Male Puberty Stages
To define in simple terms, puberty is a phase in human life when changes take place biologically, psychologically, socially and cognitively; boys start to reach their manhood and girls, their womanhood. 10 to 14 is the male puberty age, while for girls, it begins a little earlier, between 9 and 12. This is the reason why during puberty, a girl will be taller than a boy of the same age. The physical and emotional changes during puberty are brought upon by the hormones called estrogen in females and testosterone in males. Although, puberty deals with the development and maturity of sexual characteristics and sexual organs, it is also related to a wide range of emotional changes. These changes are easily managed by some, while they present some sort of challenges to others. The different and characteristic male puberty stages have been explained below.
Stages of Male Puberty
Male Puberty Stages – #1
As I mentioned, 10 is generally the age which marks the beginning of all the stages of male puberty. Here, the testicles begin their maturation process with an initial growth spurt. The growth of the scrotum is also one of the male puberty symptoms at this stage. Despite of the fact that the scrotum and the testicles undergo a growing process, boys do not develop the ability to reproduce. Boys may notice the growth of fine pubic hair in the pubic area and they might also come across occasional erections.
Male Puberty Stages – #2
12 – 13 is the next phase of male puberty stages. The testicles continue in their growing process and the production of testosterone increases, giving way to more changes. There will be a gradual increase in the height of the boy and the pubic hair starts gaining color. Erections will start increasing its frequency and the body starts taking on an adult and masculine shape.
Male Puberty Stages – #3
The third stage of puberty in boys, begins at the age of 13 or 14. It may also initiate as early as 11 or as late as 16. There is a growth in the penis lengthwise, and the pubic hair become darker and fuller than before. The boy continues to grow taller and erections become common, accompanied by the continued growth of the testicles. A boy may also undergo experiencing nocturnal emissions [ejaculation during sleep (usually during a dream)] or wet dreams [an erotic dream (usually at night) accompanied by the (nocturnal) emission of semen]. This is also the point wherein, the boy’s voice will undergo a change from a lighter to a deeper tone. The voice may begin to break or crack. This occurs as a result of the growth of the larynx and lengthening of the vocal cords.
Male Puberty Stages – #4
In the 4th stage of puberty in boys, hair start growing in the armpits and on the face, along with a coarser growth of the pubic hair. Hair growth might also be evident in the anal area, as well. The scrotum and the testicles will keep on growing and the penis starts growing in width and continues to lengthen. The penis gradually begins to take a mature look. The boy’s voice will get even and more deeper and his skin more oily. This one, out of all the stages of male puberty has the characteristic symptoms of development of acne due to the oily skin. Faster growth is also evident in this stage.
Male Puberty Stages – #5
Here comes the final stage of puberty in boys, wherein, a boy ideally achieves most of his height. This however, might not occur for all. Shoulders begin to broaden, muscles develop and there is a development of masculine appearance in arms, legs and chest. This results due to the development of new muscle fibers, which get thicker overtime. The inner thighs and the stomach will be covered by the growing pubic hair, denser than before. Facial hair will start getting prominent as they grow and would require shaving. The sex organs will be fully developed and bear the appearance of those of an adult male’s. Although, a boy achieves his full height and his body type will be complete like that of an adult, some males continue to grow till their 20s.
For your reference, here’s more on some vital female and male puberty questions which you may also come up with in near future. You may also get some vital info on adolescents.
This was about all the significant male puberty stages, giving you a brief insight about the male puberty and growth. As I mentioned, all such major changes in growth and development may be a source of worries for some, while they may be approached as a simple process of nature, by others. So, it is always advisable to have a conversation with someone older person, about what are you feeling regarding the physical and emotional changes you are going through. This would help you in getting more aware and less anxious about all such major changes in your life.