What is puberty?
Puberty is the name for the time in your life when you start becoming a young man. For this to happen, your body must go through a lot of physical and sexual changes.
It’s good to know about these changes before they happen so you understand what’s going on. Remember, everyone goes through puberty, even though you may have different experiences than other boys you know.
When does puberty start?
There is no right time for puberty to begin, because everyone’s body is different. Most boys start puberty between ages 10 and 15, but it’s okay if you start at a younger or older age.
Why does puberty happen?
Puberty happens when your brain sends out chemical messengers called hormones that travel to your reproductive organs. These special body parts, such as your testicles (which are underneath your penis), make you a male.
The hormones help your body make sperm. Babies are created when sperm joins with a female’s egg.
But, none of these changes happen overnight. The hormones in puberty are released slowly at first, and over time cause your body to grow and change from a child, to a teen, and finally, to an adult.
Want to learn about how puberty affects girls? Get the facts at What Is Puberty in Girls?