Puberty is a normal part of growing up. During puberty, the body changes from a child’s body toward an adult’s body. These changes happen because of hormones. Everyone develops at their own pace, so your body may change earlier or later than your friends’ bodies.
For boys, puberty often begins between ages 9 and 14. It usually takes several years. There is no exact timetable you need to follow.
Body changes you may notice
- Growth: You may grow taller quickly, and your shoulders and muscles may become broader or stronger. Different parts of your body may grow at different times.
- Genital changes: The testicles and penis grow. Pubic hair begins to grow around the genitals, and hair may also appear under the arms, on the face, or elsewhere.
- Voice changes: Your voice may crack or sound uneven for a while before becoming lower.
- Sweating, body odor, and skin changes: You may sweat more, notice stronger body odor, or get spots and acne.
- Erections: The penis may become firm sometimes, even when you are not thinking about anything in particular. This is a normal body response and often happens on its own.
- Wet dreams: Some boys wake up with damp underwear or pajamas because semen came out while they were asleep. This is normal and is nothing to be ashamed of. Not everyone has wet dreams.
Feelings and everyday life
You might feel happy, worried, embarrassed, or irritated—sometimes all in one day. You may also want more privacy or notice new feelings about other people. These experiences vary, and there is no single “right” way to feel.
Taking care of yourself
- Wash regularly, including your underarms and the outside of your genitals, and change into clean underwear each day.
- Deodorant can help with body odor. Gentle face washing may help with spots; ask a trusted adult or health professional if acne bothers you.
- Ask questions when you have them. A parent, caregiver, school nurse, doctor, or another trusted adult can help.
Your body is private, and you deserve to feel safe and respected. You can say no to unwanted touching and tell a trusted adult if anything makes you uncomfortable.
If puberty has not started by age 14, or if you have pain or another change that worries you, talk with a trusted adult and ask about seeing a doctor. Most changes are normal, but you never have to figure out a concern alone.