The illness led to King Charles III being hospitalized for treatment.

In England, King Charles III's benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly occurs in middle-aged men, due to hormones or pre-existing health problems.

According to Buckingham Palace, King Charles will be hospitalized next week for treatment of an enlarged prostate gland. The King's condition is benign and requires a "medical procedure to correct."

The prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system, is about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder and sperm out of the body).

According to the Mayo Clinic, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the benign growth of a tissue entity that results in an enlarged prostate gland that can obstruct the lower urinary tract; this is then called an obstructive goiter.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects approximately 50% of men by age 50. The likelihood of developing the condition increases with age.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include nocturia (urination at night), frequent urination, and inability to completely empty the bladder after urination. Less common manifestations include urinary tract infections, urinary retention, and blood in the urine.

These symptoms tend to worsen over time. The size of the prostate gland does not always determine the severity of symptoms.

According to Professor Amin Herati, director of the Department of Male Infertility and Men's Health at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the exact cause of prostate enlargement is unclear. However, hormones and growth factors may contribute to men's susceptibility to this condition.

King Charles III attends the Royal Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. Photo: Reuters — King Charles III attends the Royal Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. Photo: *Reuters*

Other health problems that can lead to an enlarged prostate include urinary tract infections, prostatitis, urethral stricture, bladder or kidney stones, and prostate or bladder cancer.

Aging and a family history of benign prostatic hyperplasia are also risk factors. Conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and erectile dysfunction can also contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Doctors typically diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through clinical examination, review of medical history, and medication history. Patients are prescribed tests such as urinalysis, blood tests, antigen tests, and rectal ultrasound.

According to Kevin Wymer, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, treatment options include lifestyle changes, increased physical activity, medication, and surgery.

"Sometimes, you don't need to do anything. If the enlargement isn't causing symptoms or dysfunction, you just need to monitor it further," Dr. Wymer said.

Two commonly used medications for this condition are alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Alpha-blockers relax the muscles of the prostate gland, while 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors help reduce the size of the prostate gland.

In cases of severe illness or poor response to medication side effects, doctors may recommend surgery. The procedure varies from patient to patient, based on prostate size, age, and overall health.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to complications such as urinary retention, urinary tract infections, bladder damage, or kidney damage.

Thuc Linh (Based on Washington Post and Mayo Clinic )

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