Temporary Disabled. :) please Go back Puberty and Boys' Bodies www.fgks.org » Address: [go: up one dir, main page] Include Form Remove Scripts Accept Cookies Show Images Show Referer Rotate13 Base64 Strip Meta Strip Title Session Cookies International HIV & AIDS charity DonateFundraising About Us Our Partners Help & Advice Contact Us Facebook Linked in Twitter Newsletter Copyright © AVERT skip to menu Puberty and Boys' Bodies back to top Puberty and boys This page is for you to get to know how a boy’s body changes as he goes through puberty. It is useful for you to know more about your own body if you are a boy, but also to know more about what boy’s experience and what a boy’s body is like, if you are a girl. You can find out all about girls’ bodies here. back to top What are the physical changes that take place in boys during puberty? A boy's voice gets deeper, his muscles develop and his chest gets broader. Hair starts to grow on his face, legs, chest, and under his arms. In due course he will need to start shaving. During this time his penis and testicles will also grow bigger and longer. Sometimes one testicle grows faster than the other, and it is natural for one to hang lower than the other. Hair, called pubic hair, will also start to grow at the base of his penis. As a boy gets older, this hair will grow thicker and courser. This diagram is only a representation. All boys’ bodies look different and penises come in many different shapes and sizes. As a boy progresses through the stages of puberty, he will also start to have erections and he may have wet dreams. What is an erection? An erection is when a boy's penis hardens and lengthens. This usually happens when a boy has romantic or sexual thoughts, or as a result of physical stimulation. However, during puberty a boy will start to get erections more often, sometimes without any stimulation at all. Most erections are not straight, and tend to either curve upwards or to either side. Many boys worry that their penis is smaller than other boys', but most penises are around the same size when erect. What is a wet dream? “Wet dreams are not something to be embarrassed about; they are natural and happen to lots of people.” Erections can happen at any time, including when a boy is asleep. A wet dream happens when a boy becomes sexually aroused while he is asleep and ejaculates (semen - the sticky liquid that sperm is part of - is released from his body through his penis). Sometimes boys can remember having had a sexual dream. But often they just notice a wet patch on their nightclothes or on the sheets when they wake up. If a boy has a wet dream, he should always wash when he wakes up. This is because he may develop an infection around his penis and testicles if the area is not kept clean. It is a good idea for a boy to wash his testicles and penis, particularly behind his foreskin (if he has one), every day. Wet dreams are not something to be embarrassed about; they are natural and happen to lots of people. There is also no need to worry about not getting wet dreams as not everyone does. How often does a boy need to shave? Disposable razor When a boy first grows hair on his face, it is usually just a small amount on his upper lip and chin. This can be removed by shaving it off with a razor. Razors can be bought in most supermarkets and drug stores. Sometimes shaving can cause a rash, particularly if a boy has not shaved before or has sensitive skin. Using shaving foam or gel before shaving will help reduce any irritation caused to the skin. You can also buy electric razors, which are used on dry skin and are less likely to cause cuts. At first a boy probably won't need to shave very often. But eventually a boy will probably need to shave every day as this hair starts to grow back thicker and more quickly. What does it mean for a boy's voice to break? This is just a way of saying that a boy's voice will get deeper. Sometimes it can happen very quickly, perhaps even overnight. But often boys go through a period where they have trouble controlling their voice, and it goes up and down in pitch as they talk. This can be embarrassing, but it usually doesn't last very long and all boys' voices will eventually settle down and sound deeper. "When my voice was breaking i used to get really embarrassed, it would go really high in the middle of a sentence and all my mates would laugh. But now i laugh right back when it happens to them!"Jon back to top What can a boy do if... He gets spots (pimples)? Almost