Donkey
March 17th, 2009, 05:37 PM
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Jonathan's Guide to Boy's Puberty
Introduction
No one ever said puberty was going to be easy. It's something everyone has to do. It's always useful if you know what's going to happen, whatever the situation. And puberty is no exception. It's better to understand what's going to happen, instead of letting everything just fly by. This way, you understand and are prepared for your development. This guide will tell you everything. From your penis growing, to facial hair. So why not begin?
Chapter 1: What's Puberty?
Section 1: Introduction
Puberty. Basically, it's when you're developing different parts of your body ready to become an adult. For example, the growth of your reproductive organs. Puberty marks the development of a infertile child to a sexually developed, and ready adult. Puberty is caused by hormonal changes, this is where your hormones act as powerful messengers; they tell your body what to do. The hormones are capable of stimulating the growth, and changing of many different parts of your body. Puberty is not a disease, condition etc. it is a faze in everyone's life that they have to get through.
So... what does puberty.. do?
Puberty does many things;
Physical changes. These could include growth spurts, or the growth of penis size in boys.
Psychological changes. These often cause teenagers to become moody, self-conscious and aggressive.
Behavioural changes. Lastly, these can cause some teenagers to experiment with new and potentially risky activities, for example smoking, drinking alcohol and sex.
To go into more depth of the physical changes, here are some physical changes you will notice during puberty;
You will get taller. There will be a stage called a 'growth spurt' where you grow very fast in a certain space of time, but you will grow throughout puberty.
Your shoulders will get wider.
You will grow hair in new places; pubic, legs, arm, chest, facial etc.
You will be able to develop your muscles.
Your voice will break.
Your genitals will increase in size.
Section 2: When does puberty start?
Puberty can start between 10-16. The average would be 12 to start. Everyone starts at a different time, there is no right or wrong time and it doesn't matter when you start. Some people who have started late (often referred to as 'late bloomers') feel left out in class because their friends are taller than them, and that they remain short and have not experienced a growth spurt. Typically, girls start puberty before boys. Their ages being usually 8-14. However, this guide is for boys. For most boys, puberty will take five or six years to go through all of the stages (below). However, this is not the same for everyone. Everyone is unique. Puberty will usually stop in the early twenties for males, but it isn't always this way. You can have had everything that happens in puberty happen to you and it still may not be over, as you may have to grow more or things may have to develop further.
Section 3: How should I feel about puberty?
It depends on the person. There is no set way to feel, but if you are nervous: there is no need to be. It's something everyone goes through and is completely natural. Don't feel embarrassed or upset about it. Every adult you know has gone through it, and so will you. Of course not everyone is nervous, embarrassed and upset. Some are curious, excited and willing about puberty. It all depends on the person. If you are feeling bad about puberty, chill out. Read the rest of the article and hopefully you'll understand exactly what happens and how it works.
Section 4: Tanner Stages
Tanner stages can be used to measure one's stage of puberty. Not everyone does puberty in the same sequence as each other, but tanner stages are generalised enough to create a proportional number to one's stage in puberty. You can find out your tanner stage by clicking here. Although it explains the tanner stages on that website, I will give the NHS' (National Health Service for the UK) description of those stages here:
Tanner stage one
Tanner stage one is usually regarded as pre-pubertal changes. Your adrenal gland (glands that start at the top of your kidneys) will stimulate an increase in your body height, usually 5-6cm a year (2-2.4 inches).
Tanner stage two
Tanner stage two usually begins at about 12 years of age. Your scrotum will begin to thin and redden, and your testicles will increase in size. Some fine pubic hair will start to appear at the base of your penis. Your body fat usually decreases, while the increase in your body height will stay at the same rate of 5-6cm a year.
