What is the medical term for the loss of bladder control?

The correct term for the loss of bladder control is incontinence. This condition refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur for various reasons, including weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, or underlying medical conditions. It can significantly affect a person's quality of life and may require medical evaluation and management.

Retention refers to the inability to empty the bladder completely, which is different from incontinence as it involves holding onto urine rather than losing control of its release. Catheterization is a procedure used to drain urine from the bladder, typically in patients who have difficulty urinating or cannot do so for medical reasons. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which can sometimes lead to symptoms like urgency or frequency but is not synonymous with incontinence itself.