Welcome to 1, 2, 3… Say “Penis”: A Pocket Guide to Puberty for Boys.  Puberty does not have to be chaotic and can be tolerable with the right tools and education.  This guide's intent is to educate young boys about some of  the changes they will experience in the pre-teen and teen years.  Topics are discussed with both medical and laymen terminology so that a complete understanding is acheived. Its non- intimidating format allows  for open communication with  friends,  parents or other trusted adults. It provides useful information without all the overwhelming details.

Puberty is a time in your life when you experience a lot of physical changes. It begins when hormones from the pituitary gland in your brain are released into your bloodstream. You won’t realize this is happening. These hormones stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone, the male hormone. Testosterone plays a key role in all the changes you experience, like genital growth, body hair and sperm production. Puberty happens to everyone and can begin as early as age 9 and as late as mid-teens. You won’t know what age you’ll begin puberty, but your body will begin changing when it is ready. Some of the biggest changes you will notice are the size of your penis, scrotum and testicles. But other changes will happen as well. Your voice will change and you will grow hair in places you may or may not want it. Hair growth occurs on your legs and arms, armpits, maybe on your chest and back, your groin, your butt and, of course, your face. The amount of hair varies from person to person. You will get taller and physically stronger. All this changing will cause your body to sweat and produce body odor. It is now necessary to shower or bathe more often and to use deodorant. You might also find your skin is breaking out with pimples, or acne. Your doctor can help you find ways to clear up your skin. You will also experience emotions you never had before. There are times you will feel sad or angry and not be able to figure out why. Feeling awkward and unsure of your new body is common. It may be helpful to talk to your friends during these times. The entire process can take as little as three years and as many as six years. Soon you will be an adult in appearance and proportions. Congratulations.

I am currently working as a registered nurse at a < s t 1 : p l a c e>Trauma < s t 1 : P l a c e Type>Center in Boston, < s t 1 : S t a t e > M a s s achusetts.   Prior to nursing, I spent 12 years in the human services field working as a mental health counselor and a protective social worker.  My wife and I have four children, three girls ages 16, 13 and 8, and one son, age 5.