Dear joeschmo,

This is normal. Guys have erections all their lives, starting from the moment they are born. During puberty, they start getting erections more often — either in response to arousal, or during wet dreams. They also begin to develop sperm and to ejaculate. The first time this happens is called spermarche. It happens at different times for different guys.

Guys usually start puberty anywhere between 10 and 17 years old. Puberty doesn't happen all at once — it happens in stages. So a guy may show some signs of puberty at an early age (like a voice that's starting to crack), but may not show other signs of puberty until he is much older (like growing facial hair or producing sperm). Believe it or not, it can take up to 20 years of age for all changes to take place.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.