Health care providers in the United States treat 8 to 10 million people for urinary tract infections each year. Although UTIs are common infections, many people don’t fully understand them and have questions about why UTIs occur. One topic you may wonder about is whether drinking alcohol can cause a UTI. This guide explores the connection between alcohol and UTI risk and provides tips on how to prevent and treat UTIs if you’re a regular alcohol user.
How Alcohol Affects the Urinary Tract
Alcohol can have several effects on the urinary tract, the system in your body that removes liquid waste from the body in the form of urine. To understand how alcohol impacts urinary health, you first need to understand some basics about the anatomy of the urinary tract.
The urinary tract is made up of:
- Two kidneys: Filter blood, removing wastes and excess fluid
- The bladder: Stores urine until you’re ready to urinate
- Two ureters: Carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder
- The urethra: Connects to the bottom of the bladder and allows urine to exit the body
Alcohol can affect every part of the urinary tract. A diuretic, alcohol increases urine production, causing the kidneys to work harder and a greater volume of urine to move through the kidneys into the bladder. In addition, alcohol can irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra.
Can Drinking Alcohol Cause a UTI?
Drinking alcohol can’t cause a UTI directly. A urinary tract infection typically occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system, usually through the urethra. Once inside the urinary tract, the bacteria begin to multiply and the immune system triggers an inflammatory response to fight the infection, leading to UTI symptoms.
Alcohol and UTI Risk Factors
Although you can’t get a UTI from alcohol directly, the effects of alcohol on the urinary tract and the rest of the body, along with your behavior, can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Some connections between the intake of alcohol and UTI risk factors include:
Irritation of the Bladder and Urethra
Drinking alcohol can lead to inflammation of the urethra and bladder, which may make it easier for bacteria to cling to the lining of the urinary tract. In addition, inflammation in the urinary tract may worsen the symptoms of a UTI.
Dehydration
Another way alcohol can cause UTI risk factors is through dehydration. Because alcohol is a diuretic, drinking can dehydrate you. Frequent urination triggered by alcohol use can remove too much fluid from the body. If you don’t replace these lost fluids, your urine output may sharply decrease. Your urine may then become more concentrated, increasing the risk of bladder irritation and UTIs.
Urination is a natural way for your body to flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Although drinking alcohol initially boosts urine production, the drop-off that occurs due to dehydration may persist for longer than the initial increase if you don’t replenish lost fluids. As a result, the extended period of decreased urination may provide opportunities for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract.
Weakening of the Immune System
Alcohol consumption can interfere with the immune system’s ability to fight infections. As a result, your body may not be able to quickly fight off bacteria that enter the urinary tract, making infections more likely to occur. Alcohol’s impact on the immune system can also lengthen your recovery time from a UTI when you do develop one.
Impact on Behavior
Alcohol can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, leading to changes in behavior. In some cases, lowered inhibitions can lead to an increase in sexual activity. Being sexually active is a risk factor for UTIs because bacteria can be forced into the urethra during foreplay and intercourse. Consequently, alcohol’s impact on behavior can be linked to UTI risk factors.
Symptoms of UTIs in Alcohol Consumers
In alcohol consumers, the symptoms of UTIs are similar to those people who don’t drink alcohol may experience. Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include:
- Burning, pain or discomfort when urinating
- Frequent urination
- Feeling as if you can’t empty your bladder fully when you urinate
- Feeling like you need to urinate even when your bladder is empty
- Blood in the urine
- Cramping or pain in the groin or lower abdomen
If untreated, a urinary tract infection can spread to the kidneys, leading to additional symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Back pain
- Flank pain
- Vomiting or nausea
As previously mentioned, drinking alcohol can trigger inflammation in the urinary tract, making common UTI symptoms more intense.
Preventing UTIs While Drinking Alcohol
While it may not be possible to completely prevent UTIs, you can do some things to lower your risk of developing one.
Stay Hydrated
If you consume alcohol regularly, you’re at an increased risk for dehydration. Drinking plenty of water before, after and between alcoholic beverages can lower the likelihood of dehydration. By staying hydrated, you can support healthy urine production to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and lower your risk of infection.
Urinate Regularly
Frequent trips to the bathroom can be a hassle when you’re drinking, but don’t ignore the urge to go. Holding in your urine can provide an opportunity for bacteria to multiply in the urinary tract, making infections more likely to occur. Whether or not you’re drinking, urinating before and after sexual activity may also help lower the risk of UTIs.
Cut Back on Alcohol Intake
Cutting back on your intake of alcohol can help support urinary health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises men to drink no more than two alcoholic beverages per day and notes that women should stop at one daily drink. If you’ve found it difficult to cut back or abstain from drinking, consider exploring alcohol use disorder treatment options, such as inpatient and outpatient programs.
Alcohol Use and the Treatment Options for UTIs
In most cases, health care providers prescribe antibiotics for UTI treatment. Experts advise that some antibiotics used to treat UTIs, such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) can lead to side effects such as flushing, headache and rapid heartbeat. If you plan to drink while taking antibiotics, let your health care provider know so they can prescribe a medication that’s less likely to interact with alcohol.
Seeking Help for Alcohol Use Disorder
If you’re concerned about the effects of alcohol use on your physical health and find it difficult to abstain from drinking on your own, help is available. At Sunlight Recovery, we offer comprehensive programs to help you break free of addiction and can tailor treatment to your individual needs. Contact us today to take the first step on the path to recovery.
