Can Jalapeno Peppers Cause Painful Urination?

Jalapeno peppers are spicy and can actually cause pain, or a burning sensation, in your mouth, down your throat and in your stomach, and they can cause painful bowel movements and urination. Not everyone who eats jalapenos experiences the pain and burning associated with them, but you can -- especially if you have sensitivity to them. Painful urination can also be caused by other conditions.

Pain and Burning

Jalapenos can cause pain and burning internally and externally. The active ingredient in jalapenos that causes burning is capsicum. Capsicum is very hot and can vary in degree. It's found in various spicy foods and peppers such as cayenne pepper, Mexican chilies and red or green peppers. The burning can occur when your skin touches the pepper or when you eat it. If the pepper is hot enough, your eyes may even begin to water as soon as you cut into the pepper or smell it.

Painful Urination

Since jalapenos are naturally spicy and hot in nature, they can literally cause pain from the time you ingest them until they exit your body. Spicy foods, such jalapenos, also irritate the bladder. The amount of irritation can vary from person to person, but it may bother you enough that you definitely notice. It's unknown as to exactly why jalapenos and other spicy foods cause bladder irritation. Once bladder irritation occurs, it may cause painful urination.

Other Causes

A urinary tract infection or bladder infection can also cause painful urination. If an infection is present, spicy foods can amplify the intensity of pain. Other foods such as citrus fruits, acidic foods, caffeine and alcohol can have a similar effect. These foods can irritate the bladder while caffeine and alcohol increase the urge to urinate, which can cause a full or painful feeling in your bladder and lower abdomen.

Considerations

If you experience painful urination after eating jalapenos, discontinue or limit the amount of them that you eat. If symptoms still continue, it may not be just the spicy jalapenos; it could mean that you have an infection. Urinary tract infections and bladder infections are caused by bacteria and require antibiotics to cure them. Do not attempt to self-treat or diagnose at home, as you could worsen or prolong the infection. See your doctor if your symptoms persist.