Puberty in Boys
To educate young boys about their puberty issues
by Gunjan Sachdeva
Submitted to NIFT in partial fulfilment
Of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Design
Department of Design Space
Faculty
Guide : Mr. Nitin Kulkarni
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLGY MUMBAI
Puberty in Boys
To educate young boys about their puberty issues
by Gunjan Sachdeva
M. DES.
Batch
Submitted by Ms Gunjan Sachdeva to NIFT in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Design of the National Institute of
Fashion Technology at New Delhi and hereby certify that in the judgment of
the following members of jury it is worth of acceptance: Name
Institute/ Organization
Signature & Date
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
Remarks regarding fulfilling further requirements, if any: -
________________________________________________________________
Signature of CC -
Design Space Date:
Abstract
Puberty is the period of sexual maturation and achievement of fertility. Majorly influenced
by heredity and/or environmental factors. The parents and children are not very
comfortable in discussing this topic. As a result boys are not informed about their bodily
changes at all.
Puberty can be one of the most confusing and exciting times of a boy's life. During puberty,
boys will notice their bodies develop and change as they begin to look more like a man's
body. During puberty, boys will grow taller, develop more body hair and odour, and will
develop their sexual organs, as well as more sexual feelings. Puberty causes many physical
and emotional changes for every boy's body. Though boys typically begin puberty between
the ages of 9-14 and the changes of puberty follow a pattern, every boy develops at his own
pace.
In this study I have gathered experiences of boys during their puberty and used it to make
an interactive mobile app to guide young boys about their bodily changes and give them
detailed information about does and don’ts.
Keywords: - Puberty, Masturbation, awareness, guide
Acknowledgement
I wish to thank all those who helped me. I would like to thank my mentor Mr Nitin Arun
Kulkarni Without whom, I could not have completed this project. I would also like to
thank the people who participated in the interview and helped me gain a better insight
into my research.
Table of contents
1
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
3
3.1
3.2
4
4.1
4.2
5
Introduction
Puberty
The Onset of Male Puberty
Later Male Puberty Stages
Male Growth during Puberty
Male Puberty Hormones
Teenage Acne
Psychological Changes
Male Puberty Rites around the World
Physical changes that occur during puberty in boys
The Male Reproductive System
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System
Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
Sperm
Masturbation
Understanding Freud's theory on psychology
Research Methadology
Questionnaire
Survey Analysis
Prototype
Script
Content
Conclusion
References
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3
4
5
6
6
8
8
9
10
11
14
15
18
18
20
26
27
27-1
29
33
33
35
44
45
Objective

To study the entire male reproductive system.

To study and understand the different myths of our Indian society.

To make a design product for young boys to guide them through their puberty.
Significance
Lack of proper guidance for boys during their puberty. The parents and children are not very
comfortable in discussing this topic. As a result boys are not informed about their bodily
changes at all.
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1. Introduction
Puberty is nature's way of transforming a child into an adult, in order to make them fertile
for reproduction. While both girls and boys go through puberty, girls reach puberty and
sexual maturity at earlier ages than boys do. Boys typically begin the process of puberty at
age at ages 11–12. And usually complete puberty by ages 16–17. Girls attain reproductive
maturity about four years after the first physical changes of puberty appear. In contrast,
boys accelerate more slowly but continue to grow for about six years after the first visible
pubertal changes.
Most 11- to 14-year-olds are still concrete thinkers – they perceive things as good or bad,
right or wrong. This is normal. They are just beginning to imagine possibilities, recognize
consequences of their actions, and anticipate what others are thinking.
Youth begin to question family and school rules and challenge their parents.
Preteens and teens tend to believe that bad things won't happen to them. This helps explain
why they are risk-takers. Preteens and teens begin to spend more time with peers and less
time with family.
In India, boys are not told about the changes that occur in their body and mind. They are not
guided at all by their parents. In fact most of the boys discover penis erection and
ejaculation themselves or are told by their fellow mates. The first thing they are told about
is Masturbation which makes them curious and thus they tend to masturbate everyday or
even twice a day without realizing it’s not good for their health because they were not told
about it.
Some boys may experience ejaculation of sperm in their sleep, known as wet dreams. These
are totally normal occurrences and usually stop happening as a boy grows older. The only
action needed is a little clean-up, especially if the boy is uncircumcised, to prevent infection
from general lack of hygiene. These facts are not told to them or if it is, it’s told in as hype.
So it is very necessary to guide boys about their puberty for a healthy growing.
3
Changes that occur in boys during puberty:
1. Scrotum becomes darker
2. Testicles grow larger
3. Penis grows longer and fuller
4. Pubic hair grows
5. Height and weight increase
6. Muscles develop
7. Wet dreams occur
8. Voice cracks and gets deeper
9. Skin and hair become more oily
10. Pimples may appear
11. Underarm and facial hair grow
2. Puberty
Adolescence is more than just a time in your life when you have incredibly awkward
conversations with your nervous parents. It's also the time when both your body and your
mind change, making you stronger, taller, hairier and able to reproduce, as well as more
perceptive and philosophical. This period of transition between childhood and adulthood is
called puberty, and it's the process of growth and sexual maturation that, for males, occurs
generally between the ages of 9 and 18.
It is no small feat. The ability of the body to suddenly "come alive" and simultaneously
advance on several different fronts is nothing short of amazing. Bones that have already
been growing at a remarkable rate reveal that they've just been warming up for the real
show. Glands that have been for the most part dormant now produce hormones that order
different parts of the body to swing into action. The mind that has for years been concerned
4
with such things as how to catch a bullfrog or build a better kite now finds it has the
capacity to probe life for meaning, to seek out and maintain romantic relationships, and to
plot and plan a path in life.
Of course, change comes at a price for young men: bones hurt, faces erupt in acne, and
fear and anxiety arrive with newfound sexuality and expectations. Voices change,
depression may rear its head and there often seem to be more questions than answers.
Some boys start puberty early, while others don't experience it until later, and it progresses
at different rates for everyone. This difference in growth can cause embarrassment, anxiety
and bullying, and even all three at once if you start getting an erection while being stuffed
into a locker by a bigger boy.
2.1.
The Onset of Male Puberty
While puberty begins and ends at different times for different people, puberty always
begins with the appearance of a substance called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
in the body. The release of GnRH is controlled by the hypothalamus, the same part of
the brain that regulates your temperature and your sleep cycle, as well as your senses of
hunger and thirst.
Boys generally begin puberty sometime around age 10, though it isn't uncommon for it to
begin as early as age 9 or as late as age 12. GnRH is released, the testicles begin to mature
and an initial growth spurt may occur (with average growth being around 2 inches (5.1
centimetres) a year). Although the growth of the scrotum and testicles is one of the first
outward signs of puberty, boys at this stage are still unable to reproduce. There may also be
the appearance of very fine hair in the pubic area. Boys may occasionally experience
erections.
The second general stage of puberty usually occurs around age 12 or 13. The testicles
continue to grow, and this in turn means that more testosterone will be flowing through the
body, spurring more changes. The boy will continue to grow taller rapidly, at a rate of 2 to 3
inches (5.1 to 7.6 centimetres) a year. What little pubic hair exists may begin to gain some
5
colour. Erections will become more frequent. The boy's body will begin to take on a leaner,
more adult and masculine shape.
2.2.
Later Male Puberty Stages
The third stage of male puberty occurs around age 13 or 14, but frequently as early as 11 or
late as 16. Pubic hair begins to grow darker and fuller, and the penis now begins to grow in
length. The testicles continue growing, erections become commonplace and the boy gains in
height at a rate of over 3 inches (7.6 centimetres) a year. The voice may begin "breaking" or
"cracking." This is when the boy's voice suddenly and uncontrollably changes pitch midword or sentence, due to the growth of the larynx and the lengthening of the vocal cords.
Stage four of male puberty commonly takes place when a boy is around 14 or 15 years old.
Hair begins showing up in the armpits and on the face, and pubic hair begins to grow coarse.
The boy's voice will even out and become deeper. The stage-four boy can use this deeper
voice to yell forcefully at the mirror when he sees his new acne, due to his ever-more-oily
skin. He begins to grow taller and even faster, at about 4 inches (10.2 centimetres) a year.
The penis now grows thicker and continues to lengthen.
The final stage of male puberty occurs anywhere from age 14 to age 18. During this time, a
boy will achieve most (but not necessarily all) of his height. His body shape will have evolved
to that of a man's -- his shoulders will be broader, his muscles developed and fully formed,
his arms and legs and chest proportioned for power and masculine appearance. This is
because new muscle fibres are appearing, and all muscle fibres are getting thicker. Pubic
hair will spread out to the inner thighs and lower stomach. By this stage of puberty, boys -make that young men -- will be shaving, and their pubic hair and sex organs will look fully
developed. While hair and height and body type will look adult and complete, many males
will continue growing and developing into their 20s.
2.3.
Male Growth during Puberty
Growth for pubescent boys establishes a pattern about as unpredictable as a teenager's
time of awakening each morning. There are sudden bursts of growth followed by seeming
6
inactivity, leading to frustration on the part of the boys who wonder if that first spike in
growth was also the last. This is also a bad stretch of years for parents who must fork out
money for their son's clothes one day that may seem ill-fitting the very next.
Most boys, though, will take growth any way they can get it. After all, they don't want to
have girls their age towering over them for the rest of their lives. Once boys start really
growing, it doesn't take too terribly long to catch up with the other gender. Between the
ages of 12 and 16, boys grow in height as much as a full foot (.3 meters). Weight gain in this
same period can vary from 15 to 65 pounds (6.8 to 29.5 kilograms).
The first parts of the body to really gain in size are the arms, legs, hands and feet. These
extremities grow at a faster rate than the rest of the body. This explains why boys going
through puberty are bumping into people, dropping things and tripping over flat pieces of
pavement. Clumsiness is normal and fortunately goes away once the rest of the body
catches up.
During puberty, a boy's face changes shape. The chin gets longer and the nose gets thicker.
The actual muscle tissue and the bone it rests against are changing as well.
Other changes -- not all of them visible -- are taking place. Blood pressure increases during
puberty. This is a good thing, because there is more real estate for blood cells to travel to as
these growth spurts occur. Body odour increases as the composition of sweat changes.
When the bacteria present on the skin come in contact with the ammonia and urea in the
sweat, it can create a smell that attracts others about as effectively as acne and a cracking
voice. A boy's pulse and metabolism also slow down, a signal that the body is making
changes to prepare for the long haul.
The premature appearance of puberty in boys can lead to problems, such as higher lifetime
risk of testicular and problems attaining full growth due to premature closure of the bones'
growth plates. If a very young boy is showing signs of puberty, a doctor should be alerted.
7
2.4.
Male Puberty Hormones
Although puberty can be humiliating, its actual purpose is to enable sexual reproduction.
The process taking place inside a pubescent boy's body to bring about reproductive ability is
quite complex. At around age 9 or so, a boy's central nervous system sends out a message:
"Change!" First, the hypothalamus releases GnRH. Because this hormone is present in
the hypothalamus before puberty, it's believed that a protein named GPR54 helps get the
GnRH out of the hypothalamus at the right time. When the GnRH reaches the pituitary gland
-- a pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain -- the pituitary gland in turn produces
two important hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
These two hormones also exist before puberty, but once the pituitary is triggered by the
hypothalamus, these hormones are created in much greater quantities.
Early on in puberty, these hormones (which, along with hormones that trigger development
of the testes, are known as gonadotropins) are produced only at night. In later stages of
puberty, when growth is going gangbusters, these hormones are being produced around the
clock and in greater and greater quantities.
FSH, when it reaches the testes, spurs the growth of seminiferous tubules, which are the
channels in the testes in which sperm is produced. Once these tubules are formed and the
infrastructure is in place, the body begins producing sperm.
LH, on the other hand, has a different function. It prompts cells within the testes called
Leydig cells to produce androgens. Androgens are hormones that affect the development of
a male's reproductive ability. Testosterone is the main androgen, though there are many
others.
Between the time FSH and LH first reach the testes and the time a pubescent boy can
successfully reproduce, the changes discussed in the puberty stages section (growth of hair,
changes in penis length and width) have taken place.
2.5.
Teenage Acne
During puberty, a boy's skin on his face, neck, back and chest will eventually begin to
overproduce a type of oil called sebum. Sebum is normally a good substance -- it keeps the
skin waterproof and fends off harmful bacteria. But too much is definitely not a good thing.
8
Along with excess oil, the pubescent skin is also sloughing off skin cells at a higher rate, and
these skin cells -- and the extra oils -- are trying to exit the body by travelling through hair
follicles and pores to the surface of the skin. When these pores and follicles get clogged up
with this excess matter, there is a pileup as the skin and oil behind the blockage start
building up without anywhere to escape. A form of bacteria known as Propionibacterium
acnes (P. acnes for short) gets in the mix and causes the blockage to become inflamed. This
pushes it outward, creating the visual sensation known as a "zit."
There are many forms of acne, but the most common one is acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is
responsible for your garden-variety pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and the cyst-looking
large bumps. There's pretty much no escaping acne vulgaris -- it afflicts practically everyone
at some point, and boys get it worse than girls during puberty.
2.6.
Psychological Changes
Puberty doesn't just cause great changes and development in a male's body -- it changes
and develops the brain as well. Boys in puberty will begin to show interest in and
understanding of abstract concepts and subjects such as justice, politics, philosophy and the
arts. A pubescent boy will also begin planning out a life for him and establishing dreams and
goals to be realized and fulfilled later in life.
With this radical new worldview and altered sense of self comes anxiety and confusion. A
young man's prior understanding of himself has now been eradicated, and a new sense of
identity must be built from these ruins. The ability to view the world in entirely new ways
means that an adolescent must sort out not only who he really is as a mature male, but also
how this new identity fits into his new perspective. It's no wonder that on most mornings, it
seems much easier to just stay in bed and sleep.
By the time a boy is experiencing puberty, parents are no longer welcome to accompany
him in public, offer advice or breathe. This new independent streak is actually a good
development, because this rejection of parents' beliefs, morals and general existence means
that the pubescent boy is attempting to find his own way in the world.
9
Along with new beliefs and new feelings, a growing boy often will form new peer groups.
This will be a time of experimentation, adventure and misadventure. The important thing
for parents is to provide a stable home environment, open arms should they be needed, and
reasonable guidelines and behavioural expectations.
Though parents should give some extra leeway and show extra patience during these topsyturvy years, they should also keep an eye out for some of the pitfalls of adolescence, such
as depression or substance abuse. This period in life can create an overwhelming sense of
being lost, and not all boys exit this stage feeling like they've found the answers they need.
If parents suspect that teenage experimentation with drugs or alcohol is the beginning of a
greater problem, or if problems at school or home aren't being resolved through time and
attention, it might be a good idea to encourage your son to talk to a counsellor, a doctor or
a respected member of your religious community.
2.7.
Male Puberty Rites around the World
When a male passes through puberty (or at least reaches the age for it), many cultures
around the world have traditions, customs or ceremonies that mark this passage in the
young man's life.
In Quranic teachings, Islamic parents are instructed to teach their sons about responsibility
and adulthood and inform them that they will be responsible for their actions from the time
of their first ejaculation. After this act, sons are to pray and perform religious observations
as adults do. If a boy has a wet dream, the Quran relates that the son should bathe himself
immediately. If a sexual dream occurs without ejaculation, the boy doesn't have to clean
himself.
In Judaism, boys become a bar mitzvah (literally "son of the commandment") on their 13th
birthday. The event marks the moment when the child is responsible for observing the
commandments and all Jewish teachings. Though the status is automatically conferred upon
the boy's birthday, often the boy recites a blessing before the congregation or helps in
leading a service. Afterward, modern practice has added a celebratory reception that most
of us know as "the bar mitzvah," but it's far from a universal practice.
10
In some parts of the world, such as Malaysia and throughout Southern Africa, boys are often
circumcised around the time they reach age 11 or 12, right around the onset of puberty. It's
believed that pubescent circumcision was used by some ancient cultures to mimic the
genital bleeding experienced by girls. Some Australian aboriginal tribes also incorporate
penis incision or piercing into puberty rites, as well as circumcision.
Many cultures involve other forms of trials, ordeals or tests that the boy must successfully
pass. Apache boys must take ice baths, while aboriginal Australians sent boys out on long
foot journeys, known as walkabouts, where the boy would pick up and perfect hunting
and surviving skills. Some Native American tribes also sent young men out on vision quests.
Death isn't uncommon in South African puberty rituals, when boys are separated from the
village and effectively starved as part of their initiation. Though most survive this
separation, some others die from infection from the circumcision ceremony that follows.
2.8.
Physical changes that occur during puberty in boys
2.8.1 Broadening of chest and shoulders
Onset of puberty brings many physical changes in boys. Their chest and shoulders broaden
and their muscles start to develop.
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2.8.2 Deepening of voice and appearance of facial hair
The voice gets deeper. Hair begins to grow on the face that later develop into moustache
and beard.
2.8.3 Appearance of body hair and pubic hair
Hair begins to grow on the chest, in the armpits, hands, legs and in the groin area. Hair in
the groin region is called pubic hair.
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2.8.4 Increase in size of genitals
The penis and the testicles grow bigger in size.
2.8.5 Growth spurt
During puberty boys experience a rapid growth in height over a span of 2 to 3 years. This
rapid growth in height is called growth spurt.
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2.8.6 Ability to ejaculate
Boys become capable of ejaculating which is ejection of semen through the penis. The first
ejaculation marks the attainment of sexual maturity in a boy's life.
2.9
The Male Reproductive System
The purpose of the organs of the male reproductive system is to perform the
following functions:

