Bladder diary

A bladder diary, also referred to as a also known as a voiding diary,^[1] frequency volume chart (FVC),^[2] or micturition diary,^[3] is an objective log used to record a person’s urinary habits and fluid intake over a defined period, typically 2 to 3 days. Patients document details such as the timing and volume of urination, fluid consumption, episodes of urgency, and any urinary leakage or incontinence.^[4] The purpose of a bladder diary is to help a healthcare professional to better understand a patient's bladder function and symptoms.^[5]

The bladder diary provides valuable urodiagnostic information that helps healthcare providers evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia (nighttime urination), and incontinence. It is often recommended during initial assessments to differentiate between conditions like overactive bladder, polyuria, and urinary retention. Using a bladder diary can guide personalised treatment plans involving lifestyle advice, behavioural therapies (e.g., bladder training, pelvic floor exercises), and medications.

1. Brown JS, McNaughton KS, Wyman JF, Burgio KL, Harkaway R, Bergner D, Altman DS, Kaufman J, Kaufman K, Girman CJ (April 2003). "Measurement characteristics of a voiding diary for use by men and women with overactive bladder". Urology (61(4)): 802–9. doi:10.1016/s0090-4295(02)02505-0. PMID 12670569.
2. {{url=https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/Input%20output%20chart.pdf | date=July 2024 | title= Leaflet No: F24/016 - Urinary Input and Output Chart (Bladder Diary) | publisher= British Association of Urological Surgeons Limited | format=pdf | access-date=17 August 2025}}
3. Groutz A, Blaivas JG, Chaikin DC, Resnick NM, Engleman K, Anzalone D, Bryzinski B, Wein AJ (September 2000). "Noninvasive outcome measures of urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms: a multicenter study of micturition diary and pad tests". Journal of Urology (164(3 Pt 1)): 698–701. doi:10.1097/00005392-200009010-00019. PMID 10953128.
4. Thomas, Liji (29 December 2022). "How to Keep a Bladder Diary". News-Medical.net. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
5. "Bladder Diary". GM Urology. 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2025.