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Healthy Bladder and Bowel

Bladder and bowel diary

​​​​​​​​​A bladder and bowel diary helps you collect information about:

  • what and when you drink
  • how often and how much you urinate
  • when and why your bladder leaks

It also gives the same information about your bowels. 

This information can help your healthcare provider learn more about your problem and plan your treatment.

Download and print a blank bladder and bowel diary​.

How to use the bladder and bowel diary

  • In the ​Time ​column, write the time you drink, pee, have a bowel movement, or leak. Include night hours.
  • In the Amount and Type of Drink column, write the type and amount of fluid you drink. Use the measurements mL, ounces, or cups.​
  • Each time you empty your bladder, measure the urine in a container and write the amount in the Bladder ​column. If you can’t measure, estimate the amount as small (150 mL), medium (150 to 250 mL), or large (250 mL or more).
  • Each time your bladder leaks, write in the ​Leaking and Urge column under Urine if it was a small (few drops), medium (wet underwear or pad), or large amount (soaked clothes or pad).​
    • ​​​​​Include what you think caused the leak—for example, cough, sudden movement, or strong urge. For an urge, write how strong the urge was from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong).​​
  • In the Bowel Movement column, write down the type of stool: 1 = liquid, 2 = toothpaste-like, 3 = formed but soft, 4 = hard, 5 = pebble-like.
  • ​Each time you leak stool, write the type (1 to 5) and amount (small, medium, large) in the Leaking and Urge column under Stool.
    • ​Include what you think caused the leak—for example, a cough, sudden movement, or strong urge. For an urge, write how strong the urge​ was from 0 (no​ urge) to 5 (very ​strong urge).​
  • In the ​ Pelvic Pain column, note if you have pelvic pain and how bad it is from 0 (no pain) to 10 ( worst pain).
  • ​Add any comments that you think will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

​Example:

Time Amount and Type of Drink​
Bladder:
 
 Amount in Container​
Bowel Movement:
 Type
 (1 to 5)​

​ ​Leaking and Urge?

 (0=none, 5=very bad)

 Amount and reason for loss

Pelvic Pain

(0=no pain

10=very bad)​
Urine Stool
7:00 am​ 350 mL​ Sm – cough, 2/5​
8:15 am​ 1 cup milk​ 0​
9:30 am​
10:00 am​ 200 mL​
10:30 am​ 1 cup tea​ 3​ 2​

Comments: My allergies are acting up.
Number and style of pads used today: 2 panty liners


Current as of: January 11, 2024

Author: Women’s Health, Alberta Health Services