To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and
protective fluid (semen)

To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex

To produce and secrete male sex hormones responsible for maintaining the male
reproductive system
14
Unlike the female reproductive system, most of the male reproductive system is
located outside of the body. These external structures include the penis, scrotum,
and testicles.
2.10
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System
2.10.1 Penis: This is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root,
which attaches to the wall of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which
is the cone-shaped part at the end of the penis. The glans, also called the head of the
penis, is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin. This skin is sometimes
removed in a procedure called circumcision. The opening of the urethra, the tube
that transports semen and urine, is at the tip of the penis. The glans of the penis also
contains a number of sensitive nerve endings.
The body of the penis is cylindrical in shape and consists of three circular shaped
chambers. These chambers are made up of special, sponge-like tissue. This tissue
contains thousands of large spaces that fill with blood when the man is sexually
aroused. As the penis fills with blood, it becomes rigid and erect, which allows for
penetration during sexual intercourse. The skin of the penis is loose and elastic to
accommodate changes in penis size during an erection.
Semen, which contains sperm (reproductive cells), is expelled (ejaculated) through
the end of the penis when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm). When the penis
15
is erect, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be
ejaculated at orgasm.
2.10.2 Scrotum: This is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the
penis. It contains the testicles (also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood
vessels. The scrotum acts as a "climate control system" for the testes. For normal
sperm development, the testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than body
temperature. Special muscles in the wall of the scrotum allow it to contract and
relax, moving the testicles closer to the body for warmth or farther away from the
body to cool the temperature.
2.10.3 Testicles (testes): These are oval organs about the size of large olives that lie in the
scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. Most men
have two testes. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary
male sex hormone, and for generating sperm. Within the testes are coiled masses of
tubes called seminiferous tubules. These tubes are responsible for producing sperm
cells
2.10.4 Epididymis
The epididymis is a sperm storage area that wraps around the superior and posterior
edge of the testes. The epididymis is made up of several feet of long, thin tubules
that are tightly coiled into a small mass. Sperm produced in the testes moves into
the epididymis to mature before being passed on through the male reproductive
organs. The length of the epididymis delays the release of the sperm and allows
them time to mature.
2.10.5 Spermatic Cords and Ductus Deferens
Within the scrotum, a pair of spermatic cords connects the testes to the abdominal
cavity. The spermatic cords contain the ductus deferens along with nerves, veins,
arteries, and lymphatic vessels that support the function of the testes.
The ductus deferens, also known as the vas deferens, is a muscular tube that carries
sperm superiorly from the epididymis into the abdominal cavity to the ejaculatory
duct. The ductus deferens is wider in diameter than the epididymis and uses its
16
internal space to store mature sperm. The smooth muscles of the walls of the ductus
deferens are used to move sperm towards the ejaculatory duct through peristalsis.
2.10.5 Seminal Vesicles
The seminal vesicles are a pair of lumpy exocrine glands that store and produce
some of the liquid portion of semen. The seminal vesicles are about 2 inches in
length and located posterior to the urinary bladder and anterior to the rectum. The
liquid produced by the seminal vesicles contains proteins and mucus and has an
alkaline pH to help sperm survive in the acidic environment of the vagina. The liquid
also contains fructose to feed sperm cells so that they survive long enough to fertilize
the oocyte.
2.10.6 Ejaculatory Duct
The ductus deferens passes through the prostate and joins with the urethra at a
structure known as the ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory duct contains the ducts
from the seminal vesicles as well. During ejaculation, the ejaculatory duct opens and
expels sperm and the secretions from the seminal vesicles into the urethra.
2.10.7 Urethra
Semen passes from the ejaculatory duct to the exterior of the body via the urethra,
an 8 to 10 inch long muscular tube. The urethra passes through the prostate and
ends at the external urethral orifice located at the tip of the penis. Urine exiting the
body from the urinary bladder also passes through the urethra.
2.10.8 Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized exocrine gland that borders the inferior end of the
urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces a large portion of
the fluid that makes up semen. This fluid is milky white in colour and contains
enzymes, proteins, and other chemicals to support and protect sperm during
ejaculation. The prostate also contains smooth muscle tissue that can constrict to
prevent the flow of urine or semen.
2.10.9 Cowper’s Glands
The Cowper’s glands, also known as the bulb urethral glands, are a pair of pea-sized
exocrine glands located inferior to the prostate and anterior to the anus. The
Cowper’s glands secrete a thin alkaline fluid into the urethra that lubricates the
urethra and neutralizes acid from urine remaining in the urethra after urination. This
17
fluid enters the urethra during sexual arousal prior to ejaculation to prepare the
urethra for the flow of semen.
2.11 Physiology of the Male Reproductive System
2.11.1 Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process of producing sperm and takes place in the testes and
epididymis of adult males. Prior to puberty, there is no spermatogenesis due to the lack
of hormonal triggers. At puberty, spermatogenesis begins when luteinizing hormone
(LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are produced. LH triggers the production of
testosterone by the testes while FSH triggers the maturation of germ cells. Testosterone
stimulates stem cells in the testes known as spermatogonium to undergo the process of
