What is the effect of caffeine on urinary symptoms?

• A. Increases urgency and frequency
• B. Reduces bladder contractions
• C. Irritates the bladder and increases urgency and frequency
• D. Improves urinary continence

Answer: (C)

Caffeine often worsens urinary symptoms by acting as a bladder irritant and a diuretic. It can increase detrusor (bladder muscle) activity, making the bladder contract more readily, which leads to sudden urges to void. At the same time, its diuretic effect raises urine production, so the bladder fills more quickly and frequently, compounding urgency and the need to urinate. Because of these combined effects, people who consume caffeine may notice more urgency, more trips to the bathroom, and sometimes leakage with urgency.

The best description captures both parts of this effect: it irritates the bladder and increases urgency and frequency. It isn’t about reducing bladder contractions or improving continence, so options implying fewer contractions or better continence don’t fit.