So what is puberty? I never really understood it before, even while going through its seemingly slow stages (emphasis on slow). Maybe it's because the word "puberty" sounds weird to start with. "Pyooo-ber-what?" Basically, it's just a fancy way of saying "growth process." But most of the time it's nothing drastic, and we all go through it. For boys, it starts between ages 10 and 15. So, guys, next time you see hair under your armpits where it wasn't there before, don't freak out.

What -- hair under my armpits?? Yes, fellas, it's very likely that you'll eventually have hair under your armpits. And around other areas too, including the pubic ones where your genitals are.

Surprised yet? Well, more new qualities other than hairy ones eventually come along...

• Height
• Acne
• Hair
• Smells
• Erections
• Body Shape
• Emotions
• Breasts
• Conclusion

Height

Your HEIGHT will increase. Some guys grow over time. For others, it may different: you either get a growth spurt right away (at least 4 inches in a year!), or have to wait years down the road to finally get your height's due. Usually, these spurts go on for 2-3 years. But again, they may not happen right away!

I knew a boy once who used to be shorter than me; he'd always ask "How did YOU get so tall?" Now, he's 6 feet tall and looks like a human tower!
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Acne

A common annoyance is ACNE (a fancy word for PIMPLES). The hormones in your body make these tiny bumps pop up on your face, chest or back. You can help control them by keeping your skin clean or can get advice from your doctor.

There were days where pimples on my face just drove me nuts. Not only did they look weird, but they got itchy at times too. Don't scratch them! Like bug bites, it hurts more if you do. The solution I took was washing my face many times.
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Hair

As mentioned before, HAIR starts growing on and around your body. Boys, no need to get scared; you're not going to turn into a big furball. It might feel a little more bushy or itchy than it did before, but nothing's going to kill you.

Getting extra hairs in the armpits, the legs and around the pubic areas also used to raise my eyebrows and made me go "What's going on?" But eventually, I got used to it and it didn't bother me anymore. You will too!
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Smells

Sometimes, you may find your body being smellier than before, especially under your arms. Many boys don't find it to be very pleasant, because it's basically body odor that sticks to you. Puberty has your skin's glands make chemicals that stink. You also sweat more with your skin becoming oilier.

Don't worry, guys, there are a few ways to ease this "pain." Deodorants with antiperspirants and daily showers will be a big help. Plus, showering at the right times also works, like after exercising or sports.
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Erections

Erections may also turn up during puberty. It's when the penis hardens up from being filled with blood. These could happen because of sexual thoughts or simply no reason at all. Even while sleeping, boys having "wet dreams" can get erections and ejaculate semen (fluids with sperm) from the penis. They don't happen too often, but don't be surprised if your bed might be a little wet in the morning.
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Body Shape

Your body's shape over time too. For guys, their shoulders might broaden with the chest getting bigger. Their voices may also crack or become deeper. In addition, the penis grows longer and wider, with the testes also growing bigger. All of these are simply your body's changes during puberty.
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Emotions

Another big change during puberty may not be physical -- they're your emotions. You may find that suddenly they're harder to control and you feel stronger about things than before. Having more tempers? Worried about how you look? Are you sensitive of what people say to you? Getting confused about sexual feelings or your new crushes? Wondering why others may seem to be growing faster than you?

All of these questions and concerns are completely normal. It's hard to remember that the new hormones going through your body also affect your mind, so you're trying to adjust to them. It can be difficult at first. People may seem like they’re trying to hurt your feelings on purpose even when they really aren't.
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Breasts

Breasts may temporarily grow (a condition called pubertal gynecomastia), accompanied by feelings of tenderness or pain. In most cases, boys do not develop permanent breasts. However, during this time, they might feel embarrassed or get picked on by their peers. Boys in these situations should understand that breath enlargement growth is normal, and in most cases, not permanent. If you are concerned about it, please talk to your doctor.

All of these questions and concerns are completely normal. It's hard to remember that the new hormones going through your body also affect your mind, so you're trying to adjust to them. It can be difficult at first. People who may seem like they're trying to hurt your feelings on purpose aren't really doing that.
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Conclusion

If you're confused about any of the above issues or anything else about puberty, you're not alone. Talk to your parents, a doctor, nurse or an adult whom you trust. And also remember that everyone's puberty goes at its own pace. So if you feel like you're not normal just because someone else seems taller than you or has more hair than you, not to worry. Eventually, everyone will go through the same changes, but just at different times.

Sources:

"All about Puberty," Kid's Health Web site. Accessed August 2004

"Breast Enlargement in Adolescent Boys," Dr. Paul Web site. Accessed August 2004
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