developing into spermatocytes. Each diploid spermatocyte goes through the process of
meiosis I and splits into 2 haploid secondary spermatocytes. The secondary
spermatocytes go through meiosis II to form 4 haploid spermatid cells. The spermatid
cells then go through a process known as spermiogenesis where they grow a flagellum
and develop the structures of the sperm head. After spermiogenesis, the cell is finally a
sperm cell, or spermatozoa. The spermatozoa are released into the epididymis where
they complete their maturation and become able to move on their own.
2.11.2 Fertilization
Fertilization is the process by which a sperm combines with an oocyte, or egg cell, to
produce a fertilized zygote. The sperm released during ejaculation must first swim
through the vagina and uterus and into the fallopian tubes where they may find an
oocyte. After encountering the oocyte, sperm next have to penetrate the outer corona
radiata and zona pellucida layers of the oocyte. Sperm contain enzymes in the
acrosome region of the head that allow them to penetrate these layers. After
penetrating the interior of the oocyte, the nuclei of these haploid cells fuse to form a
diploid cell known as a zygote. The zygote cell begins cell division to form an embryo.
2.12 Sperm
A male who has reached puberty will produce millions of sperm cells every day. Each
sperm is extremely small: only 1/600 of an inch (0.05 millimetres long). Sperm develop
18
in the testicles within a system of tiny tubes called the seminiferous tubules. At birth,
these tubules contain simple round cells, but during puberty, testosterone and other
hormones cause these cells to transform into sperm cells. The cells divide and change
until they have a head and short tail, like tadpoles. The head contains genetic material
(genes). The sperm use their tails to push themselves into the epididymis, where they
complete their development. It takes sperm about 4 to 6 weeks to travel through the
epididymis.
The sperm then move to the vas deferens, or sperm duct. The seminal vesicles and
prostate gland produce a whitish fluid called seminal fluid, which mixes with sperm to
form semen when a male is sexually stimulated. The penis, which usually hangs limp,
becomes hard when a male is sexually excited. Tissues in the penis fill with blood and it
becomes stiff and erects (an erection). The rigidity of the erect penis makes it easier to
insert into the female's vagina during sexual intercourse. When the erect penis is
stimulated, muscles around the reproductive organs contract and force the semen
through the duct system and urethra. Semen is pushed out of the male's body through
his urethra — this process is called ejaculation. Each time a guy ejaculates, it can
contain up to 500 million sperm.
When the male ejaculates during intercourse, semen is deposited into the female's
vagina. From the vagina the sperm make their way up through the cervix and move
through the uterus with help from uterine contractions. If a mature egg is in one of the
female's fallopian tubes, a single sperm may penetrate it, and fertilization, or
conception, occurs.
This fertilized egg is now called a zygote and contains 46 chromosomes — half from the
egg and half from the sperm. The genetic material from the male and female has
combined so that a new individual can be created. The zygote divides again and again as
it grows in the female's uterus, maturing over the course of the pregnancy into an
embryo, a foetus, and finally a newborn baby.
19
2.13 Masturbation
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and
pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax). It is commonly done by
touching, stroking, or massaging the penis until an orgasm is achieved.
Masturbation is a very common behaviour, even among people who have a sex partner.
In one national study, 95% of males and 89% of females reported that they have
masturbated. Masturbation is the first sexual act experienced by most males and
females. In young children, masturbation is a normal part of the growing child's
exploration of his or her body. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and
many do so throughout their lives.
While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem,
masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is pleasant,
fulfilling, acceptable, and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual pleasure and can be
done throughout life.
Masturbation is only considered a problem when it inhibits sexual activity with a
partner, is done in public, or causes significant distress to the person. It may cause
distress if it is done compulsively or interferes with daily life and activities.
2.13.1 Negative side effects of masturbation.
One side effect of masturbation is that subsequent ejaculations will take longer.
Masturbating can sometimes create an individual orgasm effect where we train our
bodies to respond to our own familiar touch and have a reduced response to other
people’s touch, resulting in a tougher time reaching climax with others. Boy’s hard-ons
may also be affected by masturbation as well. After each ejaculation, the firmness of
the next erection may get slightly softer and spongier, depending on how close apart
the erections are. There’s little evidence that too many erections or masturbation will
have an effect on erection in the future.
20
2.13.2 Masturbation and guilt
Masturbation can also have a negative psychological impact on a person. Many people
feel shame and guilt because of their masturbation habits. Whether it’s a cultural,
religious or moral issue, people can be very hard on themselves. The tug of war
between what feels natural and pleasurable versus what they were told to refrain from
can have lasting harmful effects on a person’s self-esteem, confidence and self-love.
Psychosomatic effects can also occur, where physical symptoms are the result of
psychological factors (feeling shame, guilt, anxiety can manifest into things like
headaches, back pain, chronic pain, etc).
Masturbation is a healthy sexual behaviour. Like other behaviours, when over practiced
or addicted it can lead to both psychological and physiological imbalances.
The biggest effect of over masturbation is mental rather than physical; person in habit
of it gradually shifts away from normal intercourse and finds masturbation more
satisfying and pleasurable. People in habit of it always seek few moments of loneliness
to masturbate, even slightest arousal can make them aroused and they may feel the
urge to discharge. This situation can promote problems like low libido and lack of
orgasm.
2.13.3 Masturbation and Myths


