Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Teen Boys

Answered: What causes puberty?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:24:58 +0000

Puberty begins when your body starts to make a lot of chemicals called sex hormones. These hormones cause the changes you notice during puberty.

Answered: Why do boys' faces break out during puberty?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:24:31 +0000

The flood of hormones released by your body during puberty can make you sweat -- a lot. Puberty also makes the oil glands in your skin more active. Together, these two things can trigger pimples and zits. Your doctor calls this acne.

Keeping your face and body clean can help. But if your acne is very bad, ask your mom or dad to make a doctor's appointment for you. Sometimes, medicine can help clear up severe acne and avoid scarring.

Answered: What are the first signs of puberty in boys?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:23:50 +0000

One of the first signs of puberty in boys is bigger testicles. The next thing you're likely to notice is that your penis has started to grow and get longer. It may also get hard when you touch it or rub against something. This is called an erection.

Sometimes you can get an erection when you think of something that's sexually exciting. It can also happen for no reason at all.

Your penis and testicles will continue to grow until you get to the end of puberty.

Answered: When will I start puberty?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:23:11 +0000

Everyone is different, but puberty usually starts in boys between the ages of 10 and 14. You and your friends may not start puberty at the same time. That's normal.

In boys, puberty is considered precocious -- or early -- if it begins before or about age 9. Puberty is considered delayed when there are still no signs of sexual growth or development by the time a boy reaches age 14.

Answered: What should I know about testicles?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:22:41 +0000

Testicles, also called testes or balls, are oval-shaped organs that sit in a sac that hangs behind the penis.

The main job of testicles is to make and store sperm and produce testosterone. Testosterone is the male hormone that's responsible for the changes that occur during puberty. Puberty is the time in life when your body begins to change and you start to look more and more like an adult.

After puberty is finished, the testicles will produce millions of sperm a day. Sperm mixes with a white, milky substance to make semen. Semen is what's released from the penis when you ejaculate.

Guys become fertile between the ages of 11 and 17, meaning they are able to ejaculate semen and get a girl pregnant.

Answered: If my testicles are injured, say from a knee in the groin while playing basketball, can I treat the injury myself?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:22:14 +0000

If the injury is not serious, you can take these steps:

Take a painkiller such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help get rid of the pain.
Use an ice pack on the area -- not directly on the skin -- to help prevent swelling and ease pain.
Place a rolled-up towel under the testicle when you lie down.
Take it easy for a few days after an injury.
Avoid strenuous activity.
Wear supportive underwear for a few days to gently support the testicle.

Answered: Why do my testicles hang down?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:21:35 +0000

Just as your body directs your scrotum to shrivel when it is cold, your body tells the scrotum to loosen up when you are too warm. Your testicles will become larger and more floppy to release extra heat.

Answered: What should you know about testicular injury?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:20:57 +0000

Getting hit in the testicles can double you over in pain. It can make you feel sick, even vomit. And if you're hit hard enough, it can send you to the hospital. Fortunately, most testicular injuries aren't that serious.

Answered: When will my testicles begin to grow?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:20:27 +0000

Your testicles will grow in the early stages of puberty, between the ages of 10 to 13. As your testicles grow, the skin around the scrotum -- the sac that holds the testicles -- will darken, hang down, and begin to develop hair.

Answered: How common are injuries to the testicles?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:20:00 +0000

Injuries, especially serious injuries, are not that common. But it's important to know they can happen and how to take steps to prevent them. And it's extra important if you regularly take part in activities than can cause these injuries. Taking part in certain sports such as soccer, basketball, or baseball can put you at risk. So can intense exercise, weight lifting, and other activities that put stress on the groin area. But there are ways to protect the groin area and reduce the risk of a serious injury to your testicles.

Answered: What does it feel like to get hit in the testicles?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:19:24 +0000

The first symptom is a lot of pain. That may be followed by nausea and sometimes vomiting. Fortunately, the testicles are made of spongy material that typically absorbs the shock without a lot of damage. They are also covered by a tough material that protects the tissue inside. With a typical injury, the pain and nausea usually ease in about an hour. And with most injuries, there is no damage to the testicles' ability to produce sperm or the ability to have sex.

Answered: How big are testicles?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:18:51 +0000

On average, testicles grow to be about 2 to 3 inches in length and 1 inch in width.

Answered: How should I clean an uncircumcised penis?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:17:32 +0000

If you're not circumcised, you will need a couple extra steps to keep the penis clean:

You should do this every day.

