15 Signs of Puberty in Boys (Plus, When Guys Usually Hit Puberty)

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A closer look at the changes your body experiences during puberty
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Puberty causes a lot of changes in your body, both physical and emotional. For boys, puberty usually begins between the ages of 9 and 14 and continues through their teenage years. Everyone experiences puberty slightly differently, but there are some common signs to look out for that indicate you’ve started puberty. Keep reading to learn about what changes can happen during puberty so you know what to expect.

Are you a girl wondering if you’re going through puberty? Check out this article to learn if you’ve started puberty.

Common Signs of Puberty in Boys

The most common signs of male puberty include testicle growth, pubic hair growth, growing pains and growth spurts, erections, and a deeper voice. Boys typically go through puberty between the ages of 9 and 14.

1

Your testicles start to get bigger.

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    When puberty starts, hormones from your brain send messages to the rest of your body that cause physical and emotional changes. One of the first physical changes that happens is to your testicles, the sack-like growth at the base of the penis. They’ll get larger, and by the end of puberty, they usually double in size. [1]
    • The testicles make sperm, the male reproductive cell. They also produce the hormone testosterone, which causes male sexual development. [2]
    • It’s completely normal for one testicle (usually the left) to grow larger than the other and hang lower. [3]
    • For some, puberty can start earlier (before age 9) or later (after age 14). The key sign of delayed puberty is that the testicles and penis haven’t grown by the age of 14. [4] While early or delayed puberty usually doesn’t cause a major issue for many people, talk to your doctor if you believe you’re experiencing puberty too early or late.
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2

Your scrotum gets thinner.

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    Before puberty, the skin around your testicles, which is called the scrotum, is usually tight and thick. Puberty causes the skin to loosen up and get thinner, so your testicles have more room to grow. You might also notice tiny bumps starting to dot the skin on your scrotum. These are hair follicles that’ll eventually sprout pubic hair, and they’re completely normal to have. [5]
    • It’s also normal for the scrotum to get darker or take on a reddish color during this time.
    • As your testicles continue to grow, your scrotum will also start hanging lower from the base of your penis.
3

You start growing pubic hair.

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    Another early sign of puberty in boys is thick, curly hair (known as pubic hair) growing at the base of your penis and near your scrotum. As you grow older, this pubic hair will start to cover the entire pubic region and spread upward toward your thighs and stomach—it’s normal! [6]
    • When pubic hair first starts to grow, it’ll likely be soft. As you continue to develop, it can get darker and coarser. [7]
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4

You have a growth spurt.

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    At the start and throughout puberty, you’ll likely start getting taller and find that your hands and feet are bigger. You might also experience some aches in your arms or legs called “growing pains,” which are common among boys going through puberty. [8]
    • From ages 9 to 14, boys will usually gain about 2 to 2.5 in (5.1 to 6.4 cm) of height each year. At the peak of your growth spurt, which may occur between ages 11 and 16, you could grow up to 4 in (10 cm) each year.
    • You might feel clumsy while you grow, and that’s normal. Don’t worry—your body will even out, and you’ll feel more balanced with time. [9]
5

Your penis gets bigger.

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    While you go through puberty, you’ll likely notice that your penis starts getting longer and then wider. [10] The penis typically stops growing about 4 years after puberty ends, which is usually between the ages of 13 and 19. [11]
    • If you’re feeling discouraged by your growth, it’s okay! Know that the size of your penis won’t affect you sexually.
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6

You start having erections.

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    An erection is when your penis gets harder, bigger, and points upwards. This physical reaction may create a noticeable “tent” in your pants. Erections are completely normal and are caused by hormonal changes. They may happen for no reason at all at first, but can also occur when fantasizing about sexual things. [12]
    • Spontaneous erections are quite common during mid-puberty, as your body is still figuring out how to make them work. Eventually, they will become less common. [13]
    • You might sometimes wake up with an erect penis (also known as “morning wood”). Don’t be alarmed—this is a very normal sign that you’re growing up. [14]
7

You start having ejaculations.

