As a healthcare professional, I often receive inquiries about probiotics. Lately, some patients with urinary symptoms have approached me, expressing their interest in trying probiotics. They have come across online articles suggesting that probiotics may increase urinary frequency, and are concerned about the safety of using them.

This article will shed light on this matter from a professional standpoint, based on current evidence and my years of clinical expertise. Furthermore, I will discuss how probiotics can affect urinary health and their role in urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What Does It Mean By Peeing more?

Before discovering how probiotics can affect your urination, you need to know what you mean by peeing a lot. It can be EITHER

• Frequent urination –  you need to go to the bathroom many times throughout the day or night, but the amount of urine you pass each time is normal or low. Urinating as much as 7 times in 24 hours is considered typical, but it still depends on several factors e.g. how much you drink a day. 

Or

• Peeing an excessive amount of urine (polyuria). Urine volume is considered excessive if it is more than 3 liters per day.

Can Probiotics Make You Pee More?

Based on the available scientific data, there is no indication that probiotics have a direct impact on urine output or frequency. Furthermore, in my professional experience of prescribing probiotics, none of my patients have reported a similar side effect.

Nonetheless, I do see some online posts where individuals claim to experience increased urination after consuming probiotics. So, what’s going on?

This prompts us to inquire into the potential factors contributing to this condition. So, let’s explore the possible reasons behind this.

Possible reasons for peeing more while taking probiotics

🔍 Drinking more water than usual while taking probiotics

One of the most likely causes for peeing more while taking probiotics is an increased water intake. If you have recently initiated probiotics in order to improve your health, you might have also adopted other health-conscious modifications in your lifestyle. Such adjustments could encompass an increased intake of water to ensure proper hydration of your body, thereby resulting in increased urination.

🔍 It can be a symptom of the health problem you are trying to treat with probiotics.

Probiotics are known to have benefits on urinary tract infections which I will discuss later. Urinary frequency is one of the commonest symptoms of UTIs. Therefore, if you have started taking probiotics for UTI, it is possible that the symptoms of an underlying UTI might be misinterpreted as the adverse impact of newly introduced probiotics.

Nonetheless, in such instances, you might encounter additional UTI symptoms, including painful urination, a strong urge to urinate, and discomfort in the bladder. Additionally, your urine may assume a turbid or bright red color.

🔍  Some of the additives in your probiotic supplement may have diuretic effect.

Unlike medications, probiotics lack FDA regulation. Probiotic supplements on the market may contain additional ingredients that might have the potential to impact urine output. Hence, read the label and ingredients of your probiotic supplement thoroughly before consumption.

🔍 You might have other underlying health issues.

In some cases, increased urination can be a symptom of health conditions like diabetes, overactive bladder or prostate issues. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider.

How do probiotics affect urinary health?

Probiotics have been found to have a positive impact on urinary health. Interestingly, the urinary tract possesses its own microbiome, similar to the gut. By introducing beneficial bacteria into the urinary tract, probiotics possess the ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, restore a well-balanced microbial environment, and consequently mitigate the occurrence of urinary tract infections.

Can Probiotics Help UTIs? ( According To Research)

A study published by the National Institute of Health proposes that probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria within the urinary tract by the production of lactic acid to create an acidic environment.

Another large trial in postmenopausal women with recurrent UTIs found that probiotics can be nearly as effective as antibiotics. Moreover, they can even decrease the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while there is no current evidence to suggest that probiotics can directly cause increased urination, they have science-backed up benefits on your urinary tract health.

If you have observed changes in urination patterns while using probiotics or are contemplating their use for urinary health, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for optimal outcomes.