TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 3 AUGUST 2025
– Kolkata may be facing a silent health crisis. Recent estimates suggest that Overactive Bladder (OAB) now affects 15.5% of the city’s population, translating to over 2.3 million individuals. Using a simple formula—Estimated OAB cases = Population × Prevalence Rate—we find:
15,000,000 × 0.155 = 2,325,000.
Should we apply higher prevalence rates observed in some studies (up to 27.4%), the number of affected individuals could soar to 4.1 million. This places OAB among the most common but least acknowledged chronic health conditions in the region.
OAB is a urological disorder marked by frequent and urgent urination, often accompanied by urinary incontinence. Though non-fatal, it severely disrupts daily life, causing emotional distress, social withdrawal, and sleep disturbances. Women and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable, and Kolkata’s aging population compounds the risk. Despite the burden, OAB remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, often dismissed as a natural part of aging or a minor inconvenience.
“We are looking at a public health blind spot of massive proportions,” said Dr. Anurag Chatterjee, Consultant Urologist at Fortis Hospital Rashbehari, Kolkata. “Overactive Bladder is not just a physical condition it affects dignity, mental health, and social participation. Many patients endure symptoms silently, assuming nothing can be done or fearing embarrassment. But effective treatments do exist, and outcomes are significantly better with early intervention. The real challenge is societal we must break the stigma and normalize conversations around bladder health.”
Dr. Chatterjee also emphasized that leading hospitals in Kolkata, including Fortis and Apollo, are equipped with cutting-edge treatment protocols ranging from medication and behavioral therapy to sacral neuromodulation and corrective surgery for pelvic floor disorders. Additionally, validated Bengali-language diagnostic tools are now available, enabling better screening and consultation in community health setups.
Yet, the gap between those suffering and those seeking help remains stark. Experts point out that current health systems do not routinely screen for OAB, and few public awareness efforts exist to educate people on the signs and management of urinary disorders. As a result, patients typically present only when symptoms have escalated, often years after onset.
The call to action is clear: integrate urinary health into primary care, especially for geriatric and women’s health services, launch citywide awareness campaigns, and encourage early reporting without fear or shame. OAB may not be life-threatening, but its toll on emotional and functional well-being is substantial—and preventable.
In a city of 15 million, even conservative estimates suggest that more than one in seven people may be suffering in silence. With access to the right care and a shift in societal mindset, Kolkata can lead the way in addressing this often-overlooked condition.
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