When your body is ready to begin puberty, your pituitary (say: pih-too-uh-ter-ee) gland (a pea-shaped gland located at the bottom of your brain) releases special hormones.
Depending on whether you're a boy or a girl, these hormones go to work on your skin, sex organs (reproductive organs) and hair. It also affects your emotions and moods.
So what will physically change on my body?
Good question...
Usually the first sign you shall notice is the enlargement of your testes (or testicles). The scrotal skin will also change texture.
Your penis gets longer and wider.
Hairs will grow all over your body. You shall notice this on your face, like a beard, chest, moustache or sideburns, legs, armpits and around the penis. Usually it's pretty thin at first but gets stronger and darker towards the end of puberty.
Your shoulders get wider, muscles start to get bigger and stronger and you gain weight. Physically, some boys become bigger really fast. Not everyone grows at the same time or the same rate. Some people have their growth spurt really early and others really late.
You may notice that you are getting an 'Adam's apple'. This is your larynx (voice box) getting larger and sticking out at the front of your throat. Your voice may seem to be cracking, squeaking and deepening. This is normal. When your larynx has finished growing your voice will sound OK again and probably a bit deeper than before. You will begin to sound like your dad and play tricks on the telephone (don't do that)
Breasts look like they're developing a bit! (This is quite normal and usually goes away by the end of puberty)
Your body will start producing more sex hormones, so they have more sexual feelings and more erections.
You get erections sometimes because you're nervous or excited and other times when it just happens by itself! This can be a bit embarrassing at first but other people don't usually notice them as much as you do. Think of something different like a pending exams and soon the erections will vanish.
You may have 'nocturnal emissions' or wet dreams while you are sleeping. The 'wet' stuff is seamen and you haven't wet the bed! It is also a normal part of growing up because your body is starting to produce sperms.
Be ready for acne, pimples, zits, spots and stuff like that.
Your skin and hair will probably become more oily. Hair follicles (where a hair grows out of your skin) get blocked by dead skin cells, and bacteria grows. The bacteria makes your skin erupt into pimples. These are usually on the face, shoulders, arms, back, and chest. They can look red, white, or black.
Those little bumps and marks on your face that can make you miserable and sometimes, not even want to leave the house. Nobody likes them, but almost everybody gets them. Just try to live with it. It will all clear up after puberty.
More sweat, and stinkier sweat, are a normal part of puberty. It happens to all kids as they get older - boys and girls. It's because of those puberty hormones again. The hormones are affecting your sweat glands, and your sweat glands are making chemicals that sometimes make you smell. There are lots of sweat glands under your arms, so your armpits might be one place you're a bit stinky.
Are there any more changes?
Yes, Apart from the physical changes, there will be quiet a bit of emotional and psychological changes too.
Mixed feelings
Many people experience mixed up feelings and mood swings. One minute you have lots of energy and the next you feel so absolutely dead tired that you just want to be left alone.
Feeling sensitive.
It is very likely you might feel extra-sensitive to criticism, or teasing, or just about everything. Little things might set you off. You might think that nobody understands you. Relax dude.
It is very likely you might feel extra-sensitive to criticism, or teasing, or just about everything. Little things might set you off. You might think that nobody understands you. Relax dude.
Intense emotions.
You may feel the extremes of everything. For example you may HATE thinks that you only disliked, or may feel distressed about things that you would normally cope very well with. In other words, your emotions have gotten more intense.
You may feel the extremes of everything. For example you may HATE thinks that you only disliked, or may feel distressed about things that you would normally cope very well with. In other words, your emotions have gotten more intense.
Mood swings.
Your emotions are stronger, and they also switch back and forth more quickly than before. One second you're chatting up with your big sister, and the next thing you know you are so annoyed you don't even want to see her.
Your emotions are stronger, and they also switch back and forth more quickly than before. One second you're chatting up with your big sister, and the next thing you know you are so annoyed you don't even want to see her.
Unfamiliar emotions.
Puberty usually brings a whole new set of emotions you may have never felt before. For example, you may feel some sexual feelings that you never felt in the past. Spend time alone and get to know more about yourself.
Puberty usually brings a whole new set of emotions you may have never felt before. For example, you may feel some sexual feelings that you never felt in the past. Spend time alone and get to know more about yourself.
Conflict.
