Does drinking alot of coffee cause bladder infections?

I've been having the burning sensation it seems like all the time lately - and I'm trying to narrow it down - which of the following things are the worst for bladder infections - coffee? ginger root? menopause? not drinking enough water - I have all of the above things but which is worse. (ON a separate note: search engines are pathetic for finding out answers to these questions - Yahoo is awesome! I find out my best answer on here!

Most bladder infections are caused by various strains of "E. coli", the bacteria commonly found in the intestines. Women sometimes get bladder infections as a direct result of intercourse, which can push bacteria up into the bladder through the urethra.

Some women contract the infection, dubbed "honeymoon disease" almost every time they have sex. Bacteria then rapidly reproduce in the stagnant urine left in the bladder. Some people develop symptoms of a bladder infection when no infection actually exists. These disorders are usually benign but are difficult to treat.

While they can be quite uncomfortable and potentially serious if complications set in, the bladder infections that most women get, clear up quickly and are relatively harmless.

In men, however, a bladder infection is almost always a symptom of an underlying disorder and is generally regarded as cause for more concern.

Hormonal imbalances can affect the balance of acidity and alkalinity in the urine and this can affect the likelihood of an attack of cystitis.

The contraceptive diaphragm or cap may lead to an attack of cystitis as leftover amounts of urine can get trapped in it and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Also the contraceptive pill affects the hormonal system and has been shown to make women using it more susceptible to common ailments such as thrush which can also trigger cystitis.

Bladder infections usually can be diagnosed readily with a urine test.

I don't know about it causing bladder infections HOWEVER, I do know that drinking coffee while having a bladder infection makes it worse. Drink tons of water!!!

The worst? Not seeing a physician to make sure it's not serious.

You should see a doctor about the burning sensation -- bladder infections easily become kidney infections and then you end up in a queue for a new kidney. Even more fun to consider, you might have an STD which is getting less and less curable while you wait.

Dehydration does have an effect (drink 0.5 oz. per pound you weight to really get the best cleansing of your body). The only thing coffee really does is narrow the tubes out, making urination a little more painful.