HomeHealth articlesmale sexual developmentWhat Are the Milestones of Sexual Development in Males?

Milestones of Sexual Development in Males - How Does It Occur?

Verified dataVerified data
0

3 min read

Share

Male sexual development is a complex process that occurs in stages interconnected with physical, psychological, and emotional changes.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ramchandra Lamba

Published At November 4, 2022
Reviewed AtNovember 4, 2022

Introduction:

The age of puberty varies from person to person. Males undergo puberty during a growth spurt that usually lasts between ages 10 and 14, while females usually start between the ages of 8 and 13. During this time, the body increases in size and changes shape. This is due to the hormones (chemical messengers) testosterone, estrogen, and others that are produced by the testes and other glands. These hormones cause the development of male sex characteristics such as facial hair, deepening of the voice, muscle development, growth of pubic hair, sperm production in the testes, and more. This article examined how sexual development occurs in males, including its physical, emotional, and social changes, and how to deal with them.

How Does Sexual Development Occur?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the body. They tell cells and organs what to do when to do it, and how much of it they should make. There are many different kinds of hormones that travel throughout your body. The endocrine system includes glands that produce these chemicals and deliver them to other body parts via blood vessels.

The pituitary gland produces some important hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which regulate testosterone production by the testes or ovaries. Testosterone is considered the primary male sex hormone because it plays a vital role in male sexual development. However, it also helps build muscle mass and maintain bone density.

What Are the Stages of Sexual Development in Males?

  • The first stage of sexual development in males is the growth of the scrotum and testes. This usually happens between the ages of 9 and 15, but some boys start as early as age eight or late as 17. The scrotum is a sac of skin that houses the testicles, two small round organs producing sperm and testosterone. The testicles are suspended by a network of nerves and blood vessels and are protected by the scrotal sac. During this time, male teens may also experience changes to their voices that make them more profound than before puberty. The larynx, or voice box, grows more prominent and the vocal cords lengthen and thicken, causing the voice to deepen. The change in voice is usually complete by the early 20s.

  • The second puberty stage is characterized by the lengthening of the penis and the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and pubic hair. This usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 16. The penis grows in length and width during this stage. The pubic hair also begins to grow and fill in. The hair may be sparse at first, but it will gradually become thicker and denser.

  • The third stage in sexual development in males is the growth spurt and change in body shape. The boy’s bodies start to grow and change, and they begin to develop muscles. This growth spurt usually starts around 12 and lasts until 16. During this time, boys will grow taller, and muscles will become stronger and more prominent. Shoulders get broadened, making you look more like an adult than a boyish young man. Their voices will also begin to change, and they will start to produce sperm.

  • In the fourth stage of sexual development in males, facial and underarm hair begins to grow. This hair growth is often the first sign of puberty in boys. The hair may be sparse at first but gradually becomes thicker and darker. Some boys also develop hair on their chest, back, and legs.

What Are the Other Signs and Symptoms of Puberty?

Other signs and symptoms of puberty include acne, body odor, and mood changes.

  • Acne is caused by increased hormones, which can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

  • Body odor also changes during puberty as sweat glands become active and start producing sweat more often than before.

  • Mood changes can also occur, which include irritability or aggression. Boys may also start to have wet dreams. Sexual development can also cause changes in behavior, such as an increase in sexual activity or a desire to be more physically affectionate.

How to Deal With Sexual Developmental Changes?

Sexual development in males can be difficult for individuals and their parents. Talking to children very kindly and positively about growing up is important. They need reassurance that they are normal, healthy, and developing well. Talking openly with them will help them feel less anxious and upset.

If your child has any questions or worries, be honest with them but try not to make a fuss about it because they might get embarrassed or frightened. It is best for parents to give simple answers in a straightforward way so that children understand what is happening without getting unnecessarily confused or worried. Remember you are there as a guide, so if your child asks you something too difficult for them.

  • It can be a stressful time for parents and children.

  • Talking with your child may help him or her feel more comfortable.

  • Encourage them to be active in physical activities, which can help them feel physically and emotionally healthier.

Conclusion:

Sexual development in males is a significant milestone. It is necessary to understand those developments and how it affects them. Men should be educated about the changes that happen to their bodies. Sexual development is a normal and healthy part of growing up. It occurs when the body begins to make important changes that turn children into adults. The start of puberty is different for boys and girls, with most boys developing sexually between the ages of 12 and 16. Puberty is a time of growth change, so it is normal to be curious about what is going on with your body. Boys go through puberty at different times, and their bodies show the effects differently, so you may notice some things happening to you before or after your friends. For example, it is common for boys to express their emotions differently than girls do.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Does a Boy’s Sexual Development Progress?

 
The first signs of puberty in boys are an enlargement of the scrotum and testicles. The penis does not expand at this time. The first pubic hair only covers a small area around the genitals and results in long hair.

2.

When Does Sexual Development Occur?

Boys and girls have similar body types at birth, but as they mature, boys get to widen their shoulders while girls get to widen their hips and develop breasts. Physical and cognitive changes, along with social expectations, have an impact on sexual development.

3.

What Is the Maturity Age of the Male Reproductive System?

People go through puberty to develop their adult sex characteristics and their full reproductive potential. Puberty typically happens in boys between the ages of 10 and 14. However, puberty can start as early as nine years old and last until sixteen years old.

4.

How Do You Define Normal Sexual Behavior?

Normal sexual behavior is not coercive, uncomfortable, or accompanied by fear or shame. Youth who engage in problematic sexual behaviors causes potentially harmful to both themselves and others.

5.

What Are the Stages of Physical Sexual Development?

The associated erogenous zone provides pleasure during each of the five psychosexual stages, which are the oral anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages.

6.

How Do Sexual Characteristics Develop?

- Genitalia and other reproductive and sexual organs.
- Puberty related changes in chromosomes, genes, hormones, and secondary physical characteristics.

7.

When Did Men stop Reproducing?

With a decline in sperm quality, male fertility typically begins to decline around the age of 40 to 45. The likelihood of pregnancy declines as a man ages, and the time to pregnancy as well as the risk of miscarriage and fetal death, increases.

8.

When Does Sexual Pleasure Peak?

Orgasm is a powerful, pleasurable sensation that happens at the end of the plateau phase. The peak of the sexual response cycle, known as the orgasm, is typically the most intense.

9.

What Are the Most Common Sexual Behaviors?

 
Masturbation, oral-genital stimulation, penile, vaginal intercourse, and anal stimulation or anal intercourse are just a few of the numerous behaviors that fall under the category of sexual behavior.

10.

What Kind of Sexual Behavior Is Unhealthy?

Sexual abuse is compelling a person to engage in any unwanted sex. Unwanted kissing or touching and any sexual activity with a drunk person is a forms of sexual abuse.

11.

What Are the Initial Indicators of Sexual Maturity?

Teenagers experience puberty at different times. In girls, puberty typically starts between the ages of 10 and 14. It typically starts between the ages of 12 and 16 in boys. The onset of breast development in most girls is followed by the growth of pubic and armpit hair as the first sign of puberty.

12.

What Is the Maximum Age at Which a Man Can Have a Child?

A man is most fertile between the ages of 20 and 25. It is advised to start a family before the age of 35. Male fertility starts to decline after this age. After age 35, the sperm may produce pregnancies with potential mutations.
Dr. Ramchandra Lamba
Dr. Ramchandra Lamba

Psychiatry

Tags:

male sexual development
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

male sexual development

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy