This was highlighted by Dr Virinder K Bhardwaj, formerly Head, Medigroup of Henry Ford Health Care chain and at present, a urologist in Michigan, USA. He was delivering a lecture on ‘Urinary Incontinence and Over Active Urinary Bladder (OAB)’ at DMC hospital here today.

Dr Bhardwaj pointed out that women prefer to suffer in silence, assuming that the problem will go on its own. He regretted that women do not realise that this condition is not only largely curable, but preventable too. He added that the problem affects women the world over.

For Dr Bhardwaj, an alumnus of DMC, addressing the students and resident doctors at his alma mater was like a homecoming. He recalled how he had diagnosed many patients with the disease in the US and treated them, much to their relief.

“Diagnosing and treating a patient with OAB provides them with much relief, enabling them to sleep peacefully at night. Otherwise these people, who suffer from the urgency to pass urine after a few minutes, lead miserable lives. They cannot sleep, and are also prone to fall and fractures, as they wake up often at night to answer nature’s call. Sometimes, they even suffer from depression as they are socially isolated.’’

He added that the problem is often not diagnosed correctly. “Once patients are diagnosed and treated, it is like adding life to their years,” he said, sensitising the students of urology to handle such cases well.

Dr Bhardwaj said that awareness is the only key to prompt such people to see a doctor. The responsibility lies with the general physicians and gynaecologists to refer them to the specialists. He also emphasised on the need to convey to the patients that they suffer from a curable disorder.