Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation that utilizes a small implant in the body to emit radiation and destroy cancerous cells. Patients who undergo brachytherapy to treat cancer in the pelvic region have a small implant placed in or near the site of cancer cell growth. The amount of time an implant stays within a patient's body can vary greatly, from a few minutes to permanently, according to the National Cancer Institute. Patients should discuss the aftereffects of brachytherapy pelvic radiation with a doctor before undergoing this form of cancer treatment.
Bleeding or Discharge
Immediately after undergoing pelvic brachytherapy, patients can develop unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina or penis or in the urine, Macmillan Cancer Support explains. These aftereffects are normal and typically resolve within a few days of treatment. Patients who experience profuse or persistent bleeding or discharge should seek care from a doctor.
Cystitis
This form of pelvic radiation therapy can significantly irritate a patient's bladder. Bladder irritation, or cystitis, can contribute to increased, urgent or uncomfortable urination, according to the American Brachytherapy Society. In most cases, bladder irritation is temporary and resolves after brachytherapy ends. Bladder damage caused by pelvic brachytherapy can result in permanent urinary complications in certain people. Patients who experience persistent urination resulting from the procedure should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.
Upset Stomach
Pelvic irritation caused by brachytherapy can extend into surrounding organs, such as the stomach or intestines. Consequently, patients treated with this type of pelvic radiation can experience upset stomach aftereffects, such as diarrhea, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) explains. Patients who develop diarrhea experience frequent, urgent bowel movements that produce runny stools. Abdominal pain, bloating or cramping can also occur in conjunction with diarrhea. Though this aftereffect typically resolves after pelvic brachytherapy ends, certain patients can experience chronic diarrhea symptoms. If such problems arise, affected patients should seek care from a doctor since chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration or weight loss.
Bruising, Soreness or Swelling
Patients can experience bruising, tenderness or swelling at the site of pelvic brachytherapy treatment, MayoClinic.com reports. The sensitive pelvic tissues can appear red, inflamed or irritated and can be temporarily sore to the touch. A doctor may prescribe or recommend certain types of pain medication to help patients manage this uncomfortable consequence of brachytherapy.
Erectile Dysfunction or Menopause
Both men and women who undergo pelvic brachytherapy can experience sexual complications after this procedure. Male patients can develop erectile dysfunction, or impotence, which is characterized by a recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for penetration. Approximately 30 to 35 percent of men continue to experience erectile dysfunction five years after receiving permanent brachytherapy, UPMC reports. Men should discuss these resulting problems from treatment with a doctor and their intimate partner prior to undergoing pelvic brachytherapy.
Women who receive this form of pelvic radiation typically experience the onset of menopause approximately three months after treatment initiation, Macmillan Cancer Support warns. This aftereffect of brachytherapy can cause dry skin, decreased sexual libido, vaginal dryness, diminished concentration and hot flushes. A doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to help manage these symptoms in affected women. The onset of menopause also means that women who experience this aftereffect can't have biological children due to infertility. Women should discuss pelvic brachytherapy with their partner and physician before initiating treatment.
