BoysStuff

Erections

When relaxed, the penis hangs at the front of the body. When blood flows into the spongy tissue of the penis, it becomes thicker, longer and stiffer. This is called an erection. When this blood flow stops, the erection goes away.

Boys can have erections from before birth, but they happen more often during puberty. An erection can happen when a boy sees something sexually appealing or attractive, if he touches himself or for no apparent reason at all. Relaxing and thinking about something else might help an erection go away faster.

Ejaculation

During puberty, a boy starts to produce sperm and will begin to ejaculate. If the erect penis is stimulated, muscles contract, pushing semen (containing sperm) down the urethra and out the tip of the penis. This is called ejaculation.

Wet dreams

Sometimes, ejaculation can happen when a boy is asleep. This is called a “wet dream” even though the boy might not have a dream! Wet dreams are different from urination in the bed. Wet dreams are a boy’s body getting used to its new sperm production and usually happen less often as a boy gets older. Only 1-2 teaspoons of semen are released, so it’s easy to clean up. The semen can be wiped up with toilet paper, and clothes can be put in the wash. Some boys may not have wet dreams.

Sexy feelings

Arousal is the tingly feeling that occurs when something is sexually appealing. Lots of body parts are involved, but can you guess the main one? The brain! If a boy thinks something is sexy, the brain sends signals making the heart beat faster, sending blood to the penis, which makes the penis swell up, and the skin all over the body becomes sensitive. This might start during puberty.

Sometimes, if someone is aroused, they might choose to masturbate. This means massaging their genitals because it feels good. It’s OK to masturbate as long as it’s done in a private place. It’s also OK if a person doesn’t want to masturbate.