Tanner stage three
Tanner stage three usually begins after a boy has turned 13 years of age. Your penis will grow and lengthen, and your testicles will continue to grow. Your pubic hair will become thicker and curlier, spreading to the soft mound of skin above your genitals (mons pubis). Your breasts should experience some mild swelling. This is perfectly normal and does not mean that you will grow a pair of 'man-boobs'. Your may begin to experience 'wet dreams' which are involuntary ejaculations of semen ('come') during your sleep. This can be embarrassing but it is perfectly normal and it is not your fault. If you want to prevent 'wet dreams' from soiling your bed clothes, wearing a pair of underpants while sleeping may help. During Tanner stage three, your voice should 'break'. You may find that the pitch and tone of your voice suddenly changes for short periods of time. The size of your muscles will increase, and your growth rate will also increase; usually to between 7-8cm a year (2.8 to 3.2 inches).
Tanner stage four
Tanner stage four usually begins at around 14 years of age. Your penis and testicles will continue to grow, and your scrotum will take on a darker appearance. Your pubic hair will appear more adult-like, but will have not spread to your inner thighs. You should begin to start growing underarm hair, your voice will change permanently, and you may develop acne.
Tanner stage five
As with girls, Tanner stage five is the final stage of puberty, and it usually starts at about 15 years of age. Your genitals will take on a fully adult-appearance and pubic hair will spread to the inner thigh. You will also begin to grow facial hair, and may have to begin shaving. Your growth rate should start to slow down, and will finally end at around 17 years of age. However, after this age, you may still experience a further increase in muscle size. Most boys will reach full adult maturity between 18 and 19 years of age.
Section 5: Precautions
As you probably know, puberty is great. Yes, you're growing. And yes, your penis is too. But unfortunately, puberty has it's downsides. I'll tell you all about them.
Acne
During puberty, your body becomes more sensitive to the hormone testosterone, which is present in both boys and girls. The testosterone cause small glands in your skin to produce too much oil (sebum). Dead skin can also block the opening of hair follicles (the small tubes in your skin that hold a hair in place). The sebum can build up behind the blocked follicle, which can cause blackheads, or whiteheads, to develop. Hormonal changes will also alter the levels of acid in your skin, encouraging the growth of bacteria. The bacteria can also infect a blocked hair follicle, producing a deeper infection, such as a spot (pustule) or a nodule. Mild to moderate acne can usually be successfully treated using an antibacterial cream. However, if your acne is more severe, you should see your GP who may recommend antibiotic tablets (oral antibiotics).
Body odour
During puberty, your body begins to develop large sweat glands around your armpits, breasts and genitals. These are known as apocrine glands. Apocrine glands release sweat in response to stress, emotion and sexual excitement. In some cases, the excess sweat can cause body odour. Source To control the smell, have a shower every morning and use anti-perspirant deodorant. If you start to smell, and do not take care of it you may find people do not want to socialise with you any more. This is shy it's so important to stay smelling good. Remember that sweat smells fine to start with, but it is when the bacteria gets into the sweat that it starts to smell. This is a good reason to keep your clothes clean.
Erections
Now, as you probably know everyone can get erections unless they have ED. But in puberty, erections can occur for no reason. An erection is where blood fills up your penis and makes it stiff. It happens when you are sexually excited. Or, in puberty, it can happen randomly. This can be very irritating and embarrassing. Say you're talking to a girl at school, you fancy her, you get an erection. This is obviously going to be very embarrassing for you. When males get older, they will develop a condition called Erectile Dysfunction. This is when they cannot receive erections. They will need to take Viagra in order to get an erection when they have this.
Unexplained mood swings
During puberty, you may feel happy one hour and angry, upset or frustrated the next, without really understanding why. This is normal. Mood swings are impractical and annoying, and once again they are all down to hormones. Even though it's hard, try not to let these mood swings affect others around you, this will make them feel unhappy which will disagree with your social life.
Low self esteem
Although some teenagers are good at hiding it, all teenagers have periods where they feel different to everyone else and think that they do not measure up. For example, you may find that you worry about your physical appearance and the slightest criticism or insult can be incredibly hurtful.
Aggression
The stresses and strains of puberty can make some teenagers short-tempered and aggressive. For example, you may find yourself suddenly furious with your parents over the slightest issue. Do not let your aggression affect others. Keep it in, hurting someone is wrong no matter how you feel. If you feel aggressive, try not to socialise with other people. Take your anger out on something that isn't a person like a computer game character or a punch bag.
