Final answer:
The inability to completely empty the bladder is known as urinary retention, a condition distinct from urinary incontinence, which is the uncontrolled leakage of urine. Urinary retention can be due to physical obstructions, nerve issues, or certain medications and requires medical investigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inability to completely empty the bladder is known as urinary retention. This condition can occur due to various reasons such as physical obstructions in the urinary tract, nerve problems affecting bladder control, or side effects from certain medications. Unlike urinary incontinence, which involves uncontrolled leakage of urine, urinary retention means that individuals cannot empty their bladders completely, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Disorders such as an enlarged prostate gland can be a common cause of urinary retention in individuals with male anatomy, while childbirth-related stress can be a contributing factor in those with female anatomy.
In contrast, anuria is the condition where there is no urine excretion or it's below 10 ml/day, which might indicate acute renal failure or nephritis. Oliguria refers to urine excretion of less than 600 ml/day and may be observed in conditions like fever, shock, vomiting or diarrhea. Both conditions are serious and require medical attention. As for urinary incontinence, it's a separate issue, characterized by the chronic problem of uncontrolled leakage of urine and can be linked to health problems such as diabetes or obesity.