As you are becoming an adult, you may feel like you need to be independent, to be in control of your decisions and action. Suddenly you seem to find everything wrong with your family's rules and beliefs, and want to be left out of it. You want to be YOU, and this can lead to conflict with your parents, friends, or just about anyone. Of course, eventually it also leads to you becoming a unique person: your grown-up self.
As you are becoming an adult, you may feel like you need to be independent, to be in control of your decisions and action. Suddenly you seem to find everything wrong with your family's rules and beliefs, and want to be left out of it. You want to be YOU, and this can lead to conflict with your parents, friends, or just about anyone. Of course, eventually it also leads to you becoming a unique person: your grown-up self.
So, How Do Boys Cope?
Remember that you're not alone. All adults went through this and so will your class mates too.
Remember that you're not alone. All adults went through this and so will your class mates too.
Read about it.
The more you know the better you can cope.
Talk about what you're feeling with your trusted friends. They may be feeling the same way, or they may know how to help you. At the very least, they might offer support and understanding, or just listen to you so you can get it all out.
Talk to an adult.
Parents, School counselors, school nurses, and doctors can give you advice and support.
Express yourself.
If you like to write, draw, paint, sing, or play music or do something unique, go for it - it's cool to use these great outlets for letting your feelings out!
How to deal with body smells during puberty
Sweating is normal, especially if you're hot or nervous or anxious. It can actually be good for you, because it will help your body cool down if it needs to. If you're worried that your sweat is stinky, or that people might notice, there are some easy fixes:
Take a shower.
If you don't shower every day, puberty is probably the time to start. Washing well with soap and hot water can get rid of any smell that's built up on your skin from sweating. You might want to shower after exercising or playing sports, too. You'll smell better, look cleaner, and feel refreshed.
Try deodorant.
Deodorant comes in many forms: solid stick, roll-on, gel, spray, and so on. It's kind of like perfume, because it can help to cover up the smell of sweat. You usually apply it under your arms, where you sweat the most. It isn't always necessary for everyone to use deodorant, but it can help you feel confident if you think your sweat is a little smelly.
If you think that you sweat A LOT (big wet spots that show up on your shirt, etc.), you can try using antiperspirant.
This is a kind of deodorant that has a special ingredient to block some of your sweat. Many products these days have both deodorants and antiperspirants.
Don't use too much, or use it too often, though. Remember: sweating is a good thing. It keeps you cool and healthy.
How to deal with erections.
Erections are absolutely normal, and they happen to all guys. During puberty, they can happen for no reason at all - its just because your body is filled with puberty hormones. They can also happen if you're thinking about sex.
Keep your cool, because erections are temporary. They usually don't last more that a couple of minutes. If you remain calm, the erection will go away. Just breathe and try to clear your mind.
How to deal with discharges
Wet dreams are totally normal too. They happen to almost all guys, and they're just the way your body gets rid of extra semen.
Again, try not to feel embarrassed or guilty as you don't have any control over this. Sometimes it can be difficult and bothering, but try not to get freaked out by the changes going on down there. You're slowly changing from a boy to a man, and this means that your private parts are changing too.
What about pimples, acne, spots and zits?
One cannot tell how long this is going to be on your skin. Some kids with acne have clear skin after a year, while others keep having break-outs for many years. Below are a few things that can make them worse.
Irritation
Squeezing or digging at your zits, or getting rough when you wash your face, can make acne worse. Just leave it alone.
Greasy skin stuff
Oily sunscreen, oily make-up, and oily hair products or skin lotions can all make acne worse. Talk to your doctor or school nurse about which products you should use on your skin and hair.
Intense sunlight
Wear a hat, stay in the shade, or find a good, non-oily sunblock. Lots of sun can make acne worse. Stay cool.
Stress
Anxiety or stress can sometimes make acne worse. Learn to manage stress, and your complexion might look better!
Medicate
Drug stores carry a lot of products to help you fight acne. These range from creams that you rub on affected areas to pads that you use to wipe your face. In many cases, these products can help keep breakouts under control. Make sure to follow the directions on the package so you don't use too much.
See a professional
If your acne seems particularly bad, or drugstore products aren't working, you might ask a parent to make you an appointment with a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin). He or she might prescribe pills or cream, or might have you come to the office for special skin treatments. Do NOT use drugs that your friends use. Ask a professional to confirm it for you.
Don't stress!
Remind yourself that you're not the only person going through this. If you look around your school or neighborhood, you'll probably see lots of other people your age with pimples. If they're coping, you can too. If you can, try to have a sense of humor about it. Each time you look into a mirror and see those pimples, you can just say: Hi pimples, are you hungry? (laugh it off).
