GROWING UP MALE: WHAT'S HAPPENING TO MY BODY?

Between the ages of 12 and 18, a boy's body experiences many new and different changes. This can be an awkward time for boys.

Most boys begin growing in height and weight around age 14. From age 12 to 14, boys are usually smaller and lighter than girls. (Girls start growing taller and heavier around age 12.) However, once boys start growing, they usually pass up most of the girls. Most boys will reach full adult size between the ages of 16 and 19.

When a boy starts to mature physically the shape of his body begins to change. The shoulders and chest widen and muscles develop. Every boy's rate of growth is different. This means that while some boy's begin to look more like men, other boys the same age may not have started filling out yet. During this time, a boy's voice begins to deepen with periodic signs of vocal changes.

Another sign a boy's body begins to mature physically and sexually is the gradual appearance of pubic, facial, underarm, and body hair. This is a normal and natural sign that a boy's body is growing up. His reproductive system is maturing.

Chemical substances, called hormones, control all of these changes. Hormones control growth and changes by telling the body what to do and when to do it. Physical growth changes to the penis and testicles occur when the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain releases hormones. Both the penis and testes start getting larger at about age 12 and grow quickly between the ages of 14 and 16. This growth usually tapers off about 17 years of age.

Around age 12 or 13, boys will experience their first ejaculation when fluid called semen is released from the penis in spurts. Ejaculation often occurs the first time with wet dreams while sleeping. When this happens, a sticky, whitish colored stain can be found on your sheets, pajamas, or shorts. Most anytime the penis is stimulated emotionally or physically, once it gets hard, ejaculation can occur. No matter how a boy experiences his first ejaculation, it is his body's way of letting him know he is starting to mature sexually. Ejaculation is normal and natural. It is also a sign that the boy is physically able to father children.

Hormones are responsible for changes to the reproduction system including the growth of sperm. Sperm are male reproductive cells developed in the testes around age 13. If the male sperm cell unites with a female egg cell during sexual intercourse, this fertilized egg cell will grow into a baby inside the girl's womb.

Boys experience erections, also known as hard-ons. Erections occur when the tissues in the penis fill with blood. This causes the penis to become longer, thicker, harder, and stand out, away from the body. Erections can cause embarrassing moments because they may occur anytime and anywhere, such as in front of a class or out on a date. Just remember, while a boy knows his pants are starting to bulge out, other people probably don't unless he lets on. As boys get older, they get more control over their feelings and emotions. Consequently, this occurs less often and becomes less embarrassing.

Some boys are embarrassed about the size and shape of their penis. It may look too small or angle off to one side. Remember, penis size and shape has nothing to do with manliness. A small or differently shaped penis gives as much sexual pleasure as any other. A limp penis has nothing to do with what it looks like when it is erect. The size of a fully erect penis does not differ much among men.

The maturing process of the body is a normal, natural process. There is nothing to be worried or ashamed about. Every boy goes through natural physical and emotional changes on his way to becoming a man.

Any boy with questions or concerns about the changes and development of his body should talk to someone he feels comfortable with such as his parents, a teacher, coach, school nurse, counselor, or healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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