• What Happens to Boys during Puberty

    Boy's Puberty

    Puberty begins in young boys when more hormones begin to become present in a their body. When more hormones are released, many physical and emotional changes can and will occur. These changes are natural, and should not be cause for concern. However, it helps for both parents and children to be aware of the changes that are happening.

    Physical Changes

    During puberty, a boy's voice will change. Many times, a boy's voice will “break”, another way to say it gets deeper. For some boys, it happens very quickly, even overnight. But for others, the change can take some time, and their voice may go up and down in pitch uncontrollably. This can cause embarrassment for many boys. Usually, however, this goes away quickly.

    With puberty and boys, the sweat glands begin to develop, and more sweat is produced, even when the boy is not as active. The use of under-arm deodorant is one way to help with body odor, as is regular bathing and changing clothes frequently.

    Acne, or pimples, is another sign of puberty and boys. Acne can happen to anyone, even those who wash their face regularly. These spots are caused by hormones, and often cannot be controlled. Washing with warm water and an antiseptic soap can help. A doctor can give a boy and their parents more advice if the acne gets to be unmanageable on their own.

    During puberty in boys, hair will start growing on the face, chest, underarms, and pubic area. The penis and testicles will also start to grow. It's normal for one testicle to grow faster than the other, and to hang lower, as well. Boys will also start to get erections, and may have wet dreams. Wet dreams are caused by ejaculation of sperm during their sleep, and is not something that can be controlled.

    Emotional Changes

    During puberty, boys will also likely go through a lot of emotional changes. Feelings in boys can change very quickly, and mood swings are likely. Boys may be very happy one minute, and crying the next. Many boys also experience increased feelings of anger. Increased hormones in the body contribute to emotional changes and mood swings, and are quite common. With boys, the increase in testosterone will have an affect on their anger. Boys may start feeling very sensitive, and react to common questions and statements with out-of-place sadness or anger.

    Puberty is a tough time for boys, and parents need to understand the changes that are occurring in their children. Talk to your family doctor for more information on puberty and boys.