Main content

    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

    Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).


    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Female -- Vaginal Discharge/Infections > Daughter with repeated UTIs
    Posted on: 08/31/2009

    Question

    My daughter is seven and she has had about five UTIs. She has had examinations inside and out looking for the cause, but there was no cause. The doctor said that she would grow out of it one day, just like a child with an ear infection. I hate for her to take antibiotics like she does. It is not healthy for her. The doctor put her on a low dose for six months at a time. Do you think it is possible for her to be treated and cured without antibiotics? Will she really be cured for UTIs in the future?

    Answer

    Without a clear cause found for your daughter's recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), there's nothing for the urologists to fix through a procedure. In situations like this, doctors often recommend prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics for months at a time. In your daughter's situation, the benefits of antibiotics may outweigh the risks of side effects. By taking the antibiotics, she can avoid potential kidney damage from recurrent UTIs. Please discuss with her urologist if she will "outgrow" this problem.


    Answered By:
    Frank Lin , M.D.


    Back to previous
    Back to FAQ Home Page