Chapter 2: All the stuff a boy needs to know.
Section 1: Masturbation
Masturbation is something the majority of teenagers do. It is where you stimulate your sexual organs in order to release sexual relief. It is your choice whether you masturbate or not. Many teenagers will find that infact, masturbating can help them cope with sexual frustration. It can also prevent wet dreams (ejaculating during your sleep) if you ejaculate in your masturbation session. Masturbation is highly pleasurable, but should be controlled and should not be done so much so that it interferes with your social life. Masturbation can often be referred to as 'jacking off', 'jerking off' or 'wanking'. Masturbation is not needed, if you don't want to do it, don't feel that you have to. It is an option. If you masturbate, it does not make you more normal than someone who does not masturbate and vice versa. Some people are grossed out by the idea of masturbating, but remember that lots of people do it. Even though some may be less open about it than others.
Section 1.1: Group Masturbation
In the eyes of many, masturbation is something to be done alone. However, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where somebody wants to masturbate with you or you want to masturbate with someone else. This is normal. But even if someone asks you to, don't feel that you have to do it. 'No' means no. If you do not feel comfortable masturbating with someone, say 'no'. Masturbation in couples is very normal. Masturbation in friends is quite normal, but it can ruin friendships. If you are asked to masturbate with a friend, keep in mind that your friendship may change and you may feel more awkward around that person in the future from then.
Section 1.2: Is it wrong to masturbate?
No, it is not wrong to masturbate. Most people will have masturbated before in their lives, and it is a completely normal thing to do. If someone is telling you that it is wrong, tell them to look it up and say that it isn't wrong. It is a common misconception that people think masturbation is wrong. Some people who masturbate are actually very scared someone will find them out because they think it is wrong, when it isn't. It is important that people understand masturbation is not wrong.
Section 2: Ejaculation
Ejaculation is what happens when a man ejaculates his semen. In some men, before ejaculation the extraction of 'pre-cum' can take place. This is just semen, which is used as a natural lubricant. Ejaculation takes place with an orgasm. The orgasm is the feeling of the ejaculation, and the ejaculation is actually ejaculating the semen. Sometimes, before you have developed enough to make sperm, what you ejaculate will be clear. When there is sperm in your semen, it will look white. Ejaculation usually takes place either in sexual intercourse, or at the end of masturbation. A man must ejaculate to conceive a child, as the sperm in the semen reaches the egg and fertilizes it.
Section 3: Sexuality
In puberty, you will have raging hormones. These give you strong sexual urges that sometimes make you think you are a different sexuality than you actually are because you Therefore, sometimes you can be physically attracted to the same sex even if you are not homosexual. You should not make a decision on your sexuality during puberty, as when you enter adulthood you will stop having such strong sexual feelings, that make you attracted to someone that you wouldn't be if usually.
Section 4: Hair!
During puberty, you will grow pubic hair, underarm hair, facial hair, and possibly chest hair etc. Sometimes people find hair embarrassing, but there is really no need to embarrassed about any hair you may have. If you do not like your hair in a certain place, you can always shave it off.
Pubic hair
Pubic hair will grow at different ages. It will spread around until growing into a snail trail up to your chest, and then perhaps growing hair then. It will also grow into your anus, and around your inner upper thigh. Some girls, or boys, like for pubic hair to be trimmed. Not all do, however. It is your best bet to ask your partner how they like it and then you can act upon that for them. Don't, however, shave your pubes if you don't want to. It is a very private thing and should remain your decision.
Underarm hair
Underarm will start thin and short, then grow to be long and thick. Underarm can vary from starting early and late in puberty. Underarm hair means more to clean under your arm pits to keep them smelling nice, so beware.
Facial hair
Facial hair starts with bum-fluff type stuff, and eventually will become proper hair. As with any hair, it's your choice whether you shave it. If you are new to shaving, ask one of your parents to buy you a shaver and teach you how. It's quite simple and easy. You will not need to shave your facial hair everyday when you start, but only every few weeks. Eventually, you will have to shave more and more until it becomes a daily thing. You can stop at any time, and grow a beard, or get a style. It's all your choice!
