Male Puberty Issues / Question
Published: December 16, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 14-year-old male and I am white and I haven't hit puberty yet. I turned 14 a little over a month ago and nothing has happened, except little black hairs on my arms and legs. Is there something wrong with me?
Signed: 14 And No Puberty
Dear 14 And No Puberty,
It is possible that you may have begun puberty and have not been looking for the proper signs. Many young men compare their progress with the progress of their peers, which does not take into account that each individual is different. Some boys enter puberty earlier and will finish their growth at an earlier age. Other boys enter puberty later and will continue to grow until a later age. Neither early nor late puberty has any influence on what your eventual growth will be. This has been predetermined by your genetic makeup.
The first sign of puberty in boys is an increase in the size of the testicles. In the early stages there is little pubic hair and the penis does not increase in size very much. Puberty continues with an increase in size of the testicles and penis and an increase of pubic and body hair. At some point you will experience a growth spurt that usually begins with an enlargement of the hands and feet and is later followed by growth in the arms, trunk and chest. Other changes you will notice are a deepening of the voice, an increase in muscle mass and the ability to get erection and ejaculate.
You can always check with your doctor if you continue to have concerns. He/She will exam you and be able to answer any specific questions you may have and help calm your fears.
If you would like to meet with a doctor at the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health in Morristown, New Jersey, You can call 973.889.6350 for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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