Excessive masturbation can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Reality: "Erectile dysfunction does not result from masturbation," Spadt says. "What
can happen with either sex is they masturbate frequently and become used to a certain
touch, be it vibration or one's own hand." Because of this, she says, "they may become
habituated to that sensation and find it more difficult to have an orgasm with their
partner."
Masturbation will make you go blind. Reality: "Many myths about masturbation, such as
this one, come from beliefs back when people believed sex was only meant for
procreation," Shuey says. Because masturbation isn't for procreation, it was considered
problematic. "People also believed sex could lead to insanity, tuberculosis, hairy palms,
and death," she says. "Obviously, none of these things are true," she says.
21

Masturbation is not a normal part of sexual development. Reality: "Individuals are
sexual beings from birth to death," Shuey says. An analysis of data on sexual behaviour
involving more than 800 teenagers ages 14 to 17 who responded to the National Survey
of Sexual Health and Behaviour showed that nearly three-quarters of boys and almost
half of girls reported having masturbated.

Masturbation myth: There are no health benefits to masturbation. Reality:
"Masturbation has a number of health benefits," Shuey says. "They include better sleep,
reduced stress and tension, fewer headaches, improved concentration, increased selfesteem, a more youthful appearance, and better fitness." There are also a number of
specific sexual health benefits for women, particularly in older women, including less
vaginal dryness and pain during sex.

Masturbation myth: Children don't engage in masturbation. Reality: Masturbation is
perfectly healthy at any age. "It may not be masturbation as we know it, but even little
kids touch and explore their genitals because it feels good," Shuey says. "There are even
ultrasound images where we can see masturbation occurring in uterus." According to
Planned Parenthood, experts recommend that parents teach young children that
touching their sex organs for pleasure is a normal part of sexual health, but that it
should be done in private.

Masturbation myth: You can masturbate too much. Reality: According to the American
Psychological Association, masturbation is only considered "too much" if it gets in the
way of daily activities, such as going to school or work or meeting friends. Also, if
masturbation causes physical soreness, emotional issues (you can't think about anything
else), problems with your relationship, or habituation issues (when only the type of
stimulation you engage in during masturbation will lead to an orgasm), it may be a signal
to cut back, Spadt says. But she says that a masturbation habit gets to this point for only
a very few people.

