Caffeine and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): What You Need to Know

Caffeine is the common stimulant in soda, coffee and energy drinks. While caffeine alone does not cause urinary tract infections, it may increase the likelihood of developing an infection.

Significance

• Some people experience recurrent bladder infections that can greatly affect their quality of life. UTI is among the leading causes of missed work in the U.S., accounting for 1.5 million hospital admissions each year, according to wrongdiagnosis.com.

Causes and Prevention

• Bladder infections are caused by bacteria that travel up the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Adequate water intake--8 eight-ounce glasses per day--can help prevent infection by flushing harmful bacteria out of the bladder, according to urologychannel.com.

Dehydration

• Caffeine has mild diuretic properties. When taken in excess, it can contribute to dehydration through excess urination, which increases the chance of developing a bladder infection.

Bladder Irritation

• Caffeine acts as an irritant in the urinary tract, according to ic-network.com. While it doesn't directly cause infection, caffeine can contribute to the pain and urinary frequency associated with UTI.

Warning

• Left untreated, a bladder infection can progress to a kidney infection, which constitutes a medical emergency. To date, prescription antibiotics are the only treatment proven to be effective in curing bladder infection.