Puberty is a stage of development that coincides with teenage years, when the body goes through rapid physical growth and the reproductive system matures. Puberty happens because of natural substances in the body called hormones, and for boys, it usually begins around 11 to 13 years of age and lasts for several years. During puberty, there is a great amount of variation in the rate of changes that may happen, and some boys may experience these signs of maturity sooner or later than others. Its important to remember that these changes happen at different times for everyone, and being smaller or bigger than other boys is normal as each child experiences puberty at their own time.
The physical changes of puberty in boys usually start with the testicles getting bigger. Dark, coarse, curly hair will sprout just above the penis and on the scrotum. The penis and testes will get larger, and erections happen more often. Ejaculation, the release of sperm-containing semen, also happens. Ejaculation during sleep is called a “wet dream” or nocturnal emission. As hormones of puberty increase, adolescents may experience an increase in height and weight, acne, and body odor. Boys may also experience emotional changes, such as mood swings and increased feelings of self-consciousness.