everybody has spots at some time during their life and most young people get spots around puberty. Washing your face more often with mild unperfumed or antiseptic soap and warm water may help, but be careful not to scrub your face as this can irritate the skin. Some people find that eating less fatty foods (such as chips and chocolate) and drinking lots of water can help. However, spots during puberty are usually caused by hormones, and are not something that you can control. It is important to try not to pick at, or squeeze the spots as this can cause them to become infected. It may help to use a face wash, cream or lotion, designed specifically for spots. These can often be bought from chemists. If you get very bad spots it might be acne. Acne is a common skin condition that mostly occurs on the face, arms, back and chest. If you think that you might have acne, you could speak to a doctor as they will be able to give you advice. There are also various special creams and pills that your doctor may prescribe to help you with the problem. He has mood swings? Boys and girls may experience sudden changes in feelings during puberty. Feelings can swing backwards and forwards, and you may feel like laughing at one moment and crying the next. Boys particularly can experience strong feelings of anger. Sudden mood changes are partly caused by the increasing amount of hormones in the body. Talking to a friend or someone you trust can help to relieve your feelings. Mood changes are only temporary, and will settle down with time. He gets an erection when he doesn't want to? Spontaneous erections are very common during puberty, and there's not much a boy can do to stop them happening. However, there are ways of dealing with an unexpected erection and making it less noticeable. You can sit down or cover it with something (for example a folder, bag, or by tying a sweatshirt round your waist). You can also choose to wear clothes that make an erection less obvious, for example jeans and tighter styles of underwear. Try to concentrate on something else until it goes away. You may be embarrassed, but remember that it happens to everyone. "The worst time was when i was playing soccer. I was out in the middle of the field in front of everyone so i couldn't do much about it. It wasn't funny at the time but everyone got over it pretty quick"Alex Someone says he smells? As boys and girls' bodies develop during puberty so too do their sweat glands. These glands are to help control the body's temperature and result in more sweat being produced. The best way to reduce the risk of smelling is to wash and change your clothes regularly. You can also use antiperspirant deodorant under your arms. He is unhappy about the way he looks? “Remember that there is a large range of healthy penis sizes and shapes, and that most penises are around the same size when erect.” The physical changes that occur during puberty can cause considerable worry for young people. Boys often compare themselves to their friends, and worry if they are growing or changing faster or slower. Height and weight are two things that particularly worry young people. For boys, penis size is also a common worry. Try to remember that there is a large range of healthy penis sizes and shapes, and that most penises are around the same size when erect. Also remember that your body is changing and will keep changing as you go through puberty. Hardly anyone feels completely satisfied with their body and the way they look. Young people often feel under a lot of pressure when it comes to their looks. It is important to think about the things you like about yourself and the way you look. If you regularly feel unhappy about the way that you look, you should talk to an adult who you trust, so they can help you to feel more positive about yourself. He starts changing earlier than his friends? There is no set time when puberty starts, and this means that often boys will find they start to change at a different time from other boys their age. This is very normal, but can cause a boy to feel embarrassed or 'different' from his friends. Remember that it won't be long before others start to go through the same changes. Some boys begin puberty as early as age 9. In some cases a boy may begin to show signs of puberty at a younger age. This is known as 'precocious puberty'. If a boy starts to show signs of puberty much earlier than age 9, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor to make sure there are no