Drug stores carry a lot of products to help you fight acne. These range from creams that you rub on affected areas to pads that you use to wipe your face. In many cases, these products can help keep breakouts under control. Make sure to follow the directions on the package so you don't use too much.
See a professional
If your acne seems particularly bad, or drugstore products aren't working, you might ask a parent to make you an appointment with a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin). He or she might prescribe pills or cream, or might have you come to the office for special skin treatments. Do NOT use drugs that your friends use. Ask a professional to confirm it for you.
Don't stress!
Remind yourself that you're not the only person going through this. If you look around your school or neighborhood, you'll probably see lots of other people your age with pimples. If they're coping, you can too. If you can, try to have a sense of humor about it. Each time you look into a mirror and see those pimples, you can just say: Hi pimples, are you hungry? (laugh it off).
Thanks to modern medicine, we have more anti-acne options than ever. And here's something cool: less stress, by itself, can help make your skin look better too!
Testosterone.
Your testicles make a special chemical or hormone called testosterone. Testosterone makes you grow taller and change shape and causes your testicles to make sperm. Sperm comes out of your body in a sticky, white liquid called semen (C-men). During sex (wait till you are married and fully mature to look after a baby), sperm shoots out of the penis. It can join with a woman's egg to make a baby form.
Hungry and sleepy
You will feel more tired and hungry. Remember that puberty is a time of very fast growth. You need 9 or more hours of sleep each night and good food for healthy growth.
Your testicles make a special chemical or hormone called testosterone. Testosterone makes you grow taller and change shape and causes your testicles to make sperm. Sperm comes out of your body in a sticky, white liquid called semen (C-men). During sex (wait till you are married and fully mature to look after a baby), sperm shoots out of the penis. It can join with a woman's egg to make a baby form.
Hungry and sleepy
You will feel more tired and hungry. Remember that puberty is a time of very fast growth. You need 9 or more hours of sleep each night and good food for healthy growth.
Find an exercise that you can do on your own, biking or swimming. Get
involved in a team sport. Exercising makes your heart stronger and keeps
you healthy, and particularly it keeps your mind off the awkward
changes you are going through. It can also help you get a good night
sleep.
Erection
This is when a boy's penis hardens and lengthens. This usually happens when a boy has sexual thoughts, or as a result of physical stimulation. During puberty a boy will start to get erections more often, sometimes without any stimulation at all. This is very normal.
Most erections are not straight, and tend to either curve upwards or to either side. Many boys worry that their penis is smaller than other boys', but most penises are around the same size when erect. Do not attempt to compare yours with anyone's. We all have different bodies and its all OK.
Wet dream
Sometimes boys can remember having had a sexual dream. But often they just notice a wet patch on their nightclothes or on the sheets when they wake up.
Bullying.
Because we all change at different rates, it is possible that you may look smallest or tallest in your classroom when many others are growing so quickly. Your mates may start calling you names or say silly things about you. Do not worry too much. If you thing it is becoming too much to bear, speak to your teacher about it and they can do something about it. Remember not to do it to others if they do not like it.
Can I shave the hairs on my body?
Erection
This is when a boy's penis hardens and lengthens. This usually happens when a boy has sexual thoughts, or as a result of physical stimulation. During puberty a boy will start to get erections more often, sometimes without any stimulation at all. This is very normal.
Most erections are not straight, and tend to either curve upwards or to either side. Many boys worry that their penis is smaller than other boys', but most penises are around the same size when erect. Do not attempt to compare yours with anyone's. We all have different bodies and its all OK.
Wet dream
Sometimes boys can remember having had a sexual dream. But often they just notice a wet patch on their nightclothes or on the sheets when they wake up.
Bullying.
Because we all change at different rates, it is possible that you may look smallest or tallest in your classroom when many others are growing so quickly. Your mates may start calling you names or say silly things about you. Do not worry too much. If you thing it is becoming too much to bear, speak to your teacher about it and they can do something about it. Remember not to do it to others if they do not like it.
Can I shave the hairs on my body?
Yes, but sometimes shaving can cause a rash, particularly if you have not shaved before or has sensitive skin. Using shaving foam or gel before shaving will help reduce any irritation caused to the skin. You can also buy electric razors, which are used on dry skin and are less likely to cause cuts.
Very likely, you may not need to shave very often. But eventually you will probably need to shave every day as this hair starts to grow back thicker and more quickly.
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