What is the first sign of puberty in males?

The onset of puberty in males is marked by several physiological changes, but the first noticeable sign is testicular enlargement. This change typically occurs around the ages of 9 to 14, with an average onset around age 11. The process begins when the hypothalamus initiates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to increased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which subsequently stimulate the testes to grow and produce testosterone.

Testicular enlargement often precedes other physical signs of puberty. For instance, while pubic hair development and growth spurts are significant milestones, they generally occur after testicular enlargement has taken place. Spermarche, which refers to the first ejaculation, typically occurs even later in this sequence of changes, following puberty's initial signs. Thus, recognizing testicular enlargement as the first sign of puberty is crucial for understanding male developmental stages.