urinary incontinence: keeping a daily record
overview
keeping a daily record can help you and your doctor find the best treatment for urinary incontinence.
keep a record of what you drink and all urine released, whether voluntary or involuntary. your doctor may call this a voiding diary or bladder record. this may be a 24-hour diary or one that covers several days.
record in your diary:
- the time and amount of each urination. (you'll need a measuring container to collect and measure the amount of urine.)
- the conditions under which urine release occurred, such as voluntary urination in the toilet, involuntary urine release, or leakage due to sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion.
- the amounts and types of all liquids consumed. this includes frozen liquid items such as ice cream and frozen fruit juice bars.
- whether the liquid consumed contained caffeine (if your doctor asks you to specify this information).
you can find information about a bladder diary or voiding diary online. or your doctor's office may have one available.
when to keep a daily record
a diary is sometimes requested before you see a doctor about urinary incontinence.
you may be asked to keep a voiding log when:
- you experience the involuntary release of urine.
- no cause for the incontinence is discovered in the medical history and physical exam.
- you are not sure of the frequency and amount of urine leakage.
credits
current as of: november 15, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: november 15, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
