What is happening in puberty to a boy?

Physical Changes

- Growth spurt: Boys typically start a growth spurt around age 10 or 11, and they may grow 2-4 inches per year.

- Increased muscle mass: Boys start to build muscle mass during puberty, and their bodies become more defined.

- Changes in body shape: Boys' shoulders broaden, their chests expand, and their waistlines slim down.

- Genital development: The penis and testicles begin to grow, and pubic hair begins to appear.

- Wet dreams: Boys may start having wet dreams, or nocturnal emissions, during which they ejaculate semen while sleeping.

Voice Changes

- Voice deepens: Boys' voices deepen as their vocal cords grow longer and thicker.

- Voice cracks: Boys' voices may crack or sound squeaky as they change.

Facial Hair

- Moustache and beard growth: Boys may start to grow a moustache and beard during puberty.

Sex Drive

- Increased sex drive: Boys may start to have an increased sex drive during puberty, and they may become more interested in sex.

Emotional Changes

- Mood swings: Boys may experience mood swings during puberty, as their hormones fluctuate.

- Increased irritability: Boys may become more irritable and easily frustrated during puberty.

- Increased independence: Boys may start to feel more independent and want to spend more time with their friends.

- Withdrawal from family: Boys may start to withdraw from their family and spend more time alone.

- Increased risk-taking: Boys may be more likely to take risks during puberty, such as trying drugs or alcohol.

Social Changes

- Increased social interactions: Boys may start to spend more time with their friends and less time with their family.

- Changing friendships: Boys may start to form new friendships and relationships during puberty.

- Increased interest in dating: Boys may become more interested in dating during puberty.

Intellectual Changes

- Increased cognitive abilities: Boys' cognitive abilities start to develop rapidly during puberty, and they may become more intelligent and creative.

- Increased problem-solving skills: Boys' problem-solving skills start to develop during puberty, and they may become more able to think critically and solve problems.

- Increased abstract thinking skills: Boys' abstract thinking skills start to develop during puberty, and they may become more able to understand and reason about abstract concepts.