Stages of Male Puberty

From LoveToKnow Teens

There are many stages of male puberty that adolescent boys will experience on their journey to manhood. Familiarizing yourself with the stages of male puberty will better prepare you or your loved one for physical changes during this bittersweet right of passage.

A Journey to Manhood

Puberty is a term used to describe the physical and sexual change from adolescence into adulthood. Just as girls experience puberty, boys have their fair share of physical and emotional growth. Although, the stages that mark the changes of woman and man are quite different.

What triggers puberty? The pituitary gland found in the brain increases a follicle stimulating hormone known as FSH. The FSH hormone begins the process of sperm production in boys, and activates the ovaries and estrogen production in girls. As the growing body adapts to this hormone change, both physical and sexual maturation occurs, known as puberty.

Stages of Male Puberty

Boys can expect to experience puberty and bodily changes between the ages of 9.5 to 14 years of age. It's important to know that every child matures at his or her own pace. Although the rate of maturity varies, the following stages can serve as a guide for what to expect, and in what likely order.

Stages of Puberty in Boys
Age GroupDevelopmentsTypical Changes
9.5 to 11Early adolescence
  • Hormone productions begins. Scrotum and testes enlarge. Testicles begin to produce sperm.
  • Within the year, the penis will increase, mainly in length.
  • Penis will then enlarge in girth and length.
  • Soft, downy hair will develop in the small area around the genitals.
11 to 14Early adolescence
  • Rapid growth increasing both weight and height. Weight may increase between 15-65 pounds, height may soar 4-12 inches.
  • Pubic hair will begin to darken and become coarse like adult hair. Pubic hair may spread up the stomach and down the thighs.
  • Boys may experience nocturnal emissions, known as "wet dreams", whether or not they are having sexual thoughts. This is normal.
  • Increased oil production may cause acne.
14 to 19Late adolescence
  • Boys will begin to grow into their feet. Hands and feet will enlarge, causing a short lived feeling of clumsiness.
  • Hair will begin to develop on the face, arms and legs.
  • Vocal changes. As their voice deepens, many boys experience cracking, high pitched tones. This is temporary.
  • Full adult height is reached.
  • Puberty is complete.

Understanding Changes

Because boys grow at a different rate, it's important to remember that these changes can cause insecurities and affect confidence levels. Remind your teen that these temporary puberty changes are short-lived. Yearly physical at the doctor's office will ensure your teen is growing at a normal rate.

Sexual Urges

As teen boys begin to mature in sexuality, it is very important that parents or caregivers discuss sexuality and the act of protected sex. In effort to avoid unplanned pregnancies and STD/disease transmittal, parents should plan on having a talk with children when puberty begins. Boys in their pubescent years will begin to have very active sexual urges that should be addressed in a comfortable and safe environment.

Intellectual Growth

In addition to the physical and sexual changes in puberty, adolescents will also endure enormous intellectual growth throughout their teen years. Relationships with their peers and with the opposite sex will begin to develop on a more intimate level, and the overall sense of wonder and feeling part of something great will begin to take root. If you are parenting a male teen, embrace their journey into manhood and be sure to keep communication lines open to discuss the woes and heartaches common during these tender years.

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