Urinary Tract Infections: Impact on Growth and Health

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Dr.
Li, I apologize for bothering you again.
When I was 11 years old, I experienced frequent urination and nocturia (which seemed minimal), my urine appeared cloudy, there was discharge from the urethral opening, and I had pain while urinating.
Now at 18, I learned from the internet that this was likely a urinary tract infection.
Recently, I took traditional Chinese medicine which seemed to help, but the practitioner misled me, claiming that excessive masturbation caused my urinary issues and charged me 8,000 NTD for the herbal medicine.
My urinary system has since improved, but people say that ages 11 to 18 are crucial for growth, and sleep is key for height increase.
I'm concerned that my nocturia might have affected my growth, especially since my height is already not very tall.
If this is the case, I would feel very distressed, but I hope you can answer honestly.

Xiao Guai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/31

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

The factors that influence height are not entirely clear, so no one can definitively tell you how your nocturia and sleep affect you.
Instead of fixating on a single aspect, it is important to consider your overall health.
A correct attitude is essential for improving your well-being, and this is where you should focus your attention and efforts.

Reply Date: 2019/12/31

More Info

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue that can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. Your concerns regarding the potential impact of a UTI on growth and overall health, particularly during critical growth periods, are valid and deserve a thorough explanation.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that urinary tract infections themselves do not directly affect height or growth in adolescents. Growth in height is primarily influenced by genetic factors, nutrition, and overall health during the growth spurts that typically occur during puberty. The ages of 11 to 18 are indeed crucial for growth, as this is when the body undergoes significant changes due to hormonal influences. However, a UTI, unless it leads to severe complications such as kidney damage or chronic health issues, is unlikely to hinder growth.

In your case, experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, cloudy urine, and pain during urination at the age of 11 indicates that you likely had a UTI. If left untreated, recurrent UTIs can lead to complications, including kidney infections, which could potentially impact kidney function. However, as long as the infection was treated effectively, as you mentioned it was with traditional Chinese medicine, and you are now symptom-free, the likelihood of any long-term effects on your growth is minimal.

Moreover, sleep plays a crucial role in growth and development during adolescence. Poor sleep quality or disturbances, such as frequent nighttime urination (nocturia), can affect sleep patterns and, consequently, growth hormone secretion. Growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep, and interruptions can lead to less restorative sleep. If nocturia was a significant issue for you, it could have potentially impacted your sleep quality, which in turn might have had a minor effect on growth. However, this is generally more of a concern if the nocturia is persistent and severe.

Regarding the treatment you received from the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, it is essential to approach such treatments with caution. While some individuals may find relief through alternative medicine, it is crucial to ensure that the treatment is evidence-based and does not lead to unnecessary financial burden or health risks. If you felt that the treatment was ineffective and costly, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a more conventional approach to managing urinary symptoms.

In summary, while urinary tract infections can cause discomfort and may lead to complications if untreated, they do not have a direct impact on height or growth during critical developmental periods. If you are currently healthy and free from urinary symptoms, it is unlikely that your previous UTI will have any lasting effects on your growth. However, if you have ongoing concerns about your health or growth, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized guidance and support. Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help ensure that any health issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

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