Section 5: Sex
Sex is always going to be wanted by horny teenagers. But you should consider this: 1. If it's legal. You should be over the age of consent when having sex. 2. If you're emotionally ready. 3. If you're ready to lose your virginity, and if you'll regret it. 4. Be protected!! Wear a condom. It's not just vaginal sex you can get things from, in oral and anal sex you can catch some pretty nasty stuff. Sex is a pleasurable, natural activity but should always be done with caution.
Chapter 3: Your Penis
Section 1: Washing
Like most other parts of the body, your penis needs washing. And it's all pretty simple once you get going. Just roll your foreskin back when in the shower or bath, and with soap and water clean the white stuff on your glans (smegma) out. Simple as that. This will hurt at first, but once you get used to it, it is fine.
Section 2: Tight Foreskin
50% of 15-year-olds have it. Tight foreskin. Tight foreskin is when you cannot roll back your foreskin because it is too tight to do so. Fortunately, it's hardly uncureable. Many people are circumcised, which prevents it. However, circumcision for tight foreskins should only be used as a last resort. There is no need to where there are other ways. To treat your tight foreskin, slowly stretch your foreskin back every day for a few monthes - eventually it will be loose enough. Alternatively, a quicker method is to do the same but with steroid cream a doctor can prescribe you.
Section 3: Circumcision
Some people were circumcised when they were babies, because their foreskins were too tight to do important things (example: urinating). There is nothing wrong with being circumcised. It is more common in some places than others, there are many more circumcisions taken place in the United States than that of the United Kingdom. Some people like being circumcised, while others would prefer to be uncut.
Section 4: Penis size
Most guys are paranoid, or boastful about their penis size. It may be hard, but the best thing to do is to realise it doesn't matter. Any penis size is fine, as long as you can see it. A girl won't mind if she likes you. Any girl who will only date you because of your penis size you shouldn't be dating anyway. And during puberty, your penis still has time to grow. So even if you do measure it, it's not a useful number because it will most likely grow. After puberty, you can take a measurement and know it won't change. The average penis size is 5n-6in. A broader average may be 4-7 inches. 4 and under being slightly under average, five being average, six being average, seven being large, and over seven being very large.
Chapter 4: Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of questions that we hear a lot. Therefore, it would be best if I put them all with the answers here so you can get your information right.
I've been attracted to guys recently, am I gay?
How your hormones behave in puberty does not make you gay. In puberty, your hormones are crazy and they are releasing new chemicals and such into your body. Some of this gives very sexual thoughts and feelings, and some of these make you attracted to guys. Most people get these feelings in puberty and it does not mean you will be gay later in life. You should decide your sexuality once these feelings, you feel, have stopped. Remember also that if you are attracted to male and females then you are bisexual.
I keep getting an erection in class, how can I stop this?
You can't. Once again, it's down to hormones. Sometimes you just get random erections, without thinking anything sexual. You can hide your erection in whatever way you like, it's your choice. To get an erection down sometimes reading long text helps and thinking about it a lot.
I'm shorter than all my friends at school.. any advice?
Some people have their growth spurt later than others. All you can do is wait. It's a pain, but it has to be done.
What can I do to prevent a wet dream?
Ejaculate before. Ejaculations in the night are much less likely if you have ejaculated before they happen. You can do that by masturbating the night before. If you don't want to masturbate, there's nothing you can do instead to ejaculate except have sex which you should not be doing unless you are really ready.
Everyone in my class is far into puberty and I'm not. What can I do?
Nothing. You're a "late bloomer" and there's nothing anyone can do about it. If signs of puberty do not start by age 16, you should see a doctor and they can do something about it for you. Otherwise, just let happen naturally.
Do penis enlargement pills work?
No. Let hormones take their time.
I can't retract my foreskin, what should I do?
Please reference to Chapter 3: Section 2.
I want to have sex with my girlfriend but I'm only 15, should I?
No. You shouldn't. Give it time, at sixteen or under (and usually over) you are not ready to have sex and face the consequenses, even if you do use contreception there is still a chance it will not work and your girlfriend will become pregnant.
