Puberty: Changes for Preteen Boys

Puberty is the transition to adulthood, when your sex organs grow and develop and your body becomes ready and able to reproduce. These changes can make you feel proud and happy, but they can also make you feel confused or embarrassed. 

Puberty starts at different ages and lasts for different lengths of time for different people. It can start as early as 9 years old to as late as 13 1/2. The development sequence usually ranges from two to five years. 

This is sometimes very difficult, because some of your peers may have entered and completed puberty before you have even started. There is no natural way to slow down or speed up the process, but puberty happens to everyone, so never fear, it will happen to you!

Physical Changes for Boys

So, what is puberty? Basically, it’s just a fancy way of saying “growth process.” For boys, it typically starts between ages 10 and 15. So guys, next time you see hair under your armpits or elsewhere on your body where it wasn’t there before, don’t freak out.

Surprised yet? Well, more new qualities other than hairy ones eventually come along.

Height

Your height will increase. Some guys grow over time. Others either get a growth spurt right away or have to wait years down the road to finally get your height’s due. Usually, these spurts go on for two to three years. But again, they may not happen right away!

Acne

A common annoyance is acne (a fancy word for pimples). The hormones in your body make these tiny bumps pop up on your face, chest or back. You can help control them by keeping your skin clean or you can get advice from your doctor.

Hair

Yes, fellas, it’s very likely that you’ll eventually have hair under your armpits, and around other areas too – including the pubic ones where your genitals are. No need to get scared; you’re not going to turn into a big fur-ball. It might feel a little more bushy or itchy than it did before, but nothing’s going to kill you.

Smells

Sometimes, you may find your body being smellier than before, especially under your arms. During puberty, the glands in your skin make chemicals that stink. You also sweat more with your skin becoming oilier.

Don’t worry, guys – there are a few ways to help with this annoyance. Deodorants with antiperspirants and daily showers will be a big help. Plus, showering at the right times also works, like after exercising or sports.

Erections

Erections may also turn up during puberty. It’s when the penis hardens up from being filled with blood. These could happen because of sexual thoughts or simply no reason at all. 

Even while sleeping, boys having “wet dreams” can get erections and ejaculate semen (fluids with sperm) from the penis. They don’t happen too often, but don’t be surprised if your bed might be a little wet in the morning.

Body Shape

Your body’s shape will change over time too. Boys’ shoulders might broaden with the chest getting bigger. Their voices may also crack or become deeper. In addition, the penis grows longer and wider, with the testes also growing bigger. All of these are simply your body’s changes during puberty.

Emotions

Another big change during puberty may not be physical – they’re your emotions. You may find that suddenly they’re harder to control, and you feel stronger about things than before.

All of these questions and concerns are completely normal. The new hormones going through your body also affect your mind as well as your body. You’ll get used to it.

Breasts

Breasts may temporarily grow (a condition called pubertal gynecomastia), accompanied by feelings of tenderness or pain. In most cases, boys do not develop permanent breasts. If you are concerned about it, please talk to your doctor.

Conclusion

If you’re confused about puberty, you’re not alone. Talk to your parents, a doctor, nurse or an adult whom you trust. And also remember that everyone’s puberty goes at its own pace. 

If you feel like you’re not normal just because someone else seems taller than you or has more hair than you, not to worry. Eventually, everyone will go through the same changes, but just at different times.

College reviewer: Daniel Howell

Reviewed by: J. Sampson, RN

Last reviewed: August 2019