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    This event is called ejaculation. The white fluid that comes out after you ejaculate is called semen, ejaculate, or cum and is not the same as urine. Semen has sperm in it, and when it gets inside a vagina, it can cause pregnancy. [15]
    • Sometimes, a thin, slippery liquid comes out before ejaculation. This liquid is called “pre-cum” or “pre-ejaculate” and is very normal.
    • Your first few ejaculations may be more jelly-like in consistency, clear in color, and have a lower sperm content. In a year or two, your ejaculations will gradually change and become more liquid and white.
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8

You start having “wet dreams.”

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    These are known as “wet dreams” and are a completely normal part of growing up and developing. You might wake up with sticky underwear or sheets. This situation happens involuntarily and is often caused by sexy dreams or if your penis rubs against your sheets. [16]
    • As you get older, you’ll likely have fewer wet dreams or stop having them altogether.
    • While you can’t fully stop wet dreams from happening, keeping a towel or pair of spare underwear nearby can make clean-up easier. [17]
    • Know that not every boy gets wet dreams, and that’s okay! If you don’t have wet dreams, don’t be discouraged—you’re likely still developing normally.
9

Your voice starts cracking and gets deeper.

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    Your voice will likely start cracking and sounding a bit squeaky during puberty. These changes happen because your vocal cords are getting longer and thicker, so you’ll eventually have a deep, lower voice. In the meantime, your voice may involuntarily break. [18]
    • Similarly, you may also notice you develop an Adam’s apple during this time, as this can happen while your vocal cords change. [19]
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10

You start getting body hair.

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    Dr. David Nazarian explains that as you continue to go through puberty, you’ll likely notice hair growing on other parts of your body, such as your armpits, legs, face, chest, or back. This is entirely normal as your body develops. You may even start learning how to shave at this time! [20]
    • For some boys, body hair can be very thick and dark, but it may be very light and soft for others. Every person is unique, so don’t worry if you look a bit different from the other people around you.
11

You start sweating more.

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    This sign of puberty is completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of! Your body is simply trying to work out all the extra hormones and changes. However, this extra work can cause more body odor than usual. [21]
    • To keep your body odor under control, bathe or shower regularly (especially after sweating a lot) and put on deodorant to cover the smell or an antiperspirant to help prevent sweating.
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12

You start getting pimples.

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    Pimples are a common side effect of puberty, thanks to all of the hormones being released in your body. These hormones cause your skin to produce more oil, which can clog your pores and lead to acne. [22]
    • The best way to fight acne is to wash your face and other parts of your body regularly to prevent buildups of oil and dead skin. [23]
    • Another way to combat acne is by using over-the-counter (OTC) products. Products that contain benzoyl peroxide are some of the most popular and effective.
    • If your acne is severe, talk to a dermatologist or doctor to see if they can write you a prescription for special acne creams or pills.
13

You start gaining weight and building muscle.

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    If you notice that you’re gaining weight, don’t worry. Dr. Nazarian explains that it’s a normal symptom of puberty and is usually because your shoulders are widening and you’re gaining muscle. You’ll likely notice that most of the growth is happening around your torso and shoulders, but you might also start developing muscles in your arms and legs, too. [24]
    • Some boys can suddenly put on a ton of muscle, while others may only gain a small amount of weight. Everyone is different and will go through puberty at their own speed, so don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed if you don’t look exactly like your friends.
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14

You might notice some swelling under your nipples.

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    About half of all people going through male puberty can develop temporary breast tissue, which usually feels like a button-like bump under one or both nipples. These growths may also be tender or painful, especially if you accidentally hit them. This swelling will often go away after a few months or longer. [25]
    • This is known as gynecomastia and is a completely normal thing to go through during puberty.
    • If the swelling doesn’t go away after a few months or starts to get worse, talk to your doctor. [26]
15

You experience emotions more intensely.

