Adolescent Physical Development Male
Male
This handout describes adolescent male physical development. If you have any questions or concerns, after you read this information, please feel welcome to call the clinic. The phone number is listed on the last page of this handout.
When Does This All Happen?
Sometime between the ages of nine and fourteen, your body will start to change. This time of growth and change is called puberty. This process is often completed within 3-5 years.
Although the time you start puberty varies, most boys find it helpful to understand the stages. Please refer to the chart with pictures on the back page as you read the following questions.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
I have been lifting weights to build my muscles, but it doesn't seem to be working. When will my muscles get bigger?
Most males have a rapid growth in muscle strength and size near the end of stage four. (See charts on page 3.) That's why it is recommended that boys do only light weights with many repetitions until stage 4 or 5.
My chest is starting to grow breasts like a girl! Does this mean I have the wrong hormones?
No. Over one half of all males have an increase in the size of their breasts. The swelling usually starts in stage two and disappears within 12-18 months. Sometimes your breasts may ache during puberty.
When will I need to start shaving?
Facial hair often starts to grow on the corners of your upper lip, followed by the growth of some whiskers on your chin. It is a personal decision when to start shaving the hair.
Most of the girls in my class are taller than me. When will I start to grow taller?
Your height growth spurt will start during stage two and keep going until the end of stage five. Most males do start puberty later than females, and keep on growing after the females have stopped.
When will my voice change?
Your voice will start to deepen during stage three and then go even lower in stage four.
When does acne (pimples) start?
You will probably notice your skin getting oily during the late part of stage two. During stage three you can expect your sweat glands to become active too. You will need to wash more often to keep your skin clean at this stage.
One testicle seems to hang lower than the other one. Is that normal?
Yes. The left testicle is usually somewhat lower than the right. Testicular enlargement is the first sign of puberty in about 98% of males. The testicles will grow to be seven times larger and the penis twice its former size by the end of puberty.
When will I start to ejaculate?
Most males have their first ejaculation during stage three. You may ejaculate while you are sleeping. Some people call this "wet dreams". Once your body starts to make sperm, in stages three and four, you are able to cause a pregnancy.
Terms
testicles - the two glands that hang down behind your penis
scrotum - the skin sack that holds your testicles
genitals - a name for all your reproductive parts including your penis, testicles, and scrotum.
ejaculate - the milky white fluid that shoots out of your penis
sperm - very tiny living cells that can unite with a woman's egg to cause a pregnancy
Stages of Development
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Hair Growth |
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Stage One |
Stage Two |
Stage Three |
Stage Four |
Stage Five |
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No pubic hair. |
Pubic hair begins to grow at base of penis. Usually light in color, straight or slightly curly. |
Pubic hair is darker, curlier, and spreads horizontally. |
Pubic hair is thicker. Covers larger area. |
Pubic hair is thick, dark, and curly. Covers all of pubic area and may begin to grow on thighs. |
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Genitals Growth |
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Stage One |
Stage Two |
Stage Three |
Stage Four |
Stage Five |
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Childhood size penis, testicles and scrotum. |
Testicles and scrotum begin to grow. Scrotal skin begins to turn red. Penis stays the same size. |
Testicles and scrotum grow larger. Penis begins to grow longer. |
Genitals continue to grow. Penis begins to grow wider. |
Genitals now adult shape and size. |
Phone Numbers
If you have any questions or concerns about puberty, you can call the clinic at (608) 263-9000 and ask to speak to a nurse in the Teen Clinic.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/05/2009
Copyright © 01/21/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4342
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