underlying health problems. If you are worried, try to speak with somebody you feel comfortable talking to. All his friends have started changing but he hasn't? In the same way that boys who are 'early developers' can feel embarrassed or 'different', not beginning puberty until much later than others can also cause a boy to worry. Try to remember that everyone goes through puberty at their own pace. Starting later than your friends does not mean that your body will always be less mature; it won't be long before you start to go through the same changes that they are. Some boys don't start puberty until age 15. If a boy is worried that he has not begun to see any changes by this age, he should speak to an adult who he feels comfortable talking to. If a boy is much older than 15 and has not begun puberty (known as 'delayed puberty'), it is a good idea to speak to a doctor to make sure there are no underlying health problems. He is being bullied? Bullying comes in many different forms. It is bullying if somebody hurts you physically, calls you names, threatens you, steals or damages your belongings, excludes you, or spreads rumours about you. It is not something that just happens at school, it can happen anywhere: at home, over the phone, through text messages, and online. Bullying is a very serious issue and if a boy is being bullied for any reason, he should speak to an adult. "Even though you may feel helpless sometimes, there are a lot of things you and others can do to help stop the bullying."1 email print tweet more Where Next? AVERT.org has more about: Teens Puberty, pregnancy and sex Puberty in girls Relationships and talking about your feelings Back to top Sign up to our Newsletter Donate References back to top Stop Bullying Now! 'Are you being bullied?' english español back to content home pageHIV & AIDS Topics EpidemicGlobal EpidemicAIDS & HIV Around the WorldAIDS : What is AIDS? What causes AIDS?HIV & AIDS NewsHIV : The virus that causes AIDSReflections on the Epidemic World AIDS DayMoney for HIV/AIDSFunding for HIV and AIDS Money for HIV/AIDSPEPFARThe Global Fund How different people are affected by HIV and AIDS Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)Children orphaned by HIV and AIDSChildren, HIV and AIDSHIV/AIDS and Vulnerable Groups Prisons, Prisoners and HIV/AIDSTransgender People and HIV/AIDSWomen and HIV/AIDSIssuesHIV & Injecting Drug Users HIV & AIDS Stigma and DiscriminationHIV and AIDS IssuesHIV and Sex WorkHistoryHIV and AIDS HistoryAIDS TimelineHistory of AIDS Up to 1986History of AIDS: 1987-1992History of AIDS: 1993-1997History of AIDS: 1998-2002History of AIDS: 2003-2006History of AIDS: 2007 OnwardsAVERT History History of the HIV and AIDS Charity AVERT AVERT: Early 1990s to the start of the InternetAVERT: Overseas projects & developing AVERT.orgAVERT: Southern African projects and AVERT.orgAVERT: The First Five YearsLiving with HIVLiving with HIV and AIDSAm I going to die?Emotional Needs and SupportHIV and PregnancyLearning You Are HIV PositiveLiving with HIV StoriesWhat is living with HIV?PreventionOverview of HIV preventionHIV Prevention Around the WorldIntroduction to HIV PreventionPrevention of HIV transmission from mother to childHIV Transmission from Mother-to-childPreventing Mother-to-child Transmission (PMTCT) in PracticePreventing Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV WHO Guidelines for PMTCT & BreastfeedingPrevention of HIV transmission through bloodBlood Safety and HIVNeedle Exchange and Harm ReductionPrevention of HIV Transmission through BloodAIDS and sex educationAbstinence and Sex EducationHIV Prevention through Sex EducationHIV/AIDS Education and Young PeopleIntroduction to HIV and AIDS EducationLessons and Activity PlansSex Education That WorksPrevention of sexual transmission of HIVCircumcision & HIVCondoms: Effectiveness, History and AvailabilityHIV Prevention StrategiesPrevention of Sexual Transmission of HIVSex Workers and HIV PreventionThe Female CondomUsing Condoms, Condom Types and SizesHIV treatment as preventionHIV Treatment As PreventionHIV Treatment for PreventionPost-exposure Prophylaxis Pre-exposure ProphylaxisScienceHIV scienceA Cure for AIDSA World Free from HIVHIV and AIDS VaccineHIV Causes AIDSHIV Drugs, Vaccines and Animal TestingHIV Structure and Life CycleHIV Types, Subtypes Groups and StrainsMicrobicidesThe Origin of HIV and AIDS StatisticsWorldwide HIV & AIDS StatisticsUnderstanding HIV and AIDS StatisticsWorldwide HIV & AIDS StatisticsWorldwide HIV & AIDS Statistics CommentaryAmerican HIV & AIDS StatisticsUnited States of America HIV & AIDS Statistics Canadian HIV & AIDS StatisticsCanada AIDS Statistics by Year and AgeCanada HIV Statistics SummaryLatin American & Caribbean HIV & AIDS StatisticsCaribbean HIV & AIDS StatisticsLatin America HIV & AIDS StatisticsAfrican HIV & AIDS StatisticsSouth Africa HIV & AIDS StatisticsSub-Saharan Africa HIV & AIDS StatisticsAsian HIV & AIDS StatisticsIndia HIV & AIDS StatisticsSouth East Asia HIV & AIDS StatisticsAustralian HIV & AIDS StatisticsAustralia HIV & AIDS StatisticsEuropean HIV & AIDS StatisticsEuropean HIV and AIDS StatisticsUK HIV and AIDS Statistics Transmission & Testing HIV transmissionAIDS: Fear and AnxietyCan You Get HIV From. . . ?Criminal Transmission of HIVHIV & AIDS SymptomsHIV and BreastfeedingHIV Transmission Questions & AnswersHIV testingHIV TestingHIV Testing Frequently Asked QuestionsTreatment & Care HIV and AIDS treatmentHIV and AIDS TreatmentHIV and AIDS Treatment & CareHIV Treatment for ChildrenStarting, monitoring & switching HIV treatmentHIV and AIDS care HIV and AIDS CareHIV and AIDS Home Based CareHIV/AIDS and PainPalliative CareHIV and AIDS drugsAntiretroviral Drug Side EffectsAntiretroviral Drugs TableHIV and AIDS DrugsNew Antiretroviral DrugsTreatment accessAIDS, Drug Prices and Generic DrugsTreatment AccessUniversal Access to HIV/AIDS TreatmentAIDS-related infectionsHIV Opportunistic Infections: Prevention and TreatmentHIV/AIDS & related InfectionsStages of HIV InfectionTuberculosisOther treatment and careAlternative and Traditional Medicine for HIVHIV and NutritionHIV & AIDS Around The World AfricaThe HIV & AIDS epidemic in AfricaGay Men in Africa and HIV/AIDSHIV and AIDS in AfricaHIV and AIDS in Africa QuestionsThe Impact of HIV & AIDS in AfricaAfrican countriesHIV & AIDS in BotswanaHIV & AIDS in MalawiHIV and AIDS in KenyaHIV and AIDS in NigeriaHIV and AIDS in South AfricaHIV and AIDS in SwazilandHIV and AIDS in TanzaniaHIV and AIDS in UgandaHIV and AIDS in ZambiaHIV and AIDS in ZimbabweHIV and AIDS in LesothoHistory of HIV & AIDS in AfricaHistory of HIV & AIDS in AfricaHistory of HIV & AIDS in South AfricaTimeline of AIDS in AfricaAmericasHIV & AIDS in the United StatesHistory of HIV & AIDS in the United States of AmericaHIV & AIDS in the United States of AmericaHIV & AIDS Treatment in the United States of AmericaHIV and AIDS Among African AmericansHelp and advice for HIV and AIDS in AmericaUSA HIV & AIDS Help and AdviceHIV & AIDS in Latin America and the CaribbeanHIV & AIDS in BrazilHIV and AIDS in Latin AmericaHIV and AIDS in the CaribbeanAsia & EuropeHIV & AIDS in AsiaHIV & AIDS in ChinaHIV & AIDS in ThailandHIV and AIDS in AsiaOverview of HIV and AIDS in IndiaTimeline of AIDS in AsiaWho is Affected by HIV and AIDS in India?HIV & AIDS in EuropeHistory of HIV & AIDS in the UK 1981-1995History of HIV & AIDS in the UK 1996 OnwardsHIV and AIDS in Russia, Eastern Europe & Central AsiaHIV and AIDS in the UKHIV and AIDS in Western and Central EuropeHIV and AIDS Treatment in the UKHelp and advice in the UKHelp and Advice for HIV/AIDS in the UKWho Has to Pay for NHS Treatment in the UK?Sex, Sexuality & Relationships Young PeopleGay & LesbianGay & LesbianAm I Gay? Are You Born Gay? Can You Stop Being Gay?Coming outGay and LesbianGay SexHomophobia, Prejudice & Attitudes to Gay Men & LesbiansHomosexual or Gay?How Many Gay People Are There?Lesbians, Bisexual Women and Safe SexYoung & GayBeing Gay at SchoolHIV, AIDS and Young Gay MenGay & LesbianAm I a Lesbian?Am I Gay?Young Gay Men & LesbiansResources & helpResources for people who are gay, lesbian or unsure'Young Gay Men Talking' booklet [PDF]STDsCommon STDsChlamydia Genital Warts HPVGonorrhea Hepatitis A, B & CHerpes STD PicturesSTIs or STDsSyphilisSTD StatisticsSTD Statistics WorldwideSTDs in AmericaSTDs in the UKSexInformation about sex Condoms & Spermicides questionsContraception questionsHow to Have SexOral SexPregnancy QuestionsSex QuestionsWorldwide Ages of ConsentYoung PeopleRelationships & SexAm I Ready for Sex?Being Gay, Sexuality and Attraction Having SexHaving Sex for the First TimeRelationships and FeelingsRelationships and Sex Your Body and PubertyPuberty and Boys' BodiesPuberty, Periods and Girls' BodiesYour Body, Puberty and Sexual Organs Having Safer SexAbout HIV/AIDS for Young PeopleAbout STIs & STDs for Young PeopleBirth Control and Contraception for Young PeopleCondom Tips for Young PeopleDrink, Drugs & SexHaving Safer SexSex, the Internet and