What’s Happening To Me?

A Guide To Your Body

Puberty, what is it? Puberty usually starts sometime between 9

years old - 14 years old Just because you may not start at the

“right” time doesn’t mean you are not normal

Puberty starts because hormones in the body are turned “on”

What Is Going to Happen? Sweat glands increase in

number and activity Growth spurt Acne (“zits”) Pubic hair grows Erections happen more

often Ejaculation Hair increases and darkens

on face, underarms, arms and legs

Feet get bigger and may smell

Typical Order of Changes Testicles grow larger First pubic hair Penis enlarges Ejaculation Height growth spurt Shoulders broaden Voice changes Hair on upper lip or underarms

First Things First Stage 1 is where boys are

at from birth until puberty begins. There are few noticeable changes

Stage 2 begins with testicular enlargement Not unusual for one testicle

to hang lower than the other

Pubic hair may begin to grow

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Testicular Self Exam

Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in males ages 18 to 40, and it can occur anytime after age fifteen.

a method for guys and men to check their testicles to make sure there aren't any unusual bumps or lumps, which may be the first sign of testicular cancer

How Do I Do A TSE? Check yourself right after a hot shower.

The skin of the scrotum is then relaxed and soft.

Become familiar with the normal size, shape and weight of your testicles.

Using both hands, gently roll each testicle between your fingers.

Identify the epididymis. This is a rope-like structure on the top and back of each testicle. This structure is NOT an abnormal lump.

Be on the alert for a tiny lump under the skin, in front or along the sides of either testicle. A lump may remind you of a piece of uncooked rice or a small cooked pea.

Report any swelling to your health care provider.

The Outer Genital Organs

Circumcised or Uncircumcised Circumcision is an operation

where the foreskin (the skin covering the top of the penis) is removed

Most are done when babies are just days old

Some have boys circumcised for religious reasons, some for medical

Regardless of which way you are you should wash your penis every day

Uncircumcised boys should pull back the foreskin all the way that it will go comfortably

Never force the foreskin back

circumcised

uncircumcised

Erections An erection is when

the penis enlarges in size, becomes stiff and lifts up to stand out from the body at an angle

The spongy tissue in the penis fills with blood

Can develop slowly or very fast

The Inner Genital Organs

Ejaculation During puberty the

testicles make sperm for the first time

Ejaculation is when a boy releases sperm from the body for the first time The sperm are mixed

with other fluids to make semen which comes out the opening at the end of the penis

Wet Dreams Also called a nocturnal emission 1/3 of boys have their first ejaculate while

they are asleep Happens more to pubertal boys than older

males Bed or pajamas might be slightly wet from

the semen Possible to have a wet dream without

knowing it

Other Important Changes Body Odor

Eww, smell that? It might be you!

Shower, Shower, Shower!

Don’t use that shirt Use deodorant or anti-

persperant Cologne isn’t always

the answer

Foot Odor Shoes trap the sweat

and give bacteria a warm moist place to grow

Wear absorbent socks Keep feet dry and clean

(wash especially between the toes)

Zits, pimples, acne Oil glands below the

skin make more sebum (an oily substance that keeps the skin moist)

Sebum gets backed up in the oil glands and cause white or blackheads

Wash your face twice a day- doing it more often will not help

Hair, hair, everywhere… Underarm (armpit)

hair Arm and leg hair

Amount of hair may increase and it may be darker

Facial hair Usually appears around

14-16 years old First show up around

outer corners of upper lip

Growing Up, Up, Up Growth Spurt

More muscles

Other Important Changes Voice Changes Adam’s apple gets bigger