Ludhiana, July 25
The community dentistry department of Christian Dental College (CDC) here has been involved in organising awareness and checkup camps in rural areas of the region. The department has been involved in raising awareness and providing medical help villagers and poor people suffering from edentulous, or being without teeth.

This condition can substantially reduce quality of life, self-image, and daily functioning. The dental experts say that the incidence of edentulous is on the rise, especially among the rural population due to poor oral hygiene and awareness. According to Dr N.C. Mann, senior consultant with the department, this rise is startling.

In the past one month, the CDC team of doctors and supporting staff, had held six special camps providing treatment to as many as 474 adults. "Out of these the incidences of gum disease and tooth decay were 53 and 36 per cent respectively. But the most worrying aspect was the prevalence of edentulousness, that is total loss of natural teeth which accounted for 24 per cent of patients in the age group of 55 years and above," informed Dr Mann.

Carrying forward the "Smiley Project", 71 sets of dentures, costing approximately Rs 2.84 lakh, were delivered during these camps at a subsidised cost.

The areas covered during these camps were Kokari Kalan in district Moga, Phagwara in district Kapurthala, Mukandpur in district Ludhiana and Damunda in district Hoshiarpur. More such camps have been planned in remote areas. 

Ludhiana, July 25
"Most of the Indians acquire knowledge regarding sex and sexuality through various formal and informal avenues. Much of the information acquired through informal sources is unlikely to be correct. Sex being a topic, which is not openly discussed. As a result of all this, many myths and misconceptions circulate in society. Such myths are further reinforced by well-meaning but ignorant individuals and quacks."

These observations were made by leading consultants in premier medical institutions in the city while making their presentations at a symposium on "Recent Update on Male Sexual Dysfunction", sponsored by Pfizer here on Monday.

The guest lecture was delivered by Dr Paramjeet Singh Khurana, consultant neuro-psychiatrist at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, who discussed psychological, relational and cultural factors in the understanding and management of male sexual problems.

Dr Parminder Singh, consultant endocrinologist at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, spoke on medical management of male sexual dysfunction and Dr Kim Mammen, professor and head, department of urology at Christian Medical College and Hospital, who focused on ejaculatory dysfunction, peyronnies disease and penile implants.

The speakers at the symposium were of the view that some of the myths related to the sexual functions were so firmly entrenched in the mass psyche that it was extremely difficult to eradicate them.

"Sexual dysfunction clinics are flooded with clients who are victims of such misconceptions. Patients are exploited by quacks prescribing unscientific Ayurvedic, unani or herbal medicines at exorbitant price. Unfortunately print medium and TV cable operators frequently give advertisements about such sex clinics, which are run by unqualified people. Most of the times patient does not know whom to consult for his sex problems and often they are cheated by these quacks," remarked the medical experts.

Touching different aspects of sexual problems and sexuality, Dr Mammen stated that an estimated 43 per cent of women and 31 per cent of men suffered from one or the other sexual problem, according to a survey. Sex, he said, was a physiologically based motive, like hunger, but it was more affected by learning and values.

Dr Mammen said a majority of the patients did not initiate discussion of their sexual problems with the apprehension of embarrassment, misconceptions about available treatment and with the belief that the clinician would dismiss their sexual concerns.

Dr Parminder Singh dwelt upon recent updates in the medical investigations for sexual dysfunctions, their treatment and surgical aspects with presentation of many case histories at the symposium.