Puberty

Puberty is the stage during which a person reaches full reproductive ability and develops the adult features of their gender. In boys, puberty usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 14 years. However, it is not unusual for puberty to begin as early as age 9 or to continue until age 16.

The pituitary gland, which is located in the brain, initiates puberty. The pituitary gland secretes luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair growth and voice change.

Testosterone also produces many changes in the male reproductive organs, including elongation and thickening of the penis; enlargement of the scrotum, testes, epididymis, and prostate; darkening of the skin of the scrotum; and growth of pubic hair. Sperm usually develops by age 14. Ejaculation first occurs during late puberty.