People only engage in masturbation when they are alone. Reality: "Some people
masturbate together, and they incorporate masturbation into their sexual
repertoires," Spadt says. Some couples enjoy watching each other masturbate, and
some like to masturbate themselves to orgasm after other forms of sexual contact.
"Mutual masturbation" is also a great way to have safe sex and prevent unwanted
pregnancy.
22
2.13.4 The Benefits of Masturbation
Although there may be an evolutionary reason for why the habit of masturbation has
stuck around for so long, the lists of benefits from the act of self-pleasing do not end
with fertility. The orgasm so often achieved as a result of masturbation releases
endorphins into the body. These hormones can help to relieve stress, relieve sexual
tension, help offset insomnia, and boost metabolism, Everyday Health reported.
Orgasms, achieved by oneself or with the help of a partner, were also found to suppress
the pain of a migraine and at times even halt the actual migraine process altogether,
Live Science reported. “There's a [portion] of patients with migraines, about one-third,
who experience relief from a migraine attack by sexual activity," said study researcher
Stefan Evers, a neurologist and headache specialist at the University of Munster in
Germany. Alexander Masukop, a neurologist and director of the New York Headache
Centre added to Live Science that “having an orgasm in any way shape or form” will
help with migraine relief.
Although attitude toward masturbation have become enormously more liberal during
past decade or two, it is still rare for writers on sex to take a wholly unequivocal stand
on autoerotism. The point is continually made that masturbation is not as bad as it was
once said to be, but the concomitant point that it is actually good and beneficial is
rarely stated.
23
2.13.5 Psychological Changes
The physical changes that occur during puberty give rise to a variety of social and
emotional changes as well. First, the ongoing physical maturation process directly
affects body and brain to alter children's needs, interests, and moods. Then, as children
start to look and act differently, an array of social influences further accelerate the
social and emotional changes children experience.
As children observe that their bodies are changing, they may experience a new and
unfamiliar set of social experiences. Reinforced by their first enjoyable experiences of
sexual arousal, and by their peers and culture, they become interested in forming what
can become intense, romantic, and sometimes sexualized relationships with others.
Also, as these bodily changes become visible to others, children may begin to
experience being treated differently by others. For example, more rapidly maturing
youth may experience an increase in their popularity, while their more slowly maturing
peers may experience a decline in popularity. Youth may also notice that other people
are suddenly paying a great deal more attention to how they look than they are
accustomed.
The physical changes associated with puberty become the basis for new emotional
experiences. For example, it is common for parents to note their children become more
moody and irritable during this period of their lives. This moodiness is commonly
attributed to the sudden and fluctuating hormonal levels, or "raging hormones". It is
certainly true that sex hormones are powerful chemical agents that can affect mood.
During puberty, the body is adjusting to these fluctuating hormone levels and this
fluctuation does create mood swings. However, there are several other physical causes
accounting for increased moodiness apart from fluctuating hormones.
24
Lack of Sleep
Children's moodiness can be affected by their lack of sleep. There are both physical
and social reasons for why sleep deficits may occur during puberty. First, the body's
sleep-wake cycle is dependent upon a "circadian rhythm" which in turn, is influenced
by hormones. During puberty, a natural shift occurs in a teen's circadian rhythm that
causes them to feel more fully alert later at night. Unfortunately, they must still rise
early for school and other activities. As a result, they get less sleep than they require.
This occurs just as their educational, extracurricular, and social schedules become
more demanding. Youth may also develop an irregular sleep pattern, such as a desire
to "sleep-in' during the weekends, while simultaneously sleeping less during
weeknights. This lack of sleep can increase irritability and decrease concentration
ability, and contribute to children suddenly finding it difficult to complete tasks that
were once simple. This new struggle only adds to their frustration and moodiness.
Adolescent Brains Are Still Maturing
A second factor that complicates adolescent moodiness is that their brains are still
physical maturing: Children's brains are not fully developed until they are in their
early 20's! This incomplete brain development is responsible for much of the
cognitive and emotional immaturity that can so easily frustrate parents.
Cognitive immaturity refers to youths' still-developing thinking skills which are not
yet as sophisticated and reliable as those characteristic of adults. Cognitively
immature people lack good judgment. Immature thinking result in a youths' having
difficulty thinking things through so as to anticipate the consequences of their
actions and make informed decisions or choices based upon those anticipated
consequences. As a result, youth easily appear (and can indeed be) impulsive, hasty,
and even selfish.
The brain's incomplete physical development is also in large part responsible for
youthful emotional immaturity. Youth have more difficulty than mature adults in
regulating their emotions and putting events in proper perspective. Emotion
25
regulation is an important ability because it enables people to consciously control
(within limits) how strongly they will feel emotions like anger, joy or fear. Such
control helps people limit the emotional highs and lows that are commonly called
"mood swings." To make things worse, during periods of high emotional arousal, the
brain's thinking capacity is temporarily further diminished.
Parents need to know about children's still-immature brain structure, sleep
alterations and changing hormones and the emotional and cognitive immaturity that
results from this still- developing state so that they can regard their children's
behaviour in proper perspective. Though adolescent children may become moody
and make poor choices, they are not doing this purely out of spite, but rather
because they cannot be substantially otherwise at this point in their development.
Despite their resistance, parents need to continue to provide their adolescent
children with clear behaviour guidelines and set and enforce age-appropriate
behaviour limits. Through doing so parents provide children with the proper mixture
of safety and freedom they require to enable and enhance their further growth.
Children need enough room to express their individuality and to practice (and
sometimes fail) independent decision-making AND they need to be protected from
the consequences of their worst decisions in order for them to thrive.
2.14 Understanding Freud’s Theory on psychology
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was a Viennese doctor who came to believe that the
way parents dealt with children's basic sexual and aggressive desires would
determine how their personalities developed and whether or not they would end up
well-adjusted as adults. Freud described children as going through multiple stages of
sexual development, which he labelled Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, and Genital.
In Freud's view, each stage focused on sexual activity and the pleasure received from
a particular area of the body. In the oral phase, children are focused on the pleasures
that they receive from sucking and biting with their mouth. In the Anal phase, this
focus shifts to the anus as they begin toilet training and attempt to control their
bowels. In the Phallic stage, the focus moves to genital stimulation and the sexual
identification that comes with having or not having a penis. During this phase, Freud
26
thought that children turn their interest and love toward their parent of the opposite
sex and begin to strongly resent the parent of the same sex. He called this idea the
Oedipus complex as it closely mirrored the events of an ancient Greek tragic play in
which a king named Oedipus manages to marry his mother and kill his father. The
Phallic/Oedipus stage was thought to be followed by a period of Latency during
which sexual urges and interest were temporarily nonexistent. Finally, children were
thought to enter and remain in a final Genital stage in which adult sexual interests
and activities come to dominate.
Another part of Freud's theory focused on identifying the parts of consciousness.
Freud thought that all babies are initially dominated by unconscious, instinctual and
selfish urges for immediate gratification which he labelled the Id. As babies attempt
and fail to get all their whims met, they develop a more realistic appreciation of
what is realistic and possible, which Freud called the "Ego". Over time, babies also
learn about and come to internalize and represent their parents' values and rules.
These internalized rules, which he called the "Super-Ego", are the basis for the the
developing child's conscience that struggles with the concepts of right and wrong
and works with the Ego to control the immediate gratification urges of the Id
An Easy Explanation of his theory: You pass by an ice cream shop and feel a sudden
urge to eat ice cream but you don't have a single penny on you.
Id - You go inside the shop and steal some ice cream cups when no one's looking as
you need to have ice cream right NOW.
Ego - You want to steal some ice cream cups but since you fear getting caught, you
abstain.
Super Ego - You were tempted to steal but then you knew you would feel terrible
about yourself for having committed theft. So you go home / to a nearby ATM, get
some money and go back to the ice cream shop.
3
Research Methodology
Secondary Research: Study of Anatomy of male body along with all the
changes that take place during puberty. Paying special attention to areas
like Masturbation, Wet dreams and Nocturnal Erections.
27
Primary Research: Original data collected from boys who have
already passed puberty to gather their experiences and thus use it to
educate pubescent boys.
3.1
Survey
Sample Size = 116
Sample had issues revealing their identities so thus were not ready to fill.
Thus i chose a modern way to find the random sample. The sample was
found on a hook-up app named Tinder. Questionnaire line was
forwarded and people from different backgrounds participated and
shared their experiences.
28
3.2 Survey Analysis
Religion
Age
Christian
10 to 15
Sikh
16 to 20
Hindu
21 to25
Muslim
26 to 30
Jain
Guidance
Family Details
Joint
Yes
Nuclear
No
Stayed in
Hostel
About Erection
Frequency
Hardly any
Once in a week
Twice a week
Yes
Thrice a week
No
More than 4
times
Everyday Story
!!
29
About Wet Dreams
Frequency
Hardly any
Once in a week
Twice a week
Yes
Thrice a week
No
More than 4
times
Everyday Story !!
Shared with Parents?
Yes
No
Friend
Psychological Effect
Masturbation Frequency/week
Zero
1 to 2 times
3 to 4 times
5 to 6 times
more than 7
30
Positive
Negative
Who told about
Masturbation
Guilt feeling?
Parents
Friend
Cousin
Yes
Internet
No
Movies
Discovered
myself
Age
Define Sex
Only
intercourse
Only Oral and
intercourse
10 to 13
14 to 17
Masturbation,
Oral and
intercouse
18 to 21
Effect of Masturbation on
sex life
Medium used
yes
Porn
No
Magazine
No Effect
Imagination
Most Unanswered Queries
31








