How Does Caffeine Affect the Urinary Tract?

Many of us rely on a morning cup of coffee, tea or a jolt of caffeine in the afternoon to help us get through the day. Amid myths and controversy about whether caffeine is good or bad for us, evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption can bring both benefits and risks. However, high consumption of caffeine may not be healthful. In addition, the recent trend of adding caffeine to drinks and snacks that do not naturally contain it has raised new concerns.

How Does Caffeine Affect the Body???

Caffeine is a natural stimulant most commonly found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. It works by stimulating the brain and central nervous system, helping you stay alert and prevent the onset of tiredness.

Aside from the response from the brain, caffeine affects other parts of the body as well. This substance is also linked with certain bladder problems. Caffeine can increase bladder activity and result in exacerbated symptoms, including higher urgency and frequency of urination, as well as increased incontinence.

Where Can Caffeine Be Found???

Caffeine occurs naturally in the leaves, seeds, or fruit of more than 60 plant species, including:

Coffee beans
Tea leaves and buds
Cacao beans
Guarana seeds
Yerba mate leaf

Caffeine & the Urinary Tract??

Caffeine has an interesting place in Urology. The effects it has on the body can influence the onset of two common urinary tract complications. The following conditions are indirect results of caffeine absorption:

Urinary Tract Infections??

Sure, your morning cup of java perks you up, but it may also make your UTI symptoms act up again. Caffeine is known to irritate the bladder and worsen bladder infection symptoms. A study of people with interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammation of the bladder) found that people who drank coffee experienced worsened symptoms. Try a mug of noncaffeinated herbal tea to replace your morning coffee ritual until you are UTI-free.

Urinary Incontinence??

Urinary incontinence, or ???leaky bladder,??? is defined as the loss of bladder control. Caffeine can make you need to urinate much more often.

In one study, 12 young to middle-aged people with overactive bladders who consumed 2 mg of caffeine per pound (4.5 mg per kilogram) of body weight daily experienced significant increases in urinary frequency and urgency. In addition, high intake may increase the likelihood of developing incontinence in people with healthy bladders.

If you drink a lot of caffeinated beverages and feel that your urination is more frequent or urgent than it should be, it may be a good idea to cut back on your intake to see if your symptoms improve.

Caffeine Related Urinary Tract Symptoms??

The following examples are both direct and indirect symptoms of caffeine???s effect on the urinary tract. In addition to the possibility of a UTI or ???leaky bladder,??? these irritating symptoms can vary in severity and may not always be present in every patient.

Bladder Irritation
Urgency of Urination
Frequency of Urination
Sleep Deprivation

Board-Certified Urologist in Livingston, New Jersey??

Is caffeine bothering your urinary tract? With over 20 years of experience, Dr Vivek Jha is happy to assist with any urological complications. Learn how you can make lifestyle changes to improve your urological health today! Please view our??services??and??blog??for more urological information on the conditions that may be affecting you.??Contact??Dr Vivek Jha for comprehensive treatment today.