What is a Bladder Diary?
If you self-catheterise, you may be asked to keep a bladder diary. This is a simple tool used to track your fluid intake, the amount and timing of urine output, and any bladder accidents. In some cases, additional details may be required, such as the types of fluids consumed, the severity of incontinence episodes, or sensations of urgency.
Why Keep a Bladder Diary?
A bladder diary provides useful insights into your bladder function, including when urinary symptoms occur, how they affect your daily life, and whether your catheterisation schedule is appropriate. By tracking your bladder activity, your healthcare provider can identify patterns and create a personalised management plan. This could include:
- Modifying your catheterisation schedule,
- Increasing or decreasing catheterisation frequency
- Adjusting your fluid intake
- Identifying fluids to avoid
- Detecting new symptoms that may require further investigation
- Introducing medications to support bladder function
Tips for Completing a Bladder Diary
- Measure accurately
To ensure accurate recordings of fluid intake and urine output:
• Be aware of the volume of the containers you drink from—for example, a standard cup holds 250 ml, while a can holds 375mls
• Use a marked measuring jug to track urine output. Keep it near the toilet so it is within reach and easy to use.
• Some self-catheters come with a drainage bag (see closed catheterisation system) that allows you to measure urine output directly.
• If you have an accident, estimate the volume lost—for example, full bladder loss or a small leak. If using continence pads, note how heavy they feel to help gauge urine loss.
- Take extra notes
A bladder diary is most useful when it helps identify patterns. Consider recording:
- The type of fluids you drink, as some may trigger urgency or accidents.
- Certain foods that might have preceded bladder symptoms.
- Activities or exercises that seem to affect bladder control.
- Emotional states that may impact bladder function.
- The appearance of your urine – it is dark or clear? Does it have a strong smell? Are there any signs of blood when urinating or wiping?
Writing down anything you think is relevant will help your healthcare provider gain a clearer picture of your bladder health.
- Track for the Right Duration
- Begin recording from the moment you wake up and continue throughout the day and night until the same time the next morning – this represents one full day.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how many days to track. While a 24-hour recording can be useful, keeping a diary for 2-3 days generally provides more reliable data1.
- The days you record don’t have to be consecutive, but they should reflect your typical daily routine2.
Final thoughts
Get started by tracking your intake and output using the bladder diary available from M Devices. If you have any questions, call the helpline for guidance. Don’t forget to bring your completed diary to your appointments or send it to your healthcare professional in advance.
References
- International Continence Society. 2018. Bladder diary/ frequency volume chart [online]. Available from: https://www.ics.org/committees/standardisation/terminologydiscussions/bladderdiary [accessed 26.3.25].
- Urology Care Foundation. 2025. Educational resources: overactive bladder diary [online]. Available from: https://www.urologyhealth.org/resources/bladder-diary [accessed 26.3.25].