If we asked you how many times you’ve peed today, would you know? If you’re talking to a medical provider about any challenges you’re having with bladder leaks, it’ll be one of the first things that they ask—and it can be hard to remember! A voiding diary is a simple log that you can use to track how much you’re drinking, how often you’re urinating (and what times of day), and any symptoms that go along with your bathroom visits, like if you don’t feel you’re fully emptying your bladder. It’s a helpful tool to diagnose and manage conditions like overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence, or nocturia (an urge to pee that wakes you up at night).
If you track all of this information for a few days, you’ll start to see patterns. Says Attn: Grace Medical Advisor, Dr. Barbara Frank OB-GYN, “Maybe you learn that you’re going to the bathroom frequently during the day–after coffee, every time before you leave the house, just to be sure that we're empty. If that’s the case, your bladder is not getting used to the stretch and might feel full at a smaller volume. Your diary will show that and then you can make a goal to go at least three hours, or ideally four between voids to increase the capacity of your bladder.”
Experiencing nighttime leaks? Perhaps limiting fluids in the evening makes sense. What you do with the information is up to you and your doctor, but it’s an important tool to help you gain accurate details about your voiding patterns.
We’ve created a free printable voiding diary that you can use to accurately capture information about your drinking and peeing habits. The most important thing is to be as detailed as you can.
Here’s how you fill out a voiding diary accurately:
1. Record Fluid Intake
Note everything you drink all day and night long, measuring to the ounce of mL if you can. Don’t forget to track all beverages you consume, including coffee, tea, sodas, seltzer water, or even your evening glass of chardonnay. It could provide helpful information if specific beverages seem to correlate with bladder dysfunction. Make sure you record the time that you have each beverage.
2. Record Urine Output
Record every time you go to the bathroom to urinate, including through the night. Again, try to measure the ounce of mL every time you pee. Your healthcare team may be able to provide a urine collection container that goes in the toilet to catch your pee for measuring.
3. Note Other Symptoms
You’ll also want to jot down other information about the state of your bladder during the day or while you’re peeing. Make sure to note burning, leaks, pain, or feelings of urgency anytime during the day (not just when voiding) so that your doctor can gain a better understanding of what might be going on. Noting the time of day and situation also helps paint a helpful picture.
4. Include Helpful Context
Bonus points for you if you include descriptions of other variables, like medications, menstrual cycle symptoms, stress levels, or triggering activities.
Here’s a great example of a voiding diary with the right amount of helpful detail:
If leaks are a thing for you, be sure to check out our full lineup of Pads to help you find coverage and comfort regardless of your leak frequency or time of day. With this resource, and all the others in our resource library, we’ve got you!
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This content is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.