Can You Still Grow Taller After Quitting Masturbation at 17?
Understanding the Connection Between Growth and Lifestyle Habits
One of the most common questions among teenagers, especially around the age of 17, is whether stopping certain habits—like masturbation—can influence height growth. The truth is, your final height is primarily determined by genetics and skeletal development, not by sexual behavior. While lifestyle choices do play a supporting role in overall health, they have minimal direct impact on whether you continue to grow taller.
The Real Factor: Bone Growth and Epiphyseal Plates
Growth in height occurs at the growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, located near the ends of long bones. These plates remain active during childhood and adolescence, gradually lengthening the bones. However, once these plates close—a process typically completed by the late teens or early twenties—natural vertical growth stops completely.
How to Check If You Can Still Grow
If you're curious about your growth potential, the most reliable method is a bone age assessment through an X-ray at a certified medical facility. This test reveals whether your growth plates are still open. If they haven't fully closed, there's still a window of opportunity for additional height gain—regardless of whether you've quit masturbation or not.
Lifestyle Choices That Support Natural Growth
Even if your growth plates are still open, reaching your full height potential requires more than just avoiding certain habits. It involves a holistic approach to health. Here are key strategies to support healthy development:
1. Engage in Height-Friendly Physical Activities
Regular exercise stimulates growth hormone production and improves posture. Activities such as morning jogs (30 minutes or more), basketball, soccer, swimming, high jumps, and jump rope are particularly effective. These sports involve stretching and jumping motions that may help maximize bone and muscle development during the growing years.
2. Optimize Your Nutrition
Diet plays a crucial role in physical development. Focus on consuming high-protein foods like milk, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and soy-based items. Calcium and vitamin D are equally important—they strengthen bones and enhance mineral absorption. Incorporating leafy greens, fortified cereals, and fatty fish can further boost your nutrient intake.
3. Prioritize Sunlight and Vitamin D
Natural sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Aim for 15–30 minutes of sun exposure daily, preferably in the morning or late afternoon when UV rays are less intense.
4. Ensure Quality and Consistent Sleep
Growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep, especially between 10 PM and 2 AM. Teens should aim for 8–10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Establishing a regular bedtime routine and minimizing screen time before bed can significantly improve sleep quality.
What If Growth Plates Are Closed?
If medical testing confirms that your epiphyseal plates have fully fused, your skeleton has reached its final structure, and further natural height increase is no longer possible. In such cases, quitting any habit—including masturbation—won't lead to additional growth. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle still benefits posture, confidence, and overall well-being, which can create the illusion of being taller.
Final Thoughts: Focus on What You Can Control
Instead of fixating on unproven myths linking sexual behavior to height, it's far more productive to focus on science-backed methods. Monitor your bone development, eat well, stay active, sleep deeply, and embrace healthy routines. These are the real keys to maximizing your physical potential during adolescence—and building a strong foundation for lifelong health.