How Does Alcohol Irritate The Bladder?

We’ve all heard many of the ways alcohol can be bad for you, but did you know that for those with bladder weakness, alcohol can actually worsen symptoms and leaks? 

Why, you ask? Well the short version is that alcohol has diuretic effects, which makes our kidneys produce more urine than normal. The more we drink, the more it suppresses the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in our body, telling it to produce more urine, which means far more trips to the toilet.

But it’s not all doom and gloom for our social lives, as there are ways to manage it and alternatives that are kinder to our bladder and bodies in the process. So let’s dive in to all this in more detail.

As we mentioned above, ethanol, a major component of alcohol, actually boasts anti-diuretic properties which makes our kidneys produce more urine. 

For those with a weak bladder, alcohol can exacerbate ongoing symptoms such as urgency or leaks. As the alcohol travels through the body it supresses the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which often leads to more frequent trips to the toilet or even times where we almost don’t make it to the toilet in time.

All that, combined with how alcohol naturally dehydrates the body, can also lead to it irritating the bladder lining, as it reduces your body’s fluids making urine more concentrated.

Unfortunately, it's actually both. Whilst we believe you can enjoy alcohol infrequently and in moderation, even a few glasses of wine can lead to increased levels of dehydration which, in turn, add more stress to the lining of the bladder.

If you already experience leaks or bladder weakness, the side effects on your bladder can be even worse, leading to increased levels of urgency, toilet frequency and even mild bladder pain.

Although all alcoholic beverages can have this effect, there are some factors which lead you to pee even more. These include:

• A high percentage of alcohol per unit, usually found in spirits and wines

• A higher volume of liquid per glass, most commonly in the form of pints and beers

• Carbonated drinks, as the dissolved carbon dioxide can lead to higher acidity in your urine

• Caffeinated drinks, such as mixers like Coca-Cola add additional diuretic effects

Finally, there’s also your own tolerance levels to consider. Have you ever noticed that a certain friend or family can ‘handle’ their drink better than others? Well, that’s because everyone’s body has a different tolerance level for alcohol, which can lessen or heighten these side effects.

Night time leaks, or nocturia, are a common issue for those facing bladder weakness or incontinence. The disruption of sleep can start to damage quality of life and lead to increased stress and frustration. 

Because of how alcohol affects the body and the bladder, drinking alcohol can increase the frequency of night time leaks or urgency, sometimes leading to bedwetting if there is a prior history of bladder weakness.

Although drinking alcohol earlier in the day can help, it’s best to avoid or limit the amount you drink in the day if you find that night time leaks are becoming worse.

This one is a bit more nuanced. Whilst alcohol can certainly increase the chances of developing a UTI, it cannot directly cause them.

UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria within the urinary tract, which becomes more of a risk if you drink alcohol regularly, as this can damage your body’s natural immune response.

So whilst alcohol doesn’t cause UTIs directly, people who drink frequently and have a history of bladder weakness might find they develop an infection more often than most.

Alcohol irritates the bladder due to the high levels of acidity it contains. This can lead to discomfort, pain and even a burning sensation for some people. 

These symptoms often get mistaken for a UTI, as some of the effects can feel similar at the onset. If you think you might be experiencing a UTI it's always best to speak to your GP as soon as possible.

For people with bladder weakness, reducing your alcohol consumption or eliminating it entirely could be a really important step in managing your symptoms and living your best life. 

This doesn’t have to mean you can’t enjoy the finer things in life. Instead of your usual, try out some bladder-friendly alternatives like non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. 

There’s some great non-alcoholic options out there now, so you can find something that tastes just as good.

If you find you want to let your hair down every now and then though, try to limit your consumption and drink in moderation. See the effect it has on your bladder and tailor your drinking until you find the balance between having fun and having a healthy bladder.

If you're experiencing bladder weakness, the biggest thing that can help is staying hydrated with the right drinks. 

Because alcohol can dehydrate the body, drinking more water can actually help to reduce leaks and bladder irritation. It might feel counterintuitive to drink more when you want to pee less, but keeping your body hydrated and your urine diluted can go a long way to improving bladder health and incontinence.

Want to find out more? We have a whole article on The Best Drinks For Incontinence here.

If you find that you’re struggling with alcohol consumption or reducing your intake, there’s no shame in speaking to your healthcare professional.