Jonathan's Guide to Boy's Puberty
Introduction
No one ever said puberty was going to be easy. It's something everyone has to do. It's always useful if you know what's going to happen, whatever the situation. And puberty is no exception. It's better to understand what's going to happen, instead of letting everything just fly by. This way, you understand and are prepared for your development. This guide will tell you everything. From your penis growing, to facial hair. So why not begin?
Chapter 1: What's Puberty?
Section 1: Introduction
Puberty. Basically, it's when you're developing different parts of your body ready to become an adult. For example, the growth of your reproductive organs. Puberty marks the development of a infertile child to a sexually developed, and ready adult. Puberty is caused by hormonal changes, this is where your hormones act as powerful messengers; they tell your body what to do. The hormones are capable of stimulating the growth, and changing of many different parts of your body. Puberty is not a disease, condition etc. it is a faze in everyone's life that they have to get through.
So... what does puberty.. do?
Puberty does many things;
Physical changes. These could include growth spurts, or the growth of penis size in boys.
Psychological changes. These often cause teenagers to become moody, self-conscious and aggressive.
Behavioural changes. Lastly, these can cause some teenagers to experiment with new and potentially risky activities, for example smoking, drinking alcohol and sex.
To go into more depth of the physical changes, here are some physical changes you will notice during puberty;
You will get taller. There will be a stage called a 'growth spurt' where you grow very fast in a certain space of time, but you will grow throughout puberty.
Your shoulders will get wider.
You will grow hair in new places; pubic, legs, arm, chest, facial etc.
You will be able to develop your muscles.
Your voice will break.
Your genitals will increase in size.
Section 2: When does puberty start?
Puberty can start between 10-16. The average would be 12 to start. Everyone starts at a different time, there is no right or wrong time and it doesn't matter when you start. Some people who have started late (often referred to as 'late bloomers') feel left out in class because their friends are taller than them, and that they remain short and have not experienced a growth spurt. Typically, girls start puberty before boys. Their ages being usually 8-14. However, this guide is for boys. For most boys, puberty will take five or six years to go through all of the stages (below). However, this is not the same for everyone. Everyone is unique. Puberty will usually stop in the early twenties for males, but it isn't always this way. You can have had everything that happens in puberty happen to you and it still may not be over, as you may have to grow more or things may have to develop further.
Section 3: How should I feel about puberty?
It depends on the person. There is no set way to feel, but if you are nervous: there is no need to be. It's something everyone goes through and is completely natural. Don't feel embarrassed or upset about it. Every adult you know has gone through it, and so will you. Of course not everyone is nervous, embarrassed and upset. Some are curious, excited and willing about puberty. It all depends on the person. If you are feeling bad about puberty, chill out. Read the rest of the article and hopefully you'll understand exactly what happens and how it works.
Section 4: Tanner Stages
Tanner stages can be used to measure one's stage of puberty. Not everyone does puberty in the same sequence as each other, but tanner stages are generalised enough to create a proportional number to one's stage in puberty. You can find out your tanner stage by clicking here. Although it explains the tanner stages on that website, I will give the NHS' (National Health Service for the UK) description of those stages here:
Tanner stage one
Tanner stage one is usually regarded as pre-pubertal changes. Your adrenal gland (glands that start at the top of your kidneys) will stimulate an increase in your body height, usually 5-6cm a year (2-2.4 inches).
Tanner stage two
Tanner stage two usually begins at about 12 years of age. Your scrotum will begin to thin and redden, and your testicles will increase in size. Some fine pubic hair will start to appear at the base of your penis. Your body fat usually decreases, while the increase in your body height will stay at the same rate of 5-6cm a year.
