking, running.
If you are worried about your weight or body shape for any reason, talk to your doctor or an adult you trust.
What else should I do?
- Stay away from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. All of these can harm your body and are addictive.
- Puberty can cause you to have lots of different feelings and emotions. Talk to people you trust. This can help you cope with the changes you are experiencing.
For more information:
Reviewed by the CPS Adolescent Health Committee and Public Education Subcommittee.
Updated: March 2008
This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Canadian Paediatric Society
2305 St. Laurent Blvd.,
Ottawa, Ont. K1G 4J8
Phone: 613-526-9397, fax: 613-526-3332 |
