Boys’ Puberty Guide: Age, Testicle Drop, Hormonal Changes & Growth Stages

09/30/2025

Let’s Understand the Tanner Stages of Puberty in Males: 

Tanner staging, also referred to as the Sexual Maturity Rating, is seen as the classification system that is used by healthcare professionals to observe and track secondary sex characteristics during puberty. It is often used as a guide to identify the stages of puberty in your kid and when they are likely to happen. Additionally, puberty may vary significantly in timing and progression among children. Your kid will develop it at their own pace, depending on a wide range of factors. The Tanner staging below works as a general guide and shouldn’t be considered a strict rule. There are broadly five stages of puberty for boys; let’s discuss each of them thoroughly: 

Stage 1 – Prepubertal (Around Age 9–10)

This stage begins before puberty, which is why it is also referred to as prepubertal. No physical changes are seen in this stage, but the adrenal glands start to mature in boys. This stage typically begins after the 9th or 10th birthday in males. The changes inside the body remain the same for both males and females.  The following are the common stages that happen during stage 1:

• The brain commences sending signals to the body to prepare for the coming changes.

• The hypothalamus initiates the release of a hormone named gonadotropin-releasing hormone to the pituitary gland. This causes the pituitary gland to make hormones that regulate other glands in the body.

• Major hormones that are made by the pituitary gland are luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.

• No physical changes are observed in both genders during this stage. 

Stage 2 – Early Puberty (Ages 9–14) 

Stage 2  comes as the stage wherein physical changes begin. This stage typically starts between the ages of 9 and 14 years. Changes that occur in this stage are as follows:

• Hair growth occurs around the penis and under the arms, but in a small amount.

• An increase in the size of the scrotum and testicles.

• Height starts increasing, which may range from 2 to 2.5 inches per year.

• Boys may have to experience body odor, raising the need for deodorant.

• Alteration in the composition of the body with a decrease in body fat. 

Stage 3 – Rapid Changes (Ages 10–16)

Stage 3 is the stage at which physical changes accelerate and become increasingly apparent. The stage occurs between the ages of 10 and 16, and the following changes can be observed:

• Continued changes in terms of the size of the penis and testicles.

• Wet dreams, medically known as nocturnal emission, may also happen.

• Pubic hair starts to darken and become high in volume. Pubic hair occurs in the shape of a triangle in the genital area of boys.

• Height continues to increase at a rate of 2 to 3.5 inches per year.

• The body starts to sweat more, which may accelerate body odor.

• Vocal changes are also observed at this stage.

• An increase in muscle mass 

Gynecomastia, commonly known as breast development, can be seen in around 50% of all boys in stage 3. However, it fades away on its own when puberty comes to an end. If it starts bothering you socially or physically, get in touch with your healthcare provider.

Stage 4 – Advanced Puberty (Ages 11–16) 

Stage 4 is also referred to as the second-last stage of puberty, which typically happens between the ages of 11 and 16 years. In this stage, puberty begins in full stride and may cause the following changes in the boys:

• The growth in terms of penis size continues, and the skin of the scrotum and testicles begins to darken.

• At this stage, red ridges, also known as rugae, begin to develop on the testicles of boys.

• Growth in height accelerates, which is around 4 inches every year.

• Acne may develop on the face, back, and chest

• Cracking in the voice may increase.

Stage 5 – Final Maturity (Age 17–Early 20s) 

It is considered the last stage of puberty, wherein growth and physical development in most boys come to an end. Many boys may not develop facial hair until this kicks in during puberty. Pubic hair may extend to their thighs, and some may also have a line of hair reaching up to the belly button.  By the age of 17, most boys have stopped growing, but some may continue to experience these changes into their mid-20s. 

Does Puberty Affect Emotions, Too?

You may or may not observe emotional upheaval when your child enters puberty. An increase in sex hormones in conjunction with social pressure may result in mood behavior, family discord, and emotional outbursts. 

A child experiences a wide range of changes in their social life and personal identity. They may experience a low confidence level or may encounter different emotions associated with their sexuality.

In addition to the above, if you come across any serious signs of emotional or behavioural problems, it is important to seek medical help. A lot of treatment is available at present that may help your child understand themselves during this process.

Puberty typically lasts from 2 to 5 years, with variations from one child to another.  Every child is different, and so is their puberty phase. It can be challenging to know how long puberty will last. This is a natural phase of life that every boy goes through.

The Takeaway:

Puberty is a phase that may be both exciting and challenging for your kid. Puberty is not just limited to physical changes: your kid also goes through a broad range of emotional changes. All kids are different, and so is their puberty phase. Therefore, try to understand your child in all possible ways and ensure that you create a safe environment around them. The timing and progression may vary among children. Therefore, don’t compare them with others, as it may exacerbate their problems. They are already dealing with a myriad of things inside and outside their body at this stage. If you feel like your kid is not attaining puberty as he should, you can seek medical attention. Delayed puberty is not something to be concerned about, as it is treatable.