Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). ACS estimates that approximately 192,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is important to discuss the side effects of treatment with your doctor before beginning cancer treatment.
Pain
If you choose to have surgery to remove the cancerous cells within your prostate, you will likely experience significant pain following this procedure, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Cancer Research UK. The severity of the pain may be dependent on the invasiveness of your surgical procedure and the type of pain medications you are permitted by your doctor to take. Sensations of pain are typically localized to the site of incision, which may be along your abdomen or between your scrotum and anus---depending on the surgery option you selected. You may experience pain for several days or weeks following your prostate surgery. In most cases, your pain can be managed by prescribed pain medications taken on a regular basis. If you still experience significant pain even after taking your pain medications, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Incontinence
According to Cancer Research UK, men with prostate cancer who elect to have a surgical procedure to remove the cancer may experience incontinence following surgery. Incontinence is a medical condition in which an individual is unable to control his flow of urine. This may occur for several reasons, including surgical swelling or bladder muscle damage. Although symptoms of urinary incontinence may resolve in time, some men may suffer from permanent urinary incontinence following this type of surgery. Speak with your doctor to learn more about techniques and incontinence products you can use to help alleviate this side effect.
Impotence
The NCI notes that some men may become permanently impotent following surgery to remove prostate cancer. Impotence is a medical condition in which a man is unable to produce an erection rigid enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence does not affect a man's ability to experience sexual pleasure, feel sensation or achieve orgasm. Men who experience orgasm after prostate cancer surgery will likely experience a dry orgasm, which lacks the expulsion of ejaculatory fluid. In most cases, surgery to treat prostate cancer involves the removal of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, which generate ejaculatory fluid. Impotence may lead to the development of additional emotional symptoms, including depression or anxiety, in some men. If you have any concerns about impotