Vitamins and Bladder Irritation

By Katie McGee | February 18, 2021

Anecdotally, vitamins can increase bladder irritation or even cause urethral pain (especially B complexes and vitamin C). Yet, many people must take vitamins for health conditions. Here are my top suggestions reducing pain related to vitamins.

 

Get checked for an infection

  • Sometimes a bladder infection (aka a UTI) is actually causing the pain
  • In vulva owners, urethral pain can also be caused by a BV or yeast
  • Vulva owners with pain should get tested for UTI, BV, and yeast because these infections can be happening as a combination and without a visible discharge

 

Drink the right amount of water

  • Increasing fluids can dilute urine, making it less irritating to the bladder and urethra
  • Aim for 48 to 64 ounces (1.5 to 2 liters) of water per day

 

Stop or reduce irritating drinks

  • Cutting down on fluids that bother the bladder and urethra can make pain from vitamins more manageable. The top offenders for bladder pain are coffee, alcohol, and most tea
  • Some people are also sensitive to juice and carbonated beverages

 

Substitutions

  • Coffee
    • Low acid coffee
    • Decaf
    • Pero (coffee alternative)
  • Alcohol
    • Non-alcoholic substitutes
  • Tea
    • Rooibos
    • Chamomile

 

Look for patterns to the pain

Some people notice that a food with artificial sweeteners worsens pain. Other people notice that certain brands of vitamins increase pain. Occasionally the buffering agent in the vitamin is the source.

 

Check out these resources for more great ideas

  • NVA.org -> For Patients -> Self-Help Tips
  • ICHelp.org – you may not have IC, but this site has 100s of good ideas for bladder pain (including more info on food)

 

Vulva Owners: lidocaine for pain flares

Lidocaine applied topically can reduce urethra pain for hours. Some people react to inactive ingredients in lidocaine gels or are allergic to lidocaine itself, so always test a small amount first. Desert Harvest Releveum is a recommended brand. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

 

Some people benefit from supplements for pelvic pain.

Click here for more information.

 

Consider Prelief

Prelief is an over-the-counter medication that reduces the acidity of foods and drinks, thereby reducing bladder and urethra pain. Prelief works best when combined with a reduction in trigger foods and drinks. Prelief can increase the chance of developing kidney stones, so always talk to a doctor before purchasing this.

 

Still stuck? Visit a pelvic health physical therapist!

If a medical provider did not find a solution for the pain, consider seeing a pelvic floor PT. They can help you look for less common causes of bladder and urethra pain, such as pelvic floor muscle spasm, stress, or even constipation. You can find a pelvic floor PT near you at pelvicrehab.com.

 

Have questions? Reach out to get help today!

Posted in Pelvic Health

About Katie McGee