Does drinking make a UTI worse?

Drinking alcohol can worsen a urinary tract infection (UTI) for several reasons:

Dehydration: Alcohol can act as a diuretic, increasing urine output and leading to dehydration. Dehydration can make the urine more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and urethra, worsening UTI symptoms such as pain, burning, and urgency when urinating.

Weakened immune system: Alcohol can impair the immune system's ability to fight off infections. This can make it more difficult for the body to clear the bacteria causing the UTI, prolonging the infection and increasing the risk of complications.

Increased inflammation: Alcohol can cause inflammation in the body, including in the urinary tract. This inflammation can worsen UTI symptoms and make it more difficult for the infection to heal.

Bladder irritation: Alcohol can irritate the bladder, causing increased urination and discomfort. This can exacerbate UTI symptoms and make it difficult to control urination.

In addition, alcohol can interact with certain medications used to treat UTIs, reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.

It is important to avoid or limit alcohol consumption if you have a UTI to promote faster healing and prevent complications.