Tanner stage three
Tanner stage three usually begins after a boy has turned 13 years of age. Your penis will grow and lengthen, and your testicles will continue to grow. Your pubic hair will become thicker and curlier, spreading to the soft mound of skin above your genitals (mons pubis). Your breasts should experience some mild swelling. This is perfectly normal and does not mean that you will grow a pair of 'man-boobs'. Your may begin to experience 'wet dreams' which are involuntary ejaculations of semen ('come') during your sleep. This can be embarrassing but it is perfectly normal and it is not your fault. If you want to prevent 'wet dreams' from soiling your bed clothes, wearing a pair of underpants while sleeping may help. During Tanner stage three, your voice should 'break'. You may find that the pitch and tone of your voice suddenly changes for short periods of time. The size of your muscles will increase, and your growth rate will also increase; usually to between 7-8cm a year (2.8 to 3.2 inches).
Tanner stage four
Tanner stage four usually begins at around 14 years of age. Your penis and testicles will continue to grow, and your scrotum will take on a darker appearance. Your pubic hair will appear more adult-like, but will have not spread to your inner thighs. You should begin to start growing underarm hair, your voice will change permanently, and you may develop acne.
Tanner stage five
As with girls, Tanner stage five is the final stage of puberty, and it usually starts at about 15 years of age. Your genitals will take on a fully adult-appearance and pubic hair will spread to the inner thigh. You will also begin to grow facial hair, and may have to begin shaving. Your growth rate should start to slow down, and will finally end at around 17 years of age. However, after this age, you may still experience a further increase in muscle size. Most boys will reach full adult maturity between 18 and 19 years of age.
Section 5: Precautions
As you probably know, puberty is great. Yes, you're growing. And yes, your penis is too. But unfortunately, puberty has it's downsides. I'll tell you all about them.
Acne
During puberty, your body becomes more sensitive to the hormone testosterone, which is present in both boys and girls. The testosterone cause small glands in your skin to produce too much oil (sebum). Dead skin can also block the opening of hair follicles (the small tubes in your skin that hold a hair in place). The sebum can build up behind the blocked follicle, which can cause blackheads, or whiteheads, to develop. Hormonal changes will also alter the levels of acid in your skin, encouraging the growth of bacteria. The bacteria can also infect a blocked hair follicle, producing a deeper infection, such as a spot (pustule) or a nodule. Mild to moderate acne can usually be successfully treated using an antibacterial cream. However, if your acne is more severe, you should see your GP who may recommend antibiotic tablets (oral antibiotics).
Body odour
During puberty, your body begins to develop large sweat glands around your armpits, breasts and genitals. These are known as apocrine glands. Apocrine glands release sweat in response to stress, emotion and sexual excitement. In some cases, the excess sweat can cause body odour. Source To control the smell, have a shower every morning and use anti-perspirant deodorant. If you start to smell, and do not take care of it you may find people do not want to socialise with you any more. This is shy it's so important to stay smelling good. Remember that sweat smells fine to start with, but it is when the bacteria gets into the sweat that it starts to smell. This is a good reason to keep your clothes clean.
Erections
Now, as you probably know everyone can get erections unless they have ED. But in puberty, erections can occur for no reason. An erection is where blood fills up your penis and makes it stiff. It happens when you are sexually excited. Or, in puberty, it can happen randomly. This can be very irritating and embarrassing. Say you're talking to a girl at school, you fancy her, you get an erection. This is obviously going to be very embarrassing for you. When males get older, they will develop a condition called Erectile Dysfunction. This is when they cannot receive erections. They will need to take Viagra in order to get an erection when they have this.
Unexplained mood swings
During puberty, you may feel happy one hour and angry, upset or frustrated the next, without really understanding why. This is normal. Mood swings are impractical and annoying, and once again they are all down to hormones. Even though it's hard, try not to let these mood swings affect others around you, this will make them feel unhappy which will disagree with your social life.
Low self esteem
Although some teenagers are good at hiding it, all teenagers have periods where they feel different to everyone else and think that they do not measure up. For example, you may find that you worry about your physical appearance and the slightest criticism or insult can be incredibly hurtful.
Aggression
The stresses and strains of puberty can make some teenagers short-tempered and aggressive. For example, you may find yourself suddenly furious with your parents over the slightest issue. Do not let your aggression affect others. Keep it in, hurting someone is wrong no matter how you feel. If you feel aggressive, try not to socialise with other people. Take your anger out on something that isn't a person like a computer game character or a punch bag.
