Bladder Log 

A bladder log can be a helpful way to get snapshot of your bladder health. Many pelvic floor  therapists will ask you to fill one out over the course of 1-3 days following your initial evaluation. 

Keeping track of how much and what kind fluid intake you get and how much you output can  give a lot of insight into why you may be experiencing leaking, frequency, or urgency.  Identifying known triggers in your daily life is very helpful in learning what you can change for  the future and what type of treatment will fit your needs best. 

If you want to earn bonus points with your pelvic floor therapist, take a day or two to fill the  bladder log before your first appointment. After completing your bladder log on a typical day –  not a day that you are trying to do it all right because you read ahead – compare your results to  the following ideals: 

1. Eat a well-rounded diet, full of color. 

2. Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of fluid throughout the day 

3. At least 2/3 of your fluid intake throughout the day should be in the form of water (can add  electrolytes for added hydration) 

4. Minimize/Avoid consumption known bladder irritants such as caffeine, carbonated  beverages, and alcohol.  

5. Urinate 5-8x per day – all medium to large voids 

6. No leaking on the way to the restroom or with activity 

7. Only use the restroom when an urge is present – no just in case peeing 

If your bladder log is filled with small, frequent voids, with or without leaking you are likely  experiencing urge incontinence. Urge incontinence is typically treated by reducing bladder  irritation and retraining your bladder to stay full longer without sending the urge that it is time to  urinate. Many patients with urge incontinence can see significant results within 3 days of  retraining their bladder. 

In contrast, if you are leaking with activities such as coughing, sneezing, running and jumping,  you are likely experiencing stress incontinence. Stress incontinence typically occurs when there  is too much pressure down on the pelvic floor for it to handle which can result in leaking.  Treatment typically includes working on strength through the full relaxed to contracted state  along with the coordination and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles. 

Others may also be experiencing both urge and stress incontinence. Which makes the bladder  log over 2-3 days even more important. A longer bladder log will give your therapist a deeper  look into your daily patterns in order to create you a personalized, custom rehabilitation  program. 

If you are interested in a deeper dive into the specifics of your bladder log and how to reverse  your urinary frequency, urgency, and leaking, schedule a complementary 15 minute phone  consult today. 

**As always, consult with your medical provider prior to making any significant lifestyle change.