Puberty, bodies and relationships

Erections, wet dreams and voice changes

During puberty, boys' bodies make more testosterone. This brings voice changes, unexpected erections and wet dreams, all normal parts of growing up.

5 minutes·For 10 to 13

Why these changes happen

During puberty, the testicles start making more testosterone. This hormone helps the body grow muscles, deepen the voice, grow hair and start making sperm.

Sperm are tiny cells made in the testicles. Bodies change during puberty so that one day, as adults, people can have children if they choose.

Erections

An erection is when the penis fills with blood and becomes harder and stands out from the body. It goes back to normal after a few minutes.

During puberty, erections often happen for no reason at all: in class, on the bus, or when you wake up. This is normal and does not mean you were thinking about anything.

Tips: wear comfortable underwear, sit down, think about something else, or carry a bag or book in front of you. It will pass.

Wet dreams

A wet dream is when semen (a whitish fluid that carries sperm) comes out of the penis during sleep. You may wake up with damp underwear or sheets.

Wet dreams are normal and healthy. Some boys have them often, some rarely, and some never. All of these are normal.

Simply wash, change your underwear, and put the sheets in the wash. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

Voice changes

As the voice box grows, the voice gets deeper. For a while it may crack or squeak unexpectedly.

This can feel embarrassing, but it settles over months. Many girls' voices also get a little deeper during puberty.

A bump in the front of the neck, sometimes called an Adam's apple, may become more noticeable.

Taking care

Wash the penis and testicles gently with water every day. If you have a foreskin, gently pull it back if it moves easily, rinse underneath and put it back.

Pain, swelling or a lump in a testicle needs to be checked by a doctor. Sudden severe pain in a testicle is an emergency: tell an adult straight away.

Key points

Testosterone causes voice changes, erections and wet dreams during puberty.
Unexpected erections are common and pass on their own.
Wet dreams are normal, and so is not having them.
A cracking voice settles over time.
Sudden testicle pain needs urgent help.

Myth or fact?

Myth

Losing semen in a wet dream makes you weak.

Fact

Wet dreams do not cause weakness or harm. The body keeps making new semen.

Myth

Masturbation causes weakness, pimples or eye problems.

Fact

Doctors agree touching your own private parts in private does not cause weakness or illness. It is a personal and private matter.

Myth

Erections mean you are thinking about something bad.

Fact

During puberty, erections often happen for no reason at all. It is simply the body changing.

When to get help

Tell a trusted adult and see a doctor if you notice a lump, swelling or pain in a testicle.
Sudden, severe pain in a testicle is an emergency. Tell an adult straight away or call 112.
If you have questions you feel shy about, a doctor, school nurse or father or uncle you trust can help.

Get help now

Check what you know

1.Which hormone causes many of these changes in boys?

2.What should you do after a wet dream?

3.Does losing semen make you weak?

4.When should a boy get help quickly?

Based on guidance from WHO, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, NHS, American Academy of Pediatrics. Awaiting review by Puberty Lab's clinical advisory board. General education, not medical advice for any one person.