Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer, especially early, localized prostate cancer. Radiation may be given externally, by a machine or via radioactive "pellets" inserted into the prostate, a technique called brachytherapy.
Incontinence and Bowel Problems
Incontinence, or trouble with holding urine, can be a side effect of radiation for prostate cancer, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Eight to 10 percent of men who have radiation therapy for prostate cancer have some urine leakage, along with an urge to urinate.
Bowel problems may also be a side effect of radiation therapy. Up to 20 percent of men who have radiation therapy for their prostate cancer have noticed a change in their bowel habits, whether it is diarrhea, urgency to have a bowel movement, hemorrhoid flareups or burning with a bowel movement. These side effects can often be treated with medication.
Impotence and Infertility
Radiation therapy to the prostate will likely cause sterility. If you want to preserve your fertility, talk to your doctor about banking your sperm prior to the start of treatment.
More than half of men who get radiation therapy for their prostate cancer notice a permanent change in their ability to have or maintain an erection, and the majority of men notice a decrease in their sexual functioning, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. The American Cancer Society notes that the older you are when you have radiation to your prostate, the more likely impotence is to occur. Medication may be able to help with this side effect.
Other Side Effects
Fatigue may be a side effect of radiation for prostate cancer in some people, and may not go away for many months after the end of treatment. Lymphedema, or fluid buildup, in the legs and genitals, may also occur. This is more likely to happen if you receive radiation to the pelvic lymph nodes.