TechnologySex, the Law and Young PeopleHIV-positive LifeBeing HIV-positive and HealthyFinding Out That You're HIV-positiveFriends, Attitudes and HIVSex and Relationships for HIV-positive Young PeopleFAQ about sexQuestions About Sex for Young PeopleOther WebsitesGo Ask Alice!Sex, Etc.BBC - The SurgeryPhotos, Videos, Games & Stories Games Play our games to test your knowledge and skills, while learning new facts. See how much you know about HIV/AIDS and sexual health, with our AIDS Game, Sex Education Game, Pregnancy Game and Condom Game. Use your mouse to collect the right letters while avoiding the baddies for a chance to appear on our HI-scores table. Give our games a try now, and see how well you can do! AIDS Game Pregnancy Game Sex Education Game Condom Game Photos & Videos Our media gallery contains hundreds of HIV and AIDS related photos, videos and graphics. You can have a look around, use the search feature, or take a look at some photo selections. Photo Selections Photos & Videos Gallery Media Types Photos Graphics Videos Search the Media Gallery Latest media: Quizzes Try our quizzes to test your knowledge on all aspects of sexual health and HIV and AIDS. We have a Sex Quiz, Pregnancy Quiz, Condom Quiz and an HIV and AIDS Quiz. Just a beginner? Then try the quizzes' easy levels. Think you're an expert? Well try the hard quizzes. AIDS Challenge HIV and AIDS Quiz Pregnancy Quiz Sex Education Quiz Condom Quiz StoriesLesbian and gay storiesComing out StoriesYoung Bisexual and Gay Men: Personal StoriesYoung Lesbian and Bisexual: Personal StoriesHIV and AIDSHIV and AIDS in the FamilyPersonal Stories of Men Living with HIVPersonal Stories of Women Living with HIVPersonal Stories of Young People Living with HIVStories From Around the WorldTalking about sex First Time Sex StoriesStories of Sex EducationSubmit a storyFeatured Story I went through kind of a phase shift from just getting feelings towards this one guy, to be being confused and feeling kind of bi... - Submitted by Wesley Read more >> InternationalYouth Day 2013 Involving youth in the HIV response Giving young people a platform to share their thoughts and experiences raises awareness among their peers and gives an invaluable insight into the needs of this high-risk group. More than 2,400 young people are newly infected with HIV every day, accounting for 40% of new adult infections. Involving youth in the HIV response is key to lowering new HIV infections among the next generation and the role of technology in doing this is now clearer than ever. A sneak preview of results from an AVERT survey, due to be released on International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, show that most young people prefer to get their sexual health and HIV/AIDS information online or via mobile, as it's quicker, confidential and cheap. But not all youth are the same, we've found regional variations in the type of technology young people prefer - with 67% of respondents from Africa using mobile phones for health information, compared to just 31% in Europe. To commemorate International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, share your experiences with others by sending AVERT your story. Raise HIV awareness among youth, check out the hints, tips and quizzes below and share them with your friends. Young People Zone Quizzes 'Can't Explain' home pageTemas sobre el VIH y el SIDA ¿Puede Contraer SIDA De. . . ?Síntomas Del VIH Y Del SIDASIDAVIHPruebas De Detección Del VIHVIH, Embarazo, Madres Y BebésVisión General De La Prevención De VIHIntroducción Al Tratamiento De VIH Y SIDALa Evidencia De Que El VIH Causa El SIDALas Estadísticas Del SIDA Y VIH En El MundoSexo, sexualidad y las relaciones ¿Cómo Se Tiene Sexo?Preguntas Generales Sobre SexoUso De Condones, Tipos Y Tamaños De Condones¿Soy Gay? ¿Se Nace Gay? ¿Se Puede Dejar De Ser Gay?Enfermedades De Transmisión Sexual Y Síntomas De ETSMedia, juegos y concursos Fotos y VideosJuegos (en Inglés) Search Avert.org Click to search site search back to content
This page is for you to get to know how a boy’s body changes as he goes through puberty. It is useful for you to know more about your own body if you are a boy, but also to know more about what boy’s experience and what a boy’s body is like, if you are a girl.
You can find out all about girls’ bodies here.
A boy's voice gets deeper, his muscles develop and his chest gets broader. Hair starts to grow on his face, legs, chest, and under his arms. In due course he will need to start shaving.
