A high time during which the physical and emotional growth of young people occur is called puberty. One of the first signs of puberty in males can be a sudden increase in the levels of the testosterone hormone.
Consult an endocrinologist to get help to deal with puberty.
Highlights
- During puberty, boys experience acne symptoms due to hormonal fluctuation.
- The hoarseness of voice and pubertal ejaculation is caused by hormonal changes in boys during puberty.
- Emotional support and open communication can help prevent mental disturbances at pubertal age.
Signs of Puberty in Males
Boys usually undergo patterns of physical changes, called Tanner stages or Sexual Maturity Ratings (SMRs). During the first tanner stage, you experience hormonal fluctuations, which make no obvious physical changes. The remaining four tanner stages show the following signs of puberty;
1. Do boys smell bad during puberty?
Poor odor sweating begins in tanner stage 1 and continues to tanner stage 5. One 2020 study suggests that the adrenarche or the activation of the adrenal glands happens during puberty. This activates the sweat glands, making them produce an adult-type odor. The commonly affected areas of the body include the armpits, genitals, and feet.
The easiest way to reduce bad body odor is to use:
- Deodorant helps combat body odor, especially caused by bacteria. Its antimicrobial properties inhibit bacterial growth and provide fragrance to reduce unpleasant odor. It is available in various forms including – sprays, sticks, or roll-ons.
- Antiperspirant helps reduce sweating by temporarily blocking or clogging sweat glands. It also often contains deodorizing components to help reduce bad odor. It is available in several forms including – cream, powder, spray, and roll-ons.
2. Where do boys grow hair during puberty?
Hair growth in males begins during the tanner stage 2 of puberty. Research published in 2007 claims that as soon as boys reach 11, hair starts growing under the arms and pubic region. Boys also experience hair growth on the face, chest, legs, and forearms. The growing hair becomes coarser and thicker over time.
Your boy also experiences head hair more oily than before. It is because of excessive sebum production, causing an oily scalp. This condition can be dealt with:
- Shampooing, as the cleansing properties of shampoo, remove excess dirt, oil, and toxins buildup from the scalp. This help decreases the signs of oily greasy hair.
- Excessive oily scalp symptoms can be reduced with the help of aloe vera gel. This natural laxative has astringent properties that help absorb excess scalp oil.
3. Does puberty cause ejaculation?
Boys undergoing pubertal age experience frequent semen ejaculations during tanner stage 3. An experimental study was carried out in 1993 on a group of teenage boys.
- All the boys in the experimental group showed spermaturia — the excretion of semen in urine, at least once during the study period. The research, thus indicates that all boys experience ejaculation during puberty.
4. Does puberty increase height?
One of the first signs of puberty in boys is a rapid increase in height. Height changes begin in the tanner stage 3 and up to the tanner stage 5. Usually, boys experience the peak growth in their height about 2 years later compared to girls. The growth spurt is a slow process and may continue for four to five years in males.
A few claims regarding changes in height during puberty include:
- It is believed that obesity might hamper the growth of height during puberty, as suggested in a 2001 published study. The claim was made based on an experiment that was conducted on lean and obese males during childhood and adolescence.
- The height of boys grows more compared to that of girls, making them appear taller.
5. Can boys get acne during puberty?
In Tanner stage 4, boys get acne during puberty due to hormonal fluctuations. One study found that acne occurs when a boy experiences androgen-produced pubertal changes. The experiment was conducted on two groups of boys. One group showed a rapid increase in testosterone levels, leading to acne. While the other group demonstrated normal testosterone levels and no signs of acne.
American Academy of Pediatrics in 1996 also claims that every boy during puberty experiences mild or severe acne symptoms. Mild or chronic acne symptoms can be reduced with:
- Non-comedogenic skincare products promote healthy skin pores, reducing symptoms of clogged pores. This reduces the likelihood of acne breakouts.
- The oily dermis also needs moisture to balance its pH levels, which can help control sebum production. Therefore, applying a skin-friendly moisturizer can effectively diminish oily skin symptoms.
6. What causes the deepening of voice in puberty particularly in males?
The production of testosterone hormones in boys increases during pubertal age, leading to voice changes. It occurs during tanner stage 4. Since the body organs keep growing, the larynx or voice box enlarges. This deepens the voice, making it more resonant. This is evident from a 1997 research study which suggests:
- During puberty, boys undergo significant anthropometric changes. These changes include – an increase in breathing capacity and neck elongation. This results in a relative descent of the larynx, leading to the enlargement of the vocal tract.
Paranasal sinuses, nasal turbinates, and atrophy of the tonsils and adenoids also enlarge, affecting voice quality.
How do you take care of a boy in puberty?
Parents or guardians should address the physical and emotional aspects of their boy going through puberty. This helps them maintain the well-being of their teen. During this transitional phase, a few general guidelines should be followed, including:
- Open and Honest Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your teenage boy. Encourage him to ask questions or express his concerns.
- Healthy habits: Encourage your boy to opt for healthy habits – including regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and developing hygienic practices. Guide him about personal grooming, especially skincare, and managing bad odor due to excessive sweating. This can help him take good care of his body.
- Emotional Support: During puberty, the emotional breakdown is normal, which can be dealt with by providing emotional support. Be understanding, patient, and empathetic to your boy. Let him express himself without judgment and offer reassurance to help him build a positive self-image.
- Encourage Independence and Responsibility: Guide him in taking on age-appropriate responsibilities, such as managing personal hygiene, organizing his belongings, and developing good study habits. Encouraging independence helps build confidence and self-reliance.
Conclusion
During puberty, the teen becomes more aware of their physical and emotional changes. They may find it difficult to deal with these changes. They may find it even harder to share their feelings and the difficulty they are facing. However, parental support and the professional guidance of an endocrinologist can help them have healthy puberty.
FAQs
1. What makes a boy hit puberty?
The pituitary gland starts producing luteinizing hormone (LH) & follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This leads to testicular growth and other pubertal changes.
2. What is the last step in male puberty?
Male puberty ends with hair growth – particularly mustache, beard, and sideburns. This occurs during the early 20s or late teenage years.