Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Voiding diary, Micturition diary, Frequency volume chart (FVC), Urinary diary, Bladder log, Urination journal, Voiding record
Definition
A bladder diary, also known as a frequency volume chart (FVC) or voiding diary, is an assessment tool used to record detailed information about a person’s urinary habits over a specified period, typically three days.1 This structured documentation method enables patients to track when they urinate, the volume of urine passed, fluid intake, urgency episodes, and incontinence events.2 The diary serves as an objective measure to help healthcare providers better understand and diagnose lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and guide clinical decision-making for conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and other storage dysfunctions.3 The comprehensive nature of the bladder diary allows for the identification of patterns in urination frequency, volume, and timing, which may reveal underlying causes of urinary symptoms that might not be apparent through verbal patient history alone.4
Clinical Context
Bladder diaries are utilized in various clinical scenarios to assess and manage lower urinary tract symptoms.1 Healthcare providers typically recommend bladder diaries when patients present with complaints such as urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, or incontinence.2 The diary is particularly valuable during initial evaluation as it provides objective data about the patient’s condition before initiating treatment.3
For patient selection, bladder diaries are appropriate for most individuals experiencing urinary symptoms, though modifications may be necessary for pediatric patients, elderly individuals with cognitive impairment, or those with limited literacy.4 Research indicates that a three-day recording period offers the optimal balance between compliance and reliable data collection, as shorter periods may not capture typical patterns while longer periods can reduce patient adherence.1,3
In clinical practice, bladder diaries serve multiple functions: they establish baseline symptoms, help differentiate between polyuria, nocturnal polyuria, and normal urine production, and can identify behavioral factors contributing to symptoms (such as excessive fluid intake or caffeine consumption).2 The diary also functions as a therapeutic tool, with studies showing that approximately 36% of patients experience symptom improvement through the self-monitoring process alone and may no longer desire treatment after completing the diary.1
Healthcare providers use bladder diary data to guide treatment decisions, including behavioral modifications, pelvic floor therapy, pharmacological interventions, or surgical approaches.3 The diary is also valuable for monitoring treatment efficacy over time, allowing for objective comparison of pre- and post-intervention symptoms.4