First, gently pull the foreskin backwards.
Then, clean the skin underneath with soap and water.

Answered: When does the penis grow?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:16:15 +0000

Your penis grows longer and wider during puberty. That's the time major changes occur in the body that make you look more like a man and less like a child. Most guys start puberty between ages 10 and 14. But, puberty happens at different times for everyone. You may have a penis that's grown to its full size as early as age 13 or as late as age 18.

Answered: What is the difference between a circumcised and an uncircumcised penis?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:15:49 +0000

The only difference between a circumcised penis and an uncircumcised penis is that the uncircumcised penis still has foreskin. The circumcised penis does not. Other than that, there is no difference. Both penises work and feel the same.

Answered: Is my penis size normal?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:13:37 +0000

There is no such thing as a "normal" penis size. The size of your penis depends on your genes, just like the size of your hands, feet, and eye color. Keep in mind, penis size has nothing to do with manliness or sexual ability.

Answered: What are some problems with foreskin?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:12:48 +0000

Many uncircumcised guys don't have any problems with foreskin. However, some problems associated with foreskin in uncircumcised guys include:

If you have any of these problems, see your doctor.

Inflammation or infection of the penis head
The foreskin can't be pulled back behind the head of the penis because it is too tight
The foreskin, after being pulled back, becomes trapped behind the head of the penis; this is a medical emergency because it can cause permanent damage to the penis. You should see your doctor immediately.
A rare condition where scar tissue forms at the tip of the penis, tightening the foreskin around the penis head; this makes it difficult for the foreskin to be pulled back.

Answered: How can teens get rid of pimples and prevent new ones?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:12:07 +0000

Here are steps to get rid of pimples -- and keep new ones from forming:

Wash your face twice a day with a gel-based or foaming cleanser.
Avoid harsh soaps and products containing alcohol.
When washing your face, gently massage it with circular motions.
When you have finished washing, use a lotion with the acne medicine benzoyl peroxide. You can get these in the drug store or supermarket without a prescription.

Answered: How can I avoid getting ingrown hairs when I shave?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:11:40 +0000

Here are some shaving tips to help prevent ingrown hairs:

If you have an ingrown hair it will probably heal on its own. You can help by not shaving for a while. If it does not get better, see your doctor.

Wet your face well.
Keep your skin relaxed.
Shave in the direction the hairs grow, usually downward.
Don't shave the same area twice.

Answered: What happens during puberty?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:10:56 +0000

Puberty happen in boys happen over several years. Here are some of the changes you can expect -- and the average age when they happen.

But remember, these are just average ages. The exact schedule you follow may be different than it is for other boys you know.

Testicles start to grow, usually between the ages of 11 and 12.
Pubic hair -- the hair around your penis and testicles -- often starts to appear when a boy is 12.
The penis starts to grow in size often around age of 13.
Also around age13, you may notice a temporary growth in the size of your breasts.
A boy's voice starts "cracking" around the age of 13.
You may have a growth spurt at about 13 1/2.
When you're 14, you may notice hair growing in your armpits.
Also at age 14, boys often start having wet dreams. That's when semen comes out of your penis while you sleep.
The average age a boy gets his adult voice is 15.
At 15, you may notice you're getting a mustache.
By age 16, you may notice your beard has started to grow.

Answered: When will I have a growth spurt?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:09:50 +0000

A growth spurt means your body is changing more and more into a grown-up. You'll know when this happens. Your baby face will start to look more adult-like. Your clothes and shoes will feel tighter. You'll gain weight. And you'll get stronger as your muscles grow bigger.

The peak growth spurt for boys usually happens about 2 years after puberty starts. When it does, you'll have fuller, broader shoulders and bigger feet and hands. One sign a growth spurt is starting is a rapid increase in shoe size.

A kid going through puberty usually grows about 4 inches taller every year until he turns 17. After age 17, your height probably won't change. About 25% of a person's lifetime growth in height happens during puberty.

How tall you become usually depends on how tall your parents are. If you have tall parents, you'll probably be taller than average. If your parents are short, you'll probably be short, too.

A growth spurt can also make you feel hungry all the time. That's normal. A growing body needs fuel. Just make sure you eat healthy foods and snacks.

Answered: What should teens do for dry and flaky skin?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:07:51 +0000

If your skin is dry and flaky, here's what you can do:

Sometimes flaking is caused by a medical condition that needs special treatment. If you also have flaky scalp and flaking is mainly in the middle of your forehead and either side of your nose, you should see your doctor.

