Starting to talk about adolescence is a very difficult business. Everything is new and everything is intense: each discovery can be an earthquake of ecstasy or a storm of doom.
When we are teenagers, everything seems much bigger than it really is, much worse than it really is, and, of course, we feel much more out of place than we really are.
The body seems to grow in a strange way, the voice gets funny, the beard doesn't know if it appears gradually or all at once - but the pimples, ah! They have no doubts and show up right away. Or rather, they crowd your whole face without any pity.
Puberty will soon be gone, and you don't need to suffer while going through it. Knowing what awaits you is the best way to prepare for the battle. We made a special video about it, play it here above.
So, let's go:
What, exactly, is puberty?
The medicine says that it is a combination of physical and biological changes that happen during the adolescent period. We know, however, that it is more than this, it is almost the definition of hell.
The first sign of puberty in boys is an increase in the volume of the testicles, which increases relatively in size and makes the scrotum redder.
Usually, this sign happens between the ages of 9 and 14, and after that, what follows is a whirlwind of more apparent changes: the hairs emerge, they curl, the penis begins to grow in diameter as well, and this is when the comparison usually starts to roll.
Boys enter puberty at different times, usually within the age range described above, but, although it is only 5 years apart, it is 5 years that can make a big difference if your colleague entered puberty at the age of 10 and you, at 13, still have no hair and have not noticed any growth in your penis.
If this is your case, put up with any possible teasing, take the changes in stride, and know that this is extremely normal: each boy develops in a different way and at a different time, so be patient.
Most striking symptoms
Besides what we said before, it is also at this time that the male body gets stronger and boys start to gain more muscle strength, especially in the arms and chest.
The organs also gain increased physical, cardiovascular, and pulmonary capacity, and the growth of the larynx causes that voice variation so dreaded during adolescence.
Usually kids get their voices out of tune for about six months, but, as with everything in life, don't worry, it goes by quickly and is part of the process.
Your body is changing and the process may be painful, physically and psychologically, but try to see the big - and obvious - metaphor in all of this: pain makes us grow. Literally, in this case.
When someone makes fun of you because of your voice, just remember that every boy has been or will be in the same situation, so don't get upset.
Bullying
Another very common symptom that can make a boy the butt of some pretty stupid jokes is an increase in breast tissue. Since this does not happen to all teenagers, those who experience it can face some pretty nasty bullying.
If this happens to you, don't be unhappy, sad, upset, or angry.
Teenagers can be very cruel, and if the situation gets out of hand, don't get carried away: there is no shame in telling someone responsible, like the school coordinator, or simply fighting back and telling the other kids to their face how ridiculous they are for acting this way.
If you notice that the tissue growth in that area is progressing beyond normal, it may be time to seek medical help because this symptom can be treated relatively simply.
Because of the increased oiliness on the skin and family history, acne can also affect you intensely, and if this happens, don't think twice about seeing a dermatologist to start treatment.
If you don't have a lot of money, a consultation may be enough for the doctor to indicate a treatment that is right for your body and that fits your financial condition.
Growth and stimuli
You know the story that boys take longer to grow up than girls? Well, it's true, so don't feel embarrassed if girls look a lot taller, and if that classmate of yours who entered puberty before you does too.
Although growth is different in each sex, in men it is more intense. First the hands and feet grow, then the arms and legs.
So, if you are already in puberty and you are feeling awkward and all crooked, don't worry, it is true. The trunk is the last part of the body to grow, so you will feel awkward for a while.
Probably during this process you will start eating a lot more because the energy expenditure at this time is gigantic. After all, your whole body is growing and taking shape.
At this time you will probably experience the uncomfortable - or not - feeling of waking up with an erection. It is quite likely, by the way, that you will also have an ejaculation while sleeping and that you will feel stimulated more often, but take it easy.
The world is not going to end, you are still figuring things out so don't rush.
Humor
So many physical and psychological changes happen just at a time in life when you want to impress, make a mark, and be remembered. If this makes you uncomfortable, know that you are not the only one.
All teenagers are going through the same thing, and so you are not alone. If you feel bad, ugly, out of place, and out of the norm, but you think that other teenagers manage to live their lives in a much more peaceful way than you do, know that you are probably wrong.
If you know a teenager who, at 14, feels completely comfortable in his or her own body and has no insecurities about the changes, please introduce them to us, because even as adults we still face a lot of insecurities and that is part of life.
Everything will seem more painful or intense than it really is because your body is going through an intense hormonal change, but keep in mind that nothing is as sad as it seems, and you will eventually jump off this emotional roller coaster.
If during puberty, however, you really do face intense bouts of discouragement or other extremes in your mood, there is also no shame in seeking psychological help and guidance.
Being heard by someone who knows what to say and understands the changes and behaviors of adolescence can be the key to facing this phase more naturally and calmly.
Don't look at your family with anger or disdain, that story that they have already been through what you are going through is real: they may not know exactly how to advise you or calm you down, but they will know how to listen to you and they will understand you. Sometimes, at 14, that's all you need.