Puberty for boys

Puberty can be a stressful time for teenagers. During puberty boys' bodies undergo big physical changes. Their voice deepens and body hair appears. They grow taller and experience increased sexual drive. Acne may appear. These physical changes also affect how boys think and feel about themselves. If puberty hits early or late, these changes can be at odds with what male peers are experiencing. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it can reassure you and your teenager. Here are some milestones to keep in mind.

• The first visible sign is the enlargement of the genitals. For white boys it happens at 10 years and for African American boys it happens at about 9 years. The testes grow larger and the lining of the scrotum may thin out and become redder. Boys are considered early if they start puberty before age 9 and late if they start after age 14.
• Body hair appears soon after. Pubic hair appears first and then underarm, leg and facial hair appears. For white boys it happens at 12 years and for African American boys it happens at 11 years.
• Next, sweat glands will become more active. Skin may become more oily and acne may appear.
• Hands and feet will grow in size.
• The biggest spurt in height occurs about 2 or 3 years after puberty begins. This is at about age 13.
• Puberty is finished by about age 17. At this point, most boys have reached their full adult height.

Resource for parents: American Academy of Pediatrics (2004). Puberty information for boys and girls: Public education brochure [on-line]. Available: http://www.aap.org/family/puberty.htm (April 7, 2004).