During this time his penis and testicles will also grow bigger and longer. Sometimes one testicle grows faster than the other, and it is natural for one to hang lower than the other. Hair, called pubic hair, will also start to grow at the base of his penis. As a boy gets older, this hair will grow thicker and courser.
As a boy progresses through the stages of puberty, he will also start to have erections and he may have wet dreams.
An erection is when a boy's penis hardens and lengthens. This usually happens when a boy has romantic or sexual thoughts, or as a result of physical stimulation. However, during puberty a boy will start to get erections more often, sometimes without any stimulation at all.
Most erections are not straight, and tend to either curve upwards or to either side. Many boys worry that their penis is smaller than other boys', but most penises are around the same size when erect.
“Wet dreams are not something to be embarrassed about; they are natural and happen to lots of people.”
Erections can happen at any time, including when a boy is asleep. A wet dream happens when a boy becomes sexually aroused while he is asleep and ejaculates (semen - the sticky liquid that sperm is part of - is released from his body through his penis). Sometimes boys can remember having had a sexual dream. But often they just notice a wet patch on their nightclothes or on the sheets when they wake up.
If a boy has a wet dream, he should always wash when he wakes up. This is because he may develop an infection around his penis and testicles if the area is not kept clean. It is a good idea for a boy to wash his testicles and penis, particularly behind his foreskin (if he has one), every day.
Wet dreams are not something to be embarrassed about; they are natural and happen to lots of people. There is also no need to worry about not getting wet dreams as not everyone does.
When a boy first grows hair on his face, it is usually just a small amount on his upper lip and chin. This can be removed by shaving it off with a razor. Razors can be bought in most supermarkets and drug stores.
Sometimes shaving can cause a rash, particularly if a boy has not shaved before or has sensitive skin. Using shaving foam or gel before shaving will help reduce any irritation caused to the skin. You can also buy electric razors, which are used on dry skin and are less likely to cause cuts.
At first a boy probably won't need to shave very often. But eventually a boy will probably need to shave every day as this hair starts to grow back thicker and more quickly.
This is just a way of saying that a boy's voice will get deeper. Sometimes it can happen very quickly, perhaps even overnight. But often boys go through a period where they have trouble controlling their voice, and it goes up and down in pitch as they talk. This can be embarrassing, but it usually doesn't last very long and all boys' voices will eventually settle down and sound deeper.
"When my voice was breaking i used to get really embarrassed, it would go really high in the middle of a sentence and all my mates would laugh. But now i laugh right back when it happens to them!"Jon
Almost everybody has spots at some time during their life and most young people get spots around puberty. Washing your face more often with mild unperfumed or antiseptic soap and warm water may help, but be careful not to scrub your face as this can irritate the skin. Some people find that eating less fatty foods (such as chips and chocolate) and drinking lots of water can help. However, spots during puberty are usually caused by hormones, and are not something that you can control.
It is important to try not to pick at, or squeeze the spots as this can cause them to become infected. It may help to use a face wash, cream or lotion, designed specifically for spots. These can often be bought from chemists.
If you get very bad spots it might be acne. Acne is a common skin condition that mostly occurs on the face, arms, back and chest. If you think that you might have acne, you could speak to a doctor as they will be able to give you advice. There are also various special creams and pills that your doctor may prescribe to help you with the problem.
Boys and girls may experience sudden changes in feelings during puberty. Feelings can swing backwards and forwards, and you may feel like laughing at one moment and crying the next. Boys particularly can experience strong feelings of anger. Sudden mood changes are partly caused by the increasing amount of hormones in the body.
Talking to a friend or someone you trust can help to relieve your feelings. Mood changes are only temporary, and will settle down with time.
Spontaneous erections are very common during puberty, and there's not much a boy can do to stop them happening. However, there are ways of dealing with an unexpected erection and making it less noticeable. You can sit down or cover it with something (for example a folder, bag, or by tying a sweatshirt round your waist). You can also choose to wear clothes that make an erection less obvious, for example jeans and tighter styles of underwear. Try to concentrate on something else until it goes away. You may be embarrassed, but remember that it happens to everyone.
