The prostate is a gland located below the bladder in males, and produced seminal fluid. Inflammation and infection of the prostate, conditions called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, cause a number of irritating symptoms. Men who have BPH or other prostate conditions may develop pain upon urination, feel as though they can't empty their bladder or have frequent urges to void. Caffeine can be a factor in aggravating the prostate in some men.
Diuretic Effects
Caffeine is a diuretic, a substance that increases the speed at which you produce urine. Many prostate conditions are characterized by frequency urges -- you feel like you need to urinate often -- but because of the inflammation of the prostate, you cannot always void the bladder completely. In some men the inability to empty the bladder fully leads to incontinence. The increase in urine production brought on by caffeine can also cause your frequency of urination and risk of urinary accidents to increase, especially during the night.
Effect on Bladder
Caffeine, in addition to boosting urine production, is a bladder irritant. The substance can cause your bladder to contract and spasm, which also interferes with productive urination. Men who have prostatitis or BPH already have a more difficult time voiding without other contributing factors like caffeine. Reduce your caffeine intake to calm your bladder and eliminate painful spasms.
Prostate Cancer
Although caffeine can worsen symptoms of BPH or chronic prostatitis in some men, coffee could decrease your overall risk of developing prostate cancer. Harvard's School of Public Health reported in a May 2011 issue of the "Harvard Gazette" that men who drink coffee daily have a 20 to 30 percent reduction of risk in developing prostate cancer over those who do not drink coffee. The caffeine content of the coffee is not a factor, according to the researchers; the antioxidant compounds in coffee are beneficial to the body. Choose decaffeinated coffee to lessen your risk of prostate cancer without aggravating your symptoms.
Considerations
Caffeine is not the only substance that can lead to an increase in prostate symptoms. Drinking alcoholic beverages, especially in the evening, might also contribute to bladder irritation and an increase in urinary urgency. Speak to your doctor about your symptoms; prescription medications may help you void more easily and eliminate infections that cause an enlarged prostate.
