Can Alcohol Cause UTIs?

UTIs develop when harmful bacteria, such as E.coli, travel up the urethra and multiply, resulting in an infection⁽³⁾. Since alcohol itself does not introduce bacteria, it is not a direct cause of UTIs. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the relationships between alcohol, UTIs, and UTI treatment. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common infection that occurs when bacteria enter through the urethra and infect the urinary tract⁽³⁾. 

Typical symptoms of a UTI include⁽³⁾:

• Painful and burning urination
• Frequent urination 
• Feeling the need to urinate even when your bladder is empty
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Cramping in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or groin

UTIs can escalate quickly and, if left untreated, they have the potential to result in more severe health complications.

Here are some additional symptoms to watch out for⁽³⁾: 

• Fever and chills
• Lower back or side pain
• Nausea or vomiting

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we strongly recommend reaching out to a doctor immediately. 

UTIs are also a very prevalent health concern for females, with 50 to 70 percent developing a UTI at some point in their lifetime. What's more, 20 to 30 percent will struggle with recurrent infections⁽⁵⁾.

UTI Causes & Risk Factors

Urinary tract infections develop when harmful bacteria enter the urethra, multiply, and cause an infection. A bacterium known as E. coli is the most common bacterial culprit⁽⁶⁾.

In general, females are more susceptible to UTIs than males, and there are several key factors contributing to this difference. First, females tend to have shorter urethras than males, which means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel up to reach the urinary tract, making an infection more likely⁽⁶⁾.

Sexual activity is a common risk factor for females. During sex, the opening of your urethra (located between the clitoris and vaginal opening) comes into contact with bacteria from the genital areas and anus. This bacteria can come from a myriad of places other than sex (i.e. sweat after exercising, travel, etc.) so it’s important to be mindful of the things that come in close contact with the urethra. That is why it’s so important to pee after sex, so you can flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced⁽⁶⁾.

Additionally, vaginal health plays a significant role in UTI risk, because the vaginal microbiome is so closely connected to urinary health. Changes in the vaginal microbiome could increase the likelihood of UTIs. For example, hormonal changes during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, or menopause can decrease the protective, “good” bacteria (lactobacillus), leaving more room for the "bad" bacteria to take over.⁽⁷⁾.

Lastly, other urinary related conditions, such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate (yes, males have different risk factors for UTIs), or catheter use can lead to more frequent UTIs⁽⁶⁾. 

Alcohol's role in UTIs

So, how does alcohol influence UTI risk? What we know so far is that excessive alcohol consumption could increase your risk of developing a UTI, even if it's not the direct cause of the infection. 

Studies have shown that chronic alcoholism can impact two primary components of the body's complex immune system: the humoral and cellular immune mechanisms⁽¹⁾. This can weaken your ability to effectively defend against infections and diseases. Specifically, it can result in reduced production of antibodies and immune cells, which could make individuals more susceptible to various pathogens and illnesses.

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase UTI risk

Not only does alcohol consumption have the ability to suppress the immune system, it can also lead to dehydration. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing the body to lose fluids and essential electrolytes⁽⁸⁾. 

Can I drink alcohol if I have a UTI?

When you have a UTI, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol, for three reasons:

1. All alcohol, but especially alcohol with heavy carbonation or a high acidity level (think wines, beer, champagne, seltzers, and cocktails mixed with citrus juices, tonic water, or sodas) can irritate the bladder lining, which could potentially worsen symptoms⁽⁹⁾.
2. Antibiotics prescribed for UTI treatment can negatively interact with alcohol, resulting in less-than-desirable side effects like dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, or headaches⁽¹⁰⁾.
3. Since alcohol is a diuretic, drinking it could cause dehydration. To combat dehydration, you can increase water consumption and stay well-hydrated to support recovery. Proper hydration can allow for more urination which can support the body in flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract.

Most UTIs can be cleared up when caught and treated with antibiotics. So, in order to ensure that antibiotics are doing their job – save the champagne toast until after you’ve completed your antibiotic treatment. 

Promoting urinary tract health

Here at Uqora, we believe in getting proactive about urinary tract health. We know you’ve heard these tips before, but they are great key reminder to get proactive!

One of the ways you can get proactive today is drinking more water to stay hydrated. To encourage proactive urinary tract health practices, it's also important to make a habit of regularly emptying your bladder, especially after sex or sitting for long periods of time. 

It is also important to consider your urogenital health (aka the connection between your vaginal and urinary health) in your proactive practices, too. Avoid anything that may upset the vaginal microbiome vagina, such as douches, feminine sprays, heavily fragranced detergents, and spermicides⁽⁶⁾. 

Lastly, don't forget the importance of regular health checkups. Checking in with your doctor can assist in monitoring and addressing any urinary concerns or issues as soon as they arise. 

Final Notes

The answer to the question, "Can drinking alcohol cause a UTI?" is a resounding "No!" UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, and drinking alcohol does not directly introduce bacteria to the urinary tract. 

If you’re still healing from a UTI, hold off on the booze until you’ve completed your antibiotic treatment and give the body a chance to fight off the infection.

No matter the cause, UTIs can be extremely painful and uncomfortable and become more dangerous if left untreated. We recommend seeing a medical professional if you are experiencing any symptoms of a UTI. 

Note: references to "female", “women”, “male”, and “men” in this article refer to sex assigned at birth, not gender.

This article does not replace medical advice. We recommend you seek treatment if you think you are experiencing a UTI.