What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and how is it treated?

King Charles III is in a hospital to undergo a procedure for an enlarged prostate — an extremely common condition among older men

The announcement that King Charles III was admitted to a private hospital Friday to undergo a procedure for an enlarged prostate has sparked interest in what is an extremely common condition among older men.

The 75-year-old monarch is in good company. About half of men in their 50s have enlarged prostates and that prevalence climbs to more than 80% of men by the time they reach age 80.

It's a common result of aging, said Dr. Stephen Nakada, a University of Wisconsin urologist.

“It’s like getting gray hair,” Nakada said.

An enlarged prostate doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, they can be annoying. And some men have more trouble than others.