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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.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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