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    Thanks to the new hormones in your body, your mood may be a bit harder to control. For example, you might get irritated, upset, or frustrated more easily than you used to. It’s also normal to feel a bit anxious during puberty since your body is going through so many changes so quickly. Just know that you’re not alone and that you can always talk to friends and family about what you’re going through. [27]
    • It’s also completely normal to start having more sexual thoughts about others or developing a crush on someone you find attractive.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    When do boys finish puberty?
    David Nazarian, MD
    Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician
    Dr. David Nazarian is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician and the Owner of My Concierge MD, a medical practice in Beverly Hills California, specializing in concierge medicine, executive health and integrative medicine. Dr. Nazarian specializes in comprehensive physical examinations, IV Vitamin therapies, hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, platelet rich plasma therapies. He has over 16 years of medical training and facilitation and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his B.S. in Psychology and Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.D. from the Sackler School of Medicine, and a residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Southern California.
    David Nazarian, MD
    Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    Most boys finish growing by age 17, but there is growth that happens through their early 20s. As part of the puberty process, there's growth in regards to their high muscle build up, facial hair, and vocal tone.
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      Tips

      • About 1 in 3 males develop pimple-like lesions around the crown of their penis during puberty, but this isn’t anything to worry about. They’re completely harmless and aren’t a form of sexually transmitted disease (STD) [28]
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      • If you’re uncircumcised, you’ll be able to pull back your foreskin during puberty. The foreskin is the skin in the front of your penis. Once you can pull back your foreskin, wash underneath it when you bathe to prevent bacteria from building up. [29]
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      • If you feel worried about puberty, try talking to someone you trust, such as a close friend or a family member. Feeling a little confused is normal, and sometimes just talking about it can help.
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      • It's ok if your voice cracks earlier or later than everyone else's does. Everyone's body changes at different rates!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/puberty-adolescent-male
      2. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/overview-of-the-male-anatomy
      3. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Boys-What-to-Expect.aspx
      4. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Delayed-Puberty.aspx
      5. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Boys-What-to-Expect.aspx
      6. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Boys-What-to-Expect.aspx
      7. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/puberty-adolescent-male
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-causes-growing-pains-in-your-childs-arms-or-legs/?_gl=1*1cdux76*_ga*NzkyMTU2MTU0LjE2ODczNjY5NDQ.*_ga_HWJ092SPKP*MTY5NDYxMjEzMS4yOC4xLjE2OTQ2MTQ5NDYuMC4wLjA .
      9. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/puberty-adolescent-male
      1. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Boys-What-to-Expect.aspx
      2. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/penis.html
      3. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/puberty-adolescent-male
      4. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Concerns-Boys-Have-About-Puberty.aspx
      5. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty/whats-deal-erections-ejaculation-and-wet-dreams
      6. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty/whats-deal-erections-ejaculation-and-wet-dreams
      7. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty/whats-deal-erections-ejaculation-and-wet-dreams
      8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/stop-dreams.html
      9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/talking-with-children-about-puberty
      10. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty
      11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/talking-with-children-about-puberty
      12. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/boys-puberty.html
      13. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/puberty.html
      14. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/tips-for-managing-teen-acne
      15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/talking-with-children-about-puberty
      16. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty
      17. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/puberty-adolescent-male
      18. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty
      19. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Boys-What-to-Expect.aspx
      20. ↑ https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/how-care-your-childs-foreskin

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tell if you have hit puberty, look for physical changes in your body. Check for more body odor or body hair in your armpits and groin. Your testicles, scrotum, and penis will increase in size when puberty hits. You’ll also have more erections and ejaculations when you masturbate or sometimes when you’re sleeping. Check to see if you’re getting taller and if your face is changing shape, which can be a sign of puberty. In addition to physical changes, your voice might start to crack or get deeper. You may also start to feel emotions more intensely, which can involve mood swings and strong feelings of attraction to other people. New and unfamiliar emotions are also a sign of puberty. For information about why you may care more about your appearance during puberty, keep reading!

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