SIGNS OF PUBERTY IN BOYS

SIGNS OF PUBERTY IN BOYS

There is no clear-cut sign that tells a boy that he has entered puberty unlike in girls. However, boys will normally experience:

• Faster growth, especially height
• Increased shoulder width
• Growth of the penis, scrotum (accompanied by reddening and folding of the skin), and testes
• Voice changes
• Pubic, beard, and armpit hair growth
• Nighttime ejaculations (nocturnal emissions or "wet dreams")

The male testes constantly produce sperm. While some sperm can be stored in a structure called the epididymis, the stored sperm are occasionally released as part of the normal process to make room for new sperm. This can occur automatically during sleep (nocturnal emissions) or following masturbation or sexual intercourse. Nocturnal emissions are a normal part of puberty.

During childhood, growth is slow and steady; in puberty, change is rapid and dramatic while during puberty an adolescent may experience growth spurts, the average young person at adolescent stage grows 12 inches in height and gains 20-30 pounds. All parts of the body do not grow and develop at the same time or rate. The hands and feet are faster growing than the arms and legs. Adolescents will often feel awkward and gawky. That is quite normal because the body is out of proportion during this time period because of growth spurts. One out of five adolescents typically experience actual growing pains. These can be in the forms of aches in the shins, calves, or thighs. The attacks are usually short and often occur at night.

It's good to know about the changes that come along with puberty before they happen, and it's really important to remember that everybody goes through it. No matter where you live, whether you're a boy or girl, you will experience the changes that occur during puberty. No two people are exactly alike, but one thing all adults have in common is that they all went through puberty.