Avoid taking hot showers and baths. These can remove moisture from the skin.
Use a gel when shaving. Follow with a moisturizer.
Be sure to use sunscreen year-round.

Answered: Why do boys smell when they go through puberty?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:07:25 +0000

Boys smell when they go through puberty because increased hormones cause you to sweat a lot more. This can make your body pretty stinky, especially under the arms or between your legs.

Body odor starts early in puberty. Using an antiperspirant/deodorant can help control sweat and stinky odors.

Try using an antibacterial soap when you take a bath or shower. This can get rid of some of the bacteria that can lead to body odor.

Answered: How can teens avoid getting acne scars?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:06:51 +0000

First off, to reduce scarring, never squeeze zits. If a pimple does leave a red or brownish mark it should eventually go away on its own. Be patient -- it could take a year or more.

If your acne is under control but past pimples have left scars, there are things your dermatologist can do to help get rid of them.

The best treatment will depend on the type of scar and how bad it is. But these treatments aren't usually recommended for teens. Your dermatologist can give you more information.

Answered: Can masturbation hurt me?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:05:36 +0000

Masturbation will not harm your body. Many teens have heard strange but untrue rumors about what it can do, such as:

None of these things is true. Masturbation won't hurt you and no one will know that you're doing it unless you tell them.

The only real risk to masturbation is that it might irritate the skin of the penis. If you're a guy, you can reduce that risk by using a lubricant such as lotion or K-Y Jelly.

You'll go blind.
You'll become mentally ill.
It will stunt your growth.
You'll grow hair or warts on your palms.
You'll never have normal sex with another person.
You'll run out of sperm and won't be able to have children.
Other people will know just by looking at you.

Answered: How can I prevent having an involuntary erection?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:04:37 +0000

Unfortunately, you can't. During puberty, erections just happen. There isn't much you can do to stop them. Even thinking of the most non-sexy thing you can imagine won't help. But, over time, involuntary erections will become less frequent.

Answered: Can I change my penis size?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:03:37 +0000

No. You can't change the size of your penis. Despite what you may hear, no exercises, vitamins, or diets can change the size of your penis or make it grow faster.

Answered: What is an STD?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:02:46 +0000

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. An STD is a disease you can get by having sex with someone who has one. You do not have to have sexual intercourse to get an STD, either. You can get STDs from oral sex, anal sex, or from rubbing naked against someone who is infected. STDs include:

Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Genital herpes
Genital warts (HPV)
Hepatitis B and C
Syphilis
HIV/AIDS
Crabs, or pubic lice
Trichomoniasis

Answered: What is a wet dream?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:02:01 +0000

A wet dream is when you ejaculate (release semen from your penis) in your sleep. Wet dreams often occur from having sexual dreams. Sometimes, though, they just happen. Wet dreams are a normal part of puberty. Usually, they stop as you get older.

Answered: When does a penis stop growing?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:01:26 +0000

Your penis stops growing when you finish puberty. Exactly when that happens, though, varies from person to person. Everyone develops at a different pace. You may take longer than your friends or less time than them to finish puberty. But by 16, your body and its parts should be close to your adult size.

Answered: What kind of condom is best for preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 08:00:09 +0000

The type of material used to make a condom is important. A condom made from latex is your best bet for preventing STDs. Lambskin and other animal skin condoms don't protect as well. If you're allergic to latex, you can use a condom made from polyurethane. It's also good at preventing STDs.

Answered: What is wrong with being LGBT?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:58:51 +0000

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You are who you are.

Answered: Why should men consider doing a testicle self-exam every month?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:57:35 +0000

Unless you have certain risk factors, such as a brother or father who has or had testicular cancer, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says there aren't enough studies to make monthly exams a recommendation.

But because the cancer is so easy to treat when found early, even the ACS says many doctors recommend the exam. And besides finding cancer early, the exam can help you find other problems that may need to be treated.

Answered: Can condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:56:36 +0000

Condoms are effective at preventing STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

Answered: What should I do if I have questions about masturbation?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:55:47 +0000

It can be hard to talk about masturbation. You may be embarrassed to ask your parents or even your friends about it.

Talk to a doctor or health counselor you trust. Their job is to talk to patients honestly about their bodies. They can answer any questions you may have about masturbation.

Answered: Is it wrong to masturbate?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:54:55 +0000

Masturbation isn't bad or dirty. It's a normal part of your sexuality. You shouldn't feel any guilt or shame about doing it. Feeling guilty about masturbation can make you think badly about yourself -- and that can be unhealthy.

