We will discuss steps you can take at home to control urinary incontinence and improve continence. The key to understanding what may be affecting your incontinence is starting and maintaining a voiding diary for at least 3 days. By recording each time you void urine, you may begin to see a pattern emerge as it relates to physical activities or food and beverages you consumed thorughout your day. That morning coffee may be affecting you more than you think!

For three days (they do not have to be consecutive), simply record your fluid intake, each occurence of urine voiding, and any leakage episodes. An example chart is given below.  After 3 days, you will have a good understanding of your urination schedule, and this will be valuable information for your doctor.

Time    Amt Voided   Leak Volume   Activity w/Episode  Urge?  Fluid Intake

8am           1/4 cup       dry                           N/A                                     Yes

9am                              drips                       lifting

Amount Voided: Use a spare measuring cup or you can purchase a plastic collection device at a pharmacy or medical supply store.

Leak Volume:  If recording a leakage episode, enter Dry, Drops, Soaked, or Bladder Emptied to describe the leakage

Activity During Leakage: If recording a leakage episode,  enter activity you were doing prior to episode, such as running, lifting a child, sneezing

Did You Feel an Urge: Enter Yes or No

Prior Fluid Intake: If you are entering a fluid intake entry, enter the amount consumed and the time you consumed it.