Why Erection?
Penis has a strange bone
Nocturnal Erection
Sperm Count
Female Reproduction
Wet Dream
Male Boobs
Libido




Masturbation and Infertility
Shaving/Waxing of pubic hair
Stamina issues for Athletes
Masturbation and Weakness
Most Popular Myths









Lose Weight
Pimples
Impotency
Sex Addiction
God Feels Bad
Flaccid penis
Eyesight
backache
Hairy Palm


Mental Retardation
Inflation in arm veins
Best Medium for Education
32
Video
Mobile App
Comic book
Sex Education
Classes
4
Prototype
Mobile App
4.1 Script
What is Puberty?





Changes
Why me
Beginning
How can I avoid
FAQs
Anatomy
 Height
 Hair
 Voice
 Genitals
 Embarrassing moments
Hygiene

Shaving



Body odor
Keep clean
Ache
33
Masturbation



What is it?
Effects
Myths

What is it?



How is it done?
Why is it hype?
How to handle?
Sex
Pedophilia



Good touch
Bad touch
Whom to report
Girls




How they are different
Attraction
Menstruation
Boundaries
Relationships




With Parents
With Friends
With Partner
With Teachers
34
4.2
Content
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
5.
Conclusion
Today, kids are exposed to so much information about sex and relationships on TV
and the Internet that by the time they approach puberty, they may be familiar with
some advanced ideas. And yet, talking about the issues of puberty remains an
important job for parents because not all of a child's information comes from reliable
sources. One should not wait for a child to come with questions about his changing
body — that day may never arrive, its OK talk to you about this sensitive topic. Since
the toddler years, kids have questions and most of your discussions probably come
about as the result of your child's inquiries. It's important to answer these questions
about puberty honestly and openly — but don't always wait for your child to initiate
a discussion. By the time kids are 8 years old, they should know what physical and
emotional changes are associated with puberty.
There is so much of information which a young boy should be given during their
puberty. Indian families neglect them and leave them alone to fight with their bodily
changes alone. Oh Boy ! Aims at making the puberty phase a little easier for
pubescent boys and parents.
Guidance on puberty is as important for a guy as it is for a girl.
44
References
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