Men with prostate cancer may receive one of two types of radiation treatment designed to kill cancer cells; both types can cause short-term and permanent side effects. Brachytherapy is a procedure involving implantation of radioactive capsules, or “seeds,” into the prostate gland. External radiation treatment (XRT) is a type of radiotherapy in which a machine directs high-energy radiation from outside of the body in toward the prostate tumor and surrounding tissue.
Urinary Side Effects
According to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, between 12 and 20 percent of men may develop a significant change in their urinary habits after prostate radiation. For example, incontinence can occur if the radiation damages the sphincter muscles that normally help to control the flow of urine. Up to 10 percent of men may develop urinary leakage, and a small percentage of those men may have to permanently wear a pad or undergo corrective surgery to restore urinary control. Elderly men and those with pre-existing urinary problems are more likely to develop these side effects.
Some men may also experience discomfort or a burning sensation during urination, or a sense of urgency and frequent need to urinate, according to UrologyChannel.com. The presence of blood in the urine is another side effect of radiation.
Impotence and Infertility
Available research based on slightly older forms of prostate radiation therapy reveal that up to 50 percent of men become impotent--unable to get or maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse--within 5 years of treatment, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Symptoms of erectile dysfunction usually become worse over time. Updated research is needed to determine whether more contemporary forms of radiation therapy are helping to improve these statistics. The Seattle Care Cancer Alliance notes that medication can help to alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction in some men. In addition to impotence, radiation therapy also usually results in infertility, so men who are interested in having children should discuss these concerns with their doctor.
Bowel Side Effects
Men who undergo prostate radiation may develop a change in bowel habits, including bowel frequency and urgency, diarrhea and a burning sensation during bowel movements, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Hemorrhoids--swollen veins in the rectum or anus that cause pain and/or itching--may also develop or worsen after treatment. These bowel side effects can become chronic in up to 20 percent of patients.
Though rare, prostate radiation therapy can also cause severe tissue damage to the rectum or anus that requires surgical intervention.