Answered: Should I use an electric razor or a razor blade?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:52:01 +0000

Some guys prefer an electric razor because it's easier and usually faster to use. But a razor blade will give you a closer and cleaner shave.

Answered: What are the testicles and why does getting hit there hurt so much?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:50:24 +0000

The testicles are part of the male reproductive organ. They make sperm and the male sex hormone called testosterone. Without testicles, men wouldn't be able to have kids. They'd also look and feel a lot different without testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for many of the male characteristics that make men different from women. These important organs hang outside the body in a sac called the scrotum. And since they hang outside the body, they don't have bone or muscle around to protect them like other organs do. That means there is nothing to absorb any of the blow if they happen to get hit. So they take the full force of the hit without any cushion.

Answered: Can there be serious complications from testicular injury?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:47:37 +0000

Two of the most serious complications are testicular torsion and testicular rupture.

Answered: Can I catch an STD if I masturbate?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:45:47 +0000

You can't catch a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from masturbating. You also can't lose your virginity by masturbating.

Answered: What should I know about masturbation?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:44:23 +0000

Most teens don't want to talk about masturbation. Even though it might feel embarrassing to talk about it, many teens do it. In fact, more than half of 14-year-old boys admit they've masturbated. That means at least one out of every two of your guy friends has done it -- even if they won't admit to it. About half of the girls in your class are doing it, too.

Answered: What if I have excess body hair that I want to remove?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:35:12 +0000

If you have excess body hair on your back or other areas that you want to get rid of, talk to your doctor. There are processes such as waxing that can remove unwanted hair.

Answered: When should I see a doctor about painful or swollen testicles?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:09:03 +0000

If you think you have testicular torsion, see a doctor right away. This is a serious medical emergency.

If you notice any pain or swelling in or around your testicles, tell a parent and have it examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Many different types of testicle problems are linked to pain and swelling in the testicles. It's not always easy to tell which episode could lead to more serious problems if ignored. Play it safe and get checked.

Answered: What is testicular torsion?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:07:40 +0000

Testicular torsion can happen from an injury, like being kicked in the groin, or from strenuous activity. Sometimes it can even happen for no apparent reason. With torsion, the cords holding the testicles in place can become twisted. This cuts off the blood supply to the testicle. The result is a lot of pain. The testicle also gets bigger, feels tender, and begins to swell. This is a medical emergency. It should be treated within six hours of when it happens. Sometimes, the doctor can treat it by untwisting the testicle. Sometimes surgery is needed. If it isn't treated, you could lose the testicle or lose its function.

Answered: What can teen boys do about an erection in the morning?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:06:20 +0000

It's perfectly normal to wake up with an erection. But you're better off waiting until it's gone before heading to the breakfast table. Try relaxing and thinking about something nonsexual, like a sporting event. Or better yet, study for that upcoming math test. Meditation might work, too. As you get older, you'll be able to control your erections better.

Answered: What can teen boys do about erections in public?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:05:50 +0000

Think nonsexual thoughts -- about homework or an upcoming sports event.
If you wear boxer shorts and often get erections, consider wearing briefs or boxer-brief underwear.
Just stay seated and try to chill until the erection goes away. If you have to get off the bus, consider untucking your shirt. Or use your backpack or a textbook to shield it.

Answered: Will my beard get thicker if I shave more often?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:05:04 +0000

Your beard won't get thicker by shaving more. Base your decision on how often to shave on how you want to look.

Answered: When do boys start growing facial hair?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:04:22 +0000

On average, boys start noticing hair on their face around age 15 or 16, but everyone's different. Some boys start growing a beard very early in their teenage years, while others don't notice a beard starting until they are much older.

Answered: How often should I shave my facial hair?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:03:41 +0000

That depends on how fast your beard grows and how dark it is. For some guys, shaving once every few weeks is fine at first. Other guys shave maybe once every three or four days.

As you get older and your beard gets heavier, you'll feel the need to shave a little more often.

Answered: How do I shave my facial hair with a razor blade?

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:02:30 +0000

Follow these steps for a smooth shave:

Wet your beard with warm water.
Put a shaving gel or cream -- not soap -- on your face. It should make a lather.
Start by shaving the sides of your face.
Use short, slow strokes and pull the razor in the direction your beard grows.
Don't g back over the area you've already shaved. Going back can scrape the skin and cause razor burn.
Rinse the blade under running water after every two or three strokes.
Shave the area under your chin and at the top of your neck last.
After you're done, rinse your face with cold water to soothe the skin.