Boys bodies

Boys bodies
What is the average penis size?The first thing to say is that there is a massive variation in the size of the un-erect penis for both boys and men. In the same way that everybody is a different height, weight and build, the same applies for penis size. Everybody develops at a different rate, everybody is different. To give you some guidance though, research has shown that whatever the size of the un-erect penis, over 90% of them grow to between 14-18 cm (about 6 inches) when erect. And remember, a boy's body doesn't stop growing till he's around 20 years old.
What is circumcision?Circumcision is an operation carried out on some boys and involves removing the piece of skin called the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. Most circumcisions are done on boy babies when they are just a few weeks old, but this operation is sometimes performed at a later stage of life for medical reasons. In the UK it is usually only done for religious reasons and is most common amongst Jews and Muslims. It is nothing to worry about and in fact nearly half the men in the world have probably been circumcised — so don't feel like you're the odd one out. Circumcision of women is a practice that takes place in some parts of western and southern Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It is widely considered to be dangerous and is illegal in Britain and in many other parts of the world.
I have spots on my penis and it itches. Is this normal?If you have had sex without using a condom recently then it would be advisable to visit your local NHS Sexual Health (GUM) clinic, GP, nurse, Young Persons' Sexual Health, or Family Planning clinic as you may have picked up an STI. Lots of boys have normal lumps and bumps in their penis, or it could be that it is something simple like an allergy or an irritation. But if you have concerns, or there are any changes in your genitalia you should seek advice from a doctor or clinic. Remember that medical people see problems like this every day so there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Is it normal for my penis to smell fishy and have white things behind the head of the bell end?No it's not normal, but this can happen from time to time, so make sure you wash behind the foreskin when you bath or shower. Doing so will prevent any smegma from building up. If you are washing carefully and the symptoms don't go away, make an appointment to see the doctor, or visit your local NHS Sexual Health (GUM), Young Persons' Sexual Health, or Family Planning clinic.
What is sperm?Sperm is produced in a boy's testicles and released during sexual activity. Every time a man ejaculates (cums) he produces up to 100 million sperm — but it only takes one of these to get a girl pregnant, and that can happen even before the boy cums! If you are having sex always use contraception — and remember that only condoms can protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
Is it normal to get an erection when you wake up in the morning?Yes, most boys will have a hard on when they wake up in the morning and they can get one when they're not expecting it during the day too. This is just a normal part of growing up and sexual development.
Is it normal to have one testicle smaller than the other?It is common to have one testicle smaller than the other, or one hanging down lower. No one has a perfect body so don't worry about what is supposed to be 'normal'.
How do I know if I have testicular cancer?You should check yourself regularly and if you find any lumps or irregularities, or a feeling of numbness/tenderness, you need to be checked by your doctor.
What's premature ejaculation?This is when a boy ejaculates (cums) during sex before he wants to i.e. during foreplay, or very soon after he has started having sex. This is fairly common and can be due to nerves or just over excitement. Foreplay or being in a relaxing situation can help and many men say that wearing a condom can help prevent premature ejaculation. If you are worried about this then go and see your local doctor, nurse, NHS Sexual Health (GUM), Young Persons' Sexual Health, or Family Planning clinic. And remember you can get free and confidential advice whatever your age — even if you are under 16.
What age do you go through puberty?Puberty describes all the changes a person goes through from being a child into a young adult. Every young person's experience of this is different as everyone grows and develops at different rates. Everyone will have different amounts of body hair and everyone will have different sized bits so don't worry about what is normal. You would probably start to notice changes at age 11 upwards, but there is no right or wrong time to start. If you want to speak to someone about puberty then visit your local doctor, nurse, or a NHS Sexual Health (GUM), Young Persons' Sexual Health, or Family Planning clinic. And remember advice is free and confidential even if you are under 16. Alternatively you can ring the helpline specially set up for people under 18.
Can you pee while having sex?No. During sex a valve shuts your bladder down so sperm can get through the channel you'd normally use to pee.
Why is it harder to ejaculate when you have sex a second time in the same evening? If you have sex a second time straight after the first it can take longer for a boy to cum or reach orgasm. This is just a natural part of the body's workings. If you are worried about this then just take longer breaks after each time you have sex. Whether it is the first, second, third or tenth time you have had sex that day, though, always use a new condom to protect against unplanned pregnancy and STIs