Incontinence diaries
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USING A BLADDER DIARY OR BOWEL DIARY
Keeping track of your bathroom habits may seem a little strange at first, but it is a great way for you to see trends over time and learn what types of foods and drinks trigger your incontinence. Especially if you are newly diagnosed, using a bladder or bowel diary can be invaluable. Not only will you gain insight into your condition, but it will also aid your doctor in knowing what type of incontinence you suffer from and help him or her develop a more customized treatment plan for you.
If you have bladder incontinence: Click here to download the NAFC Bladder Diary
If you have fecal incontinence: Click here to download the NAFC Bowel Diary
If you suffer from adult bedwetting: Click here to download the NAFC Bedwetting Diary
If you’re suffering from frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom: Click here to download the NAFC Nocturia Symptom Tracker
Record your habits for at least four days, but ideally a week to really get a complete view of what is happening with your body. Once you’ve learned some of your own triggers, it may help you to better manage your incontinence on your own. If not, be sure to bring your diary to your doctors office so you can have an open discussion about your incontinence and develop a solution together.
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Incontinence by the Numbers
How common it is, why it’s increasing, and what an aging population means for patients and families
Incontinence is often treated as something people should keep private — but the reality is that it’s extremely common, and it affects millions of Americans every day.
As our population ages, especially with Baby Boomers entering older adulthood, more people are living with bladder and bowel control problems. That means more patients seeking answers, more caregivers providing support, and greater impact on families and the healthcare system.
Understanding the numbers helps reduce stigma — and reminds people that they are not alone and help is available.