"The worst time was when i was playing soccer. I was out in the middle of the field in front of everyone so i couldn't do much about it. It wasn't funny at the time but everyone got over it pretty quick"Alex
As boys and girls' bodies develop during puberty so too do their sweat glands. These glands are to help control the body's temperature and result in more sweat being produced. The best way to reduce the risk of smelling is to wash and change your clothes regularly. You can also use antiperspirant deodorant under your arms.
“Remember that there is a large range of healthy penis sizes and shapes, and that most penises are around the same size when erect.”
The physical changes that occur during puberty can cause considerable worry for young people. Boys often compare themselves to their friends, and worry if they are growing or changing faster or slower.
Height and weight are two things that particularly worry young people. For boys, penis size is also a common worry. Try to remember that there is a large range of healthy penis sizes and shapes, and that most penises are around the same size when erect. Also remember that your body is changing and will keep changing as you go through puberty.
Hardly anyone feels completely satisfied with their body and the way they look. Young people often feel under a lot of pressure when it comes to their looks. It is important to think about the things you like about yourself and the way you look. If you regularly feel unhappy about the way that you look, you should talk to an adult who you trust, so they can help you to feel more positive about yourself.
There is no set time when puberty starts, and this means that often boys will find they start to change at a different time from other boys their age. This is very normal, but can cause a boy to feel embarrassed or 'different' from his friends. Remember that it won't be long before others start to go through the same changes.
Some boys begin puberty as early as age 9. In some cases a boy may begin to show signs of puberty at a younger age. This is known as 'precocious puberty'. If a boy starts to show signs of puberty much earlier than age 9, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor to make sure there are no underlying health problems.
If you are worried, try to speak with somebody you feel comfortable talking to.
In the same way that boys who are 'early developers' can feel embarrassed or 'different', not beginning puberty until much later than others can also cause a boy to worry. Try to remember that everyone goes through puberty at their own pace. Starting later than your friends does not mean that your body will always be less mature; it won't be long before you start to go through the same changes that they are.
Some boys don't start puberty until age 15. If a boy is worried that he has not begun to see any changes by this age, he should speak to an adult who he feels comfortable talking to.
If a boy is much older than 15 and has not begun puberty (known as 'delayed puberty'), it is a good idea to speak to a doctor to make sure there are no underlying health problems.
Bullying comes in many different forms. It is bullying if somebody hurts you physically, calls you names, threatens you, steals or damages your belongings, excludes you, or spreads rumours about you. It is not something that just happens at school, it can happen anywhere: at home, over the phone, through text messages, and online. Bullying is a very serious issue and if a boy is being bullied for any reason, he should speak to an adult.
"Even though you may feel helpless sometimes, there are a lot of things you and others can do to help stop the bullying."1
english español
Play our games to test your knowledge and skills, while learning new facts. See how much you know about HIV/AIDS and sexual health, with our AIDS Game, Sex Education Game, Pregnancy Game and Condom Game. Use your mouse to collect the right letters while avoiding the baddies for a chance to appear on our HI-scores table.
Give our games a try now, and see how well you can do!
Our media gallery contains hundreds of HIV and AIDS related photos, videos and graphics. You can have a look around, use the search feature, or take a look at some photo selections.
Try our quizzes to test your knowledge on all aspects of sexual health and HIV and AIDS. We have a Sex Quiz, Pregnancy Quiz, Condom Quiz and an HIV and AIDS Quiz.
Just a beginner? Then try the quizzes' easy levels. Think you're an expert? Well try the hard quizzes.
I went through kind of a phase shift from just getting feelings towards this one guy, to be being confused and feeling kind of bi... - Submitted by Wesley Read more >>
Giving young people a platform to share their thoughts and experiences raises awareness among their peers and gives an invaluable insight into the needs of this high-risk group. More than 2,400 young people are newly infected with HIV every day, accounting for 40% of new adult infections.
Involving youth in the HIV response is key to lowering new HIV infections among the next generation and the role of technology in doing this is now clearer than ever.
A sneak preview of results from an AVERT survey, due to be released on International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, show that most young people prefer to get their sexual health and HIV/AIDS information online or via mobile, as it's quicker, confidential and cheap. But not all youth are the same, we've found regional variations in the type of technology young people prefer - with 67% of respondents from Africa using mobile phones for health information, compared to just 31% in Europe.
To commemorate International Youth Day 2013 - 12 August, share your experiences with others by sending AVERT your story. Raise HIV awareness among youth, check out the hints, tips and quizzes below and share them with your friends.