Puberty is the transition from childhood to adulthood, marked by significant physical and psychological changes. In this article from Saed News, we will explore the stages of puberty in boys.
Stages of Sexual Maturity in Boys
Before Age 9
Between Ages 9 to 11
Between Ages 11 to 12
Between Ages 12 to 14
After Age 14
Final Thoughts
Puberty is a period during which boys and girls undergo sexual development, leading to fertility and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics associated with adult males and females. While puberty primarily involves biological and physical changes, it can also impact a teenager’s psychosocial and emotional development.
Although the basic process of puberty is similar for everyone, some variations exist among individuals. The scientist James Tanner identified different stages of puberty, which are categorized as follows:
No significant visible physical changes.
The brain starts preparing the body for puberty by sending specific signals.
The hypothalamus begins secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
At this stage, testicular volume is less than 4 milliliters.
Testicles begin to grow.
Scrotum (testicle sac) darkens in color.
Pubic hair growth starts.
Testicular volume increases to 4-8 milliliters.
Testicles and penis grow rapidly.
Some boys may experience temporary breast enlargement.
Pubic hair becomes denser and curly.
Voice deepens.
Height growth accelerates, increasing by 6 to 11 cm per year.
Testicular volume reaches 9-12 milliliters.
Sperm production begins and will continue for life.
Genital organs (testicles, scrotum, and penis) grow larger.
Scrotum darkens further.
Voice deepens more.
Acne and skin changes appear, especially on the face.
Testicular volume increases to 15-20 milliliters.
Genital organs reach their largest size.
Pubic hair growth stops, and facial hair begins to develop.
Height growth slows down, and most boys reach their final adult height by age 18.
Testicular volume exceeds 20 milliliters, reaching its maximum capacity.
If you are going through puberty, it’s important to understand its signs and symptoms. If someone close to you is experiencing puberty, being aware of their emotional and physical changes can help you support them. Puberty can be challenging for some individuals, and in certain cases, seeking guidance from a counselor may be helpful for managing this transition effectively.
