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Published on: October 13, 2018
Sexual maturation in Thai boys
P Mahachoklertwattana1, U Suthutvoravut, P Poomthavorn
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. rapmw@mahidol.ac.th
Summary
Thai boys experience the onset of puberty around 10.8 years and pubic hair development around 12.4 years. This study provides crucial normative data for male sexual maturation in Thailand.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Human Growth and Development
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Global trend of earlier puberty onset in girls noted.
- Limited data on sexual maturation timing in boys worldwide.
- Lack of normative data for Thai boys' sexual maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the age of secondary sexual maturation in healthy Thai boys.
- Establish normative data for male puberty onset in Thailand.
- Contribute to understanding secular trends in adolescent development.
Main Methods:
- Study included 300 healthy urban Thai boys aged 9-18 years.
- Genital and pubic hair staging followed Marshall and Tanner methods.
- Testicular volume measured using Prader orchidometer; probit analysis applied.
Main Results:
- Median age for onset of puberty (gonadarche) was 10.8 years (range 9.5-12).
- Median age for pubarche was 12.4 years (range 10.9-13.9).
- Genital development onset appears slightly earlier than international norms.
Conclusions:
- Thai boys in Bangkok may experience slightly earlier genital development onset.
- Pubic hair development onset in Thai boys is comparable to international standards.
- Study provides essential normative data for Thai male adolescent sexual maturation.
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