Meta Description: Discover the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty in boys. Learn about the first signs of puberty in males and how to identify if you or your child is hitting puberty.

The Hairy Start

Introduction

Puberty is a turning point in an individual&#39;s life as the body transitions from childhood to adolescence. In both boys and girls, it can be a challenging time as they try to make sense of what is happening to their bodies<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp;

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During puberty the body not only goes through physical changes, but also experiences<a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/im-not-crazy-the-taboo-of-seeking-psychological-help"> psychological and emotional changes</a>. For boys, puberty is between ages of 9 and 14 years.

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The changes seen in boys are due to the spike in certain hormone levels that are released during puberty to help the body reach optimal reproductive ability<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. Hormones are chemical substances released by certain glands of the body that travel through blood to reach their target organ(s) and signal them what to do<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

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A pea-sized gland in the brain called pituitary releases two types of hormones that travel through blood to reach the sex organ - testes in boys. The testes then release the primary sex hormone called testosterone that brings about the changes witnessed during puberty<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

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Understanding Puberty in Males

There are 5 stages of puberty for boys as described by Tanner<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. For parents, Tanner is an amazing guide to know about what they can expect when their boy hits puberty.&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<li>Stage 1&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

This is the prepubertal stage, which means that boys haven&#39;t yet experienced any obvious signs of puberty.

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<ul>
	<li>Stage 2&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

This stage occurs between the ages of 9 and 14 years. Physical changes start to become visible, including:

<ol>
	<li>Growth of external genitalia, that is the testicles and scrotum</li>
	<li>Hair growth around the genitals and under the arm</li>
	<li>Increase in height with roughly 2-2.5 inch increase each year</li>
</ol>

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Stage 3

Between the age of 10 and 16 years, physical changes accelerate. This stage includes:

<ol>
	<li>Continued growth of the testicles and penis</li>
	<li>Experiencing nocturnal emissions</li>
	<li>Darkening and coarsening of hair around the genital area&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Growth spurt with 2.75-3 inches increase in height per year&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Increased sweating often leading to body odor&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Changes in voice (a crack or break in their voice)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Increase in muscle tissues&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

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At this time, around 50% of boys experience breast development, a condition called gynecomastia. But it is temporary as the growth resolves in a few months.&nbsp;

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<ul>
	<li>Stage 4</li>
</ul>

During this stage, puberty is at its peak. This occurs between the age of 11 and 16 years:

<ol>
	<li>Growth of penis in addition to a darkening of the area around the genitalia and development of red ridges over the testicles&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Growth spurt is at its maximum during this stage with approximate increase in height of 4 inches in a year&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hair growth increases&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Acne develops&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cracking of the voice persists&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

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<ul>
	<li>Stage 5</li>
</ul>

This is the final stage of puberty. By this stage all the physical changes have taken place. For some people, facial hair develops during this stage. By age 17, most boys have reached this stage. However, some may reach this stage when they are in their early 20s.&nbsp;

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You know a boy is going through puberty when you observe changes in his height, voice, and overall appearance. These are all obvious signs. But there&rsquo;s a whole lot of changes that are happening &lsquo;behind the scenes. One of them being: a burst of new emotions.&nbsp;

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The surge in testosterone along with peer pressure results in moody behavior, isolation from family, and your boy demanding independence. This is a very sensitive and challenging phase to deal with as parents, since you have to constantly reassure your teenage son that you love him and have his back. Whenever you see your teenage son crossing certain boundaries, you need to instantly remind him politely about how he is going beyond the set limits and might put himself in danger<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

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If you notice that your son is exhibiting any sign of depression or anxiety, for instance, becoming unusually irritable and cranky or experiencing extreme mood swings, then you need to consult a healthcare professional to get your teen evaluated. If the disturbance is due to a psychological disorder, then your doctor would either recommend therapy or prescribe medications<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Erection is the process during which the penis hardens as it gets filled with blood. This may happen anytime during puberty. For some, it may happen once in a day, while others may not experience it at all. Either way, it&#39;s completely normal<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.

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However, your teen might wake up from sleep because of erections and may experience wet dreams. Wet dreams or nocturnal emissions is a condition in which the fluid that contains sperm is released from the penis during sleep. This can result in bedwetting and can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing for your child but you need to comfort him as it is a normal sign of puberty and is a part of growing up. It is a sign that their body is getting ready for reproduction<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.

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It is common for boys to have acne during puberty. This is because of the surge in testosterone, which results in increased sweat production, and causes oil to build up inside the skin pores and clog them causing acne.&nbsp;

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Boys can develop acne on the face, chest, or back. Some teens may have severe acne, compared to others but it also depends on the family history.&nbsp;

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You should ask your child to wash their face properly and regularly to cleanse the pores. If it doesn&#39;t work then you can take them to a dermatologist (skin specialist) who will guide you about how to treat persistent acne<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. It&rsquo;s best to get a consultation and not use any cream or ointment that has not been clinically approved or suggested to you by your doctor.&nbsp;

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An early puberty (also known as precocious puberty) is seen in 1.2% of children in the U.S<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. Early puberty is when young boys begin to experience symptoms before they even turn 9.&nbsp;

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Early puberty is not a matter of concern and does not require medical intervention if the growth and development is normal and the child is going through all the stages of puberty as he should.&nbsp;

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However, there are certain medical conditions that can result in increased levels of sex hormone at an early age. An excess of these hormones can cause the early commencement of puberty. These medical conditions include any genetic or hormonal condition or any abnormality of the brain or sex organs. If early puberty is due to a medical condition, then your doctor will guide you through a treatment plan.&nbsp;

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Late puberty is when boys do not undergo testicle enlargement by the time they turn 14. Delayed puberty is not a serious issue because the age of onset of puberty varies greatly and depends on the child&#39;s genes, diet, weight, and environment. For instance, individuals who undergo intense physical training attain puberty at a later age<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

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But delayed puberty can be a matter of concern if it is due to an underlying health condition. In cases where sex organs produce low levels of the required hormone, a condition called hypogonadism develops which slows the onset of puberty.&nbsp;

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Late puberty can be due to genetic or developmental disorder or due to a brain tumor. Imaging techniques such as MRI or ultrasound can easily scan the gland to confirm if they are functioning properly. If hormones are low naturally, exogenous hormones can be administered<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

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Conclusion

Puberty is a period of transitioning from childhood to adolescence. It consists of 5 stages and it can be very challenging for boys as they go through physical, emotional, and psychological changes within themselves. Every child goes through puberty at his own pace since it is a gradual process and these changes don't take place overnight. For parents, it is a topic that needs to be dealt with utmost care and affection so that the child feels secure as they move towards adulthood.&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Puberty is a period in the life of an individual during which they undergo physical, emotional, and psychological changes.</li>
	<li>It consists of 5 stages as described by Tanner.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Puberty in boys begins between the ages of 9 and 14.</li>
	<li>During puberty, boys may go through voice changes, increase in height, and changes in physique.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Some may experience erection and nocturnal emissions which is normal during puberty.</li>
	<li>Boys may also develop acne due to increase in hormone levels.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Some boys may develop puberty early or late and often it isn&#39;t a matter of concern. But if it is due to any underlying cause then it should be addressed.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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