King Charles needs hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate
King Charles must go to hospital for treatment of an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace has announced.
“Like thousands of men every year, the king has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” the palace said. “His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public appearances will be postponed for a short period of recovery.”
It is understood the King was keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get tested in line with public health advice.
About one in three men over the age of 50 will have some symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a gland located just below the bladder.
The news came on the same day it was announced that his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, was recovering in hospital after a successful planned abdominal operation, and would remain in hospital for between 10 and 14 days, with all public appointments canceled until Easter .
It is understood Buckingham Palace has made the king’s condition public as he planned a series of meetings and events on Thursday and Friday at Dumfries House, the estate in Scotland he kept for the nation, which were arranged on the advice of his doctor postponed.
Because foreign dignitaries and members of the Cabinet were traveling, Buckingham Palace felt it necessary to make people aware of the situation.
Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is not cancer and does not usually pose a serious threat to health, according to the NHS website.
The cause of benign prostate enlargement is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes as men age. Symptoms include difficulty initiating urination, frequent urination, and difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
The balance of hormones in the body changes as people age and this can cause the prostate to grow. Precise details about the procedure the king will undergo have not been revealed.
Doctors who see patients with an enlarged prostate will typically make treatment decisions based on how severe their symptoms are. With mild symptoms, treatment is usually not necessary. Lifestyle changes such as drinking less alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks, limiting intake of artificial sweeteners and exercising regularly may be recommended.
For moderate to severe symptoms, the patient may be offered a drug to reduce the size of the prostate and relax the bladder.
Although it usually does not pose a serious health threat, BPE can cause problems, including difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder. It can sometimes lead to complications such as a urinary tract infection, chronic urinary retention or acute urinary retention.
In-hospital procedures, as in the king’s case, are typically only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medications. There are several options, including surgery, steam ablation treatments, and laser treatments.