Changes Down There — A Boy’s Privates

Boys may notice when they start puberty that their testicles (testicles produce sperm and testosterone) begin to get larger. The scrotum (the "sack" under the penis that covers the testicles) darkens and becomes rough-looking. Boys will begin getting more erections (when the penis grows and hardens) because their body is producing testosterone. Erections, also called hard-ons or boners, can occur for no apparent reason and can happen beyond the control of the boy.

Erections happen in infants and before puberty begins in boys but occur much more frequently during puberty. Having an erection and others noticing can make boys feel self-conscious and embarrassed.Boys and adult men often have an erection when they wake up in the morning in bed. This is normal and shows that your body is functioning as it should.