Buzz
Puberty is often a confusing period, and you may be curious about the changes happening in your body. This is completely normal. In fact, everyone goes through puberty with some differences, but there are common signs you can look for to help identify if you have entered this stage. In this article, we've listed the signs to help you determine if you're in puberty yet.
Steps
Testicles Begin to Develop
This is usually one of the earliest signs that appears. The testicles, the 'balls' of males, are responsible for producing semen and testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone responsible for many functions in the body, and it plays a key role in the onset of puberty. As the testicles begin to produce more semen and testosterone, they start to enlarge.
- You may notice the testicles growing before you experience facial hair growth or voice deepening. Everyone’s body changes differently!
The Scrotum Becomes Thinner
As the testicles enlarge, the skin around them also begins to change. Before entering puberty, the skin around the testicles, known as the scrotum, is tight and thick. During puberty, the scrotum loosens and becomes thinner, allowing the testicles space to grow.
- The scrotum may also darken or become slightly redder. This is completely normal, so don't be worried if it happens to you.
The Penis Enlarges
You may notice that your penis starts to change and grow larger. It might get longer and thicker as you reach puberty, but remember, puberty is different for everyone. So, if at first, your 'little guy' doesn't seem to grow, don't stress. Eventually, you will see changes.
You Begin to Have 'Wet Dreams'
This phenomenon can occur when your body has adjusted to the ongoing changes. Wet dreams occur when semen is released from the penis, also known as ejaculation. During puberty, you may begin to ejaculate involuntarily while asleep. This condition will eventually subside, but it can still be bothersome whenever it happens. Don't worry, this is completely normal!
- Unfortunately, you can't really stop wet dreams from happening since they occur during sleep, but you can keep a towel nearby in case you need to clean up. If you stay over at a friend's house, remember to bring spare underwear.
Appearance of pubic hair
Look for the first signs of hair growing below 'the boys'. One of the most obvious signs of puberty is the growth of thick, curly hair, commonly known as pubic hair. It starts growing around the base of the penis and near the scrotum.
Facial and body hair begins to grow
Puberty also leads to hair growth in other areas of the body. As puberty starts and hormones like testosterone increase, you'll notice hair growing in various places on your body. You may begin growing facial hair (you might even need to shave), as well as armpit hair and hair on areas such as your back, legs, and arms.
- Some boys may grow a lot of body hair and facial hair, while others may not have much at all.
Your voice starts to crack and deepen
Puberty also changes your vocal cords and your voice. One embarrassing thing for boys during puberty is that their voice sometimes cracks. This happens because your vocal cords lengthen and thicken, making your voice sound deeper. It might feel awkward at first, but eventually, you'll develop the deep voice of a grown man.
- Typically, your voice will only crack for a few months, after which the strange sounds will stop.
- An interesting fact: puberty also causes a part of your neck to protrude as your vocal cords change, and this protruding part is called the 'Adam's apple'!
Acne begins to appear
Unfortunately, acne is a normal part of puberty. One of the annoyances of puberty is dealing with pimples. All the hormones surging through your body cause your skin to produce more oil, which can clog pores and lead to acne. So, if you suddenly notice pimples on your face or back, it may be a sign that you've entered puberty.
- You can reduce acne by taking care of your skin. Wash your face at least once a day and use acne-fighting face wash.
Your body starts to grow taller
Thời kỳ dậy thì có thể tác động đến hình dáng của toàn bộ cơ thể. Trong khoảng từ 10 đến 16 tuổi, bạn sẽ bắt đầu “nhổ giò” – đôi khi với đốc độ thần kỳ! Cánh tay, chân, bàn tay và bàn chân có thể phát triển nhanh hơn phần còn lại của cơ thể, nhưng cuối cùng thì mọi thứ sẽ cân đối trở lại. Hiện tượng cao vọt lên là dấu hiệu rõ rệt cho thấy là cơ thể bạn thay đổi khi bước vào tuổi dậy thì.
- Các bé gái thường bắt đầu lớn vọt sớm hơn các bé trai vài năm, vì con gái thường dậy thì sớm hơn con trai.
Cân nặng bắt đầu tăng và cơ bắp phát triển
Ngực, cánh tay và vai có thể bắt đầu to hơn. Các hoóc môn trong tuổi dậy thì còn tạo nên các thay đổi khác trong cơ thể, đặc biệt là các hoóc môn như testosterone. Trước khi đến tuổi dậy thì, bạn không thể thực sự xây dựng được các khối cơ mới. Nhưng nếu bạn bắt đầu thấy ngực, chân, lưng và vai dần dần to ra và chắc khoẻ hơn thì đó là dấu hiệu của tuổi dậy thì.
- Một số cậu con trai có thể đột ngột phát triển cơ bắp vạm vỡ, trong khi một số khác có thể chỉ tăng cân một chút. Đừng so sánh với những người khác và đừng lo lắng quá. Dù cơ bắp có không tăng nhiều thì cũng không có nghĩa là cơ thể bạn có vấn đề.
Bên dưới núm vú có thể hơi sưng
Hiện tượng này gọi là chứng vú to ở nam giới và hoàn toàn bình thường. Khoảng một nửa số bé trai có thể phát triển mô vú tạm thời. Mặc dù có thể gây khó chịu, nhưng tình trạng này là tự nhiên và thường sẽ biến mất chỉ trong chưa đến 6 tháng. Nếu bạn bị sưng và đau một chút dưới núm vú thì cũng đừng lo! Đó chẳng qua là bạn đang bước vào tuổi dậy thì!
Talk to your parents if puberty comes too early or too late
Your parents might arrange an appointment with a doctor if needed. If you begin showing signs of puberty before the age of 8 or after the age of 14, let your doctor know. The doctor can check to ensure that everything is fine and that there are no serious issues.
- Even if you haven't started puberty by age 14, it doesn't mean there's a problem, but a doctor can reassure you, and it's always better to be cautious.
Advice
- If you're worried about puberty, try talking to someone you trust, like a close friend or a family member. Feeling a bit confused is completely normal, and sometimes just talking about it can help put your mind at ease.
