Not-So-Stupid Questions About Your Body

THE ULTIMATE
GUY’S BODY BOOK

Dr. Walt Larimore

To Scott
I’ve always been grateful to be your dad.
I always will be.

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.      Proverbs 23:24

CONTENTS

Title Page

Epigraph

Note to Parents

Note to Young Men

QUESTION 1: I’m changing! What’s happening to my body?

QUESTION 2: I don’t like things about my body—will they get better?

QUESTION 3: Why isn’t my body changing like I expected?

QUESTION 4: Why are my feet so big?

QUESTION 5: I’ve got BO — what’s a guy to do?

QUESTION 6: What’s a growth spurt?

QUESTION 7: I keep eating, so why am I still too little?

QUESTION 8: How can I get bigger muscles?

QUESTION 9: I’m overweight. How much is too much?

QUESTION 10: How much sleep do I need?

QUESTION 11: My acne is scary! What’s wrong with my face?

QUESTION 12: Will I ever get facial hair?

QUESTION 13: Diamonds vs. sterling, are body piercings bad?

QUESTION 14: Under my skin, how about tattoos?

QUESTION 15: Temporary vs. permanent, are tattoos safe?

QUESTION 16: What if my friends try alcohol?

QUESTION 17: My breasts are growing! What’s wrong with me?

QUESTION 18: Is having only one testicle okay?

QUESTION 19: My testicles itch and look strange, is that normal?

QUESTION 20: Why do doctors check my testicles?

QUESTION 21: How do I know if my penis is the right size?

QUESTION 22: Why do I get an erection when I don’t want to?

QUESTION 23: What is a wet dream?

QUESTION 24: Why is it hard for my dad to talk to me about sex?

QUESTION 25: If sex is so great, why should I wait?

QUESTION 26: What’s wrong with looking at pornography?

QUESTION 27: How do I avoid pornography when it’s everywhere? …

QUESTION 28: Is masturbation a sin?

QUESTION 29: How can I have victory over temptation?

QUESTION 30: When will I become a man?

APPENDIX A: Accurately Measuring Your Height and Weight

APPENDIX B: Height for Age Growth Chart

APPENDIX C: BMI Percentile Chart for Boys

AFTERWORD

About the Author

What the experts are saying about The Ultimate Guys’ Body Book

Other Books by Walt Larimore, MD

Copyright

About the Publisher

Share Your Thoughts

NOTE TO PARENT

The Ultimate Guys’ Body Book is primarily written to be a resource for Christian parents, especially the dads of young men ages ten to thirteen years old. It’s designed to help you answer your boy’s tough questions about puberty and his changing body.

As a Christian family physician, I want you to have information you can trust — a handbook for you and your son that is both medically reliable and biblically sound. To accomplish this, I have:

1. Reviewed the latest research and national guidelines through the lens of a biblical worldview.

2. Had every chapter reviewed by researchers, physicians, dieticians, psychologists, coaches, pastors, educators, parents, and theologians, who are all listed at the back of the book.

3. Had the book reviewed by the Christian Medical Association.

This book ...