17 January 2024 , 19:33
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Brits are reminded to be aware of certain warning signs as King Charles is set to enter hospital to treat an enlarged prostate.
Charles, 75, is believed to be keen to share his diagnosis in order to encourage other men experiencing symptoms to have them checked out. A statement from Buckingham Palace read: "In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
According to the NHS, benign prostate enlargement is "the medical term to describe an enlarged prostate, a condition that can affect how you pee". The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis, found between the penis and the bladder. It's not cancerous, nor does it increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. It's common in men over the age of 50 - it can affect younger men, but that is a lot rarer.
Nick Ridgman, an expert at Prostate Cancer UK, told the Mirror that it is not usually very serious but advised that men should go to see a doctor with certain symptoms. “Over time it can become enlarged and the risk increases with age. For men over 50 it is very common with one in three suffering from the urinary symptoms,” he said.
“It is not very clear why the prostate gets bigger with age but there are risk factors around the oestrogen/testosterone balance. There are factors like obesity and diabetes that could increase the risk of an enlarged prostate but it’s mainly age related.
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"It tends not to be serious and it is known for bothersome urinary symptoms. Weak flow, difficulty starting, not emptied properly, dribbling after, needing to go more often and incontinence. It can lead on to other things as well so if people have these symptoms then they should go to see a doctor.
It's believed the King wants to raise awareness about prostate problems (AFP via Getty Images)"For some men it could lead to urinary retention difficulty which is more serious but unusual. If any of these symptoms are persistent then we would always advise going to the doctors to have it checked out."
He said that treatment for an enlarged prostate include lifestyle changes, medicines and also surgery but he did emphasise that there was not a direct link between an enlarged prostate and cancer. "Prostate cancer is not connected to prostate cancer and having it doesn’t increase the risk," he said.
Meanwhile Dr Suhail Hussain, a GP in Hertfordshire and Greater London gave a list of symptoms and potential risks from an enlarged prostate. "An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in aging men. While BPH is generally non-cancerous, it can lead to various complications and risks," he said.
Common symptoms of enlarged prostate
Frequent Urination: An enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra, leading to increased frequency of urination, especially during the night (nocturia).
Urgency
There may be a sense of urgency to urinate, and it may be difficult to delay or postpone going to the bathroom.
Weak Urine Stream
The flow of urine may be weak, and individuals may experience difficulty initiating urination.
Straining to Urinate
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Some men may find it challenging to start or maintain a steady stream of urine.
Incomplete Emptying
A feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder after urination is a common symptom.
Dribbling at the End of Urination
After finishing urination, there may be a continued dribbling of urine.
Difficulty Starting Urination
Some men may have trouble initiating the flow of urine when they try to urinate.
Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
An enlarged prostate can cause irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine.
Urinary Retention
In severe cases, an enlarged prostate can lead to acute urinary retention, where a person is unable to urinate at all. This is a medical emergency.
Urinary Tract Infections
The inability to completely empty the bladder increases the risk of urinary tract infections.
Potential risks associated with enlarged prostate
Urinary Tract Infections
BPH can obstruct the normal flow of urine, leading to urinary retention. This increases the risk of developing urinary tract infections as stagnant urine provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
Bladder Stones
The inability to completely empty the bladder can result in the formation of bladder stones. These stones can cause pain, discomfort, and may interfere with normal bladder function.
Acute Urinary Retention
In some cases, the prostate enlargement can cause a sudden and complete inability to urinate. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Severe cases of BPH can lead to complications such as hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys) and kidney damage, which may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease.
Bladder Damage
The constant strain on the bladder due to incomplete emptying can lead to weakened bladder muscles and reduced bladder capacity over time.
Hematuria
BPH can cause irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine. While this is usually not a cause for major concern, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
BPH commonly causes lower urinary tract symptoms, including increased frequency of urination, urgency, weak stream, difficulty initiating urination, and the sensation of incomplete emptying.
Sexual Dysfunction
BPH and its treatments can sometimes contribute to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation (semen entering the bladder instead of exiting the penis during ejaculation).
Dr Hussain added: "It's important for individuals experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate to seek medical attention. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the impact on quality of life. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring the condition and managing any potential complications."