Chapter 2: All the stuff a boy needs to know.
Section 1: Masturbation
Masturbation is something the majority of teenagers do. It is where you stimulate your sexual organs in order to release sexual relief. It is your choice whether you masturbate or not. Many teenagers will find that infact, masturbating can help them cope with sexual frustration. It can also prevent wet dreams (ejaculating during your sleep) if you ejaculate in your masturbation session. Masturbation is highly pleasurable, but should be controlled and should not be done so much so that it interferes with your social life. Masturbation can often be referred to as 'jacking off', 'jerking off' or 'wanking'. Masturbation is not needed, if you don't want to do it, don't feel that you have to. It is an option. If you masturbate, it does not make you more normal than someone who does not masturbate and vice versa. Some people are grossed out by the idea of masturbating, but remember that lots of people do it. Even though some may be less open about it than others.
Section 1.1: Group Masturbation
In the eyes of many, masturbation is something to be done alone. However, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where somebody wants to masturbate with you or you want to masturbate with someone else. This is normal. But even if someone asks you to, don't feel that you have to do it. 'No' means no. If you do not feel comfortable masturbating with someone, say 'no'. Masturbation in couples is very normal. Masturbation in friends is quite normal, but it can ruin friendships. If you are asked to masturbate with a friend, keep in mind that your friendship may change and you may feel more awkward around that person in the future from then.
Section 1.2: Is it wrong to masturbate?
No, it is not wrong to masturbate. Most people will have masturbated before in their lives, and it is a completely normal thing to do. If someone is telling you that it is wrong, tell them to look it up and say that it isn't wrong. It is a common misconception that people think masturbation is wrong. Some people who masturbate are actually very scared someone will find them out because they think it is wrong, when it isn't. It is important that people understand masturbation is not wrong.
Section 2: Ejaculation
Ejaculation is what happens when a man ejaculates his semen. In some men, before ejaculation the extraction of 'pre-cum' can take place. This is just semen, which is used as a natural lubricant. Ejaculation takes place with an orgasm. The orgasm is the feeling of the ejaculation, and the ejaculation is actually ejaculating the semen. Sometimes, before you have developed enough to make sperm, what you ejaculate will be clear. When there is sperm in your semen, it will look white. Ejaculation usually takes place either in sexual intercourse, or at the end of masturbation. A man must ejaculate to conceive a child, as the sperm in the semen reaches the egg and fertilizes it.
Section 3: Sexuality
In puberty, you will have raging hormones. These give you strong sexual urges that sometimes make you think you are a different sexuality than you actually are because you Therefore, sometimes you can be physically attracted to the same sex even if you are not homosexual. You should not make a decision on your sexuality during puberty, as when you enter adulthood you will stop having such strong sexual feelings, that make you attracted to someone that you wouldn't be if usually.
Section 4: Hair!
During puberty, you will grow pubic hair, underarm hair, facial hair, and possibly chest hair etc. Sometimes people find hair embarrassing, but there is really no need to embarrassed about any hair you may have. If you do not like your hair in a certain place, you can always shave it off.
Pubic hair
Pubic hair will grow at different ages. It will spread around until growing into a snail trail up to your chest, and then perhaps growing hair then. It will also grow into your anus, and around your inner upper thigh. Some girls, or boys, like for pubic hair to be trimmed. Not all do, however. It is your best bet to ask your partner how they like it and then you can act upon that for them. Don't, however, shave your pubes if you don't want to. It is a very private thing and should remain your decision.
Underarm hair
Underarm will start thin and short, then grow to be long and thick. Underarm can vary from starting early and late in puberty. Underarm hair means more to clean under your arm pits to keep them smelling nice, so beware.
Facial hair
Facial hair starts with bum-fluff type stuff, and eventually will become proper hair. As with any hair, it's your choice whether you shave it. If you are new to shaving, ask one of your parents to buy you a shaver and teach you how. It's quite simple and easy. You will not need to shave your facial hair everyday when you start, but only every few weeks. Eventually, you will have to shave more and more until it becomes a daily thing. You can stop at any time, and grow a beard, or get a style. It's all your choice!
