_x000D_Screenshot: BBC (youtube.com)

What is an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostate enlargement, is like an unwelcome birthday gift that keeps on giving as men age. It’s not rare and certainly not exclusive to royalty, despite King Charles bringing it into the limelight in January 2024. This condition sees the prostate gland, which should be walnut-sized, growing and squeezing the urethra. The result? A range of urinary symptoms like frequent trips to the loo, especially at night, and the feeling of a never-quite-empty bladder. It’s a common party crasher for the over-50 crowd, with more than one-third of men in this age group likely to experience its less-than-joyous presence. While it’s not usually a serious threat to health, it can be a royal pain. Awareness, as King Charles’ case has shown, is key to managing it effectively.