Section 5: Sex
Sex is always going to be wanted by horny teenagers. But you should consider this: 1. If it's legal. You should be over the age of consent when having sex. 2. If you're emotionally ready. 3. If you're ready to lose your virginity, and if you'll regret it. 4. Be protected!! Wear a condom. It's not just vaginal sex you can get things from, in oral and anal sex you can catch some pretty nasty stuff. Sex is a pleasurable, natural activity but should always be done with caution.
Chapter 3: Your Penis
Section 1: Washing
Like most other parts of the body, your penis needs washing. And it's all pretty simple once you get going. Just roll your foreskin back when in the shower or bath, and with soap and water clean the white stuff on your glans (smegma) out. Simple as that. This will hurt at first, but once you get used to it, it is fine.
Section 2: Tight Foreskin
50% of 15-year-olds have it. Tight foreskin. Tight foreskin is when you cannot roll back your foreskin because it is too tight to do so. Fortunately, it's hardly uncureable. Many people are circumcised, which prevents it. However, circumcision for tight foreskins should only be used as a last resort. There is no need to where there are other ways. To treat your tight foreskin, slowly stretch your foreskin back every day for a few monthes - eventually it will be loose enough. Alternatively, a quicker method is to do the same but with steroid cream a doctor can prescribe you.
Section 3: Circumcision
Some people were circumcised when they were babies, because their foreskins were too tight to do important things (example: urinating). There is nothing wrong with being circumcised. It is more common in some places than others, there are many more circumcisions taken place in the United States than that of the United Kingdom. Some people like being circumcised, while others would prefer to be uncut.
Section 4: Penis size
Most guys are paranoid, or boastful about their penis size. It may be hard, but the best thing to do is to realise it doesn't matter. Any penis size is fine, as long as you can see it. A girl won't mind if she likes you. Any girl who will only date you because of your penis size you shouldn't be dating anyway. And during puberty, your penis still has time to grow. So even if you do measure it, it's not a useful number because it will most likely grow. After puberty, you can take a measurement and know it won't change. The average penis size is 5n-6in. A broader average may be 4-7 inches. 4 and under being slightly under average, five being average, six being average, seven being large, and over seven being very large.
Chapter 4: Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of questions that we hear a lot. Therefore, it would be best if I put them all with the answers here so you can get your information right.
I've been attracted to guys recently, am I gay?
How your hormones behave in puberty does not make you gay. In puberty, your hormones are crazy and they are releasing new chemicals and such into your body. Some of this gives very sexual thoughts and feelings, and some of these make you attracted to guys. Most people get these feelings in puberty and it does not mean you will be gay later in life. You should decide your sexuality once these feelings, you feel, have stopped. Remember also that if you are attracted to male and females then you are bisexual.
I keep getting an erection in class, how can I stop this?
You can't. Once again, it's down to hormones. Sometimes you just get random erections, without thinking anything sexual. You can hide your erection in whatever way you like, it's your choice. To get an erection down sometimes reading long text helps and thinking about it a lot.
I'm shorter than all my friends at school.. any advice?
Some people have their growth spurt later than others. All you can do is wait. It's a pain, but it has to be done.
What can I do to prevent a wet dream?
Ejaculate before. Ejaculations in the night are much less likely if you have ejaculated before they happen. You can do that by masturbating the night before. If you don't want to masturbate, there's nothing you can do instead to ejaculate except have sex which you should not be doing unless you are really ready.
Everyone in my class is far into puberty and I'm not. What can I do?
Nothing. You're a "late bloomer" and there's nothing anyone can do about it. If signs of puberty do not start by age 16, you should see a doctor and they can do something about it for you. Otherwise, just let happen naturally.
Do penis enlargement pills work?
No. Let hormones take their time.
I can't retract my foreskin, what should I do?
Please reference to Chapter 3: Section 2.
I want to have sex with my girlfriend but I'm only 15, should I?
No. You shouldn't. Give it time, at sixteen or under (and usually over) you are not ready to have sex and face the consequenses, even if you do use contreception there is still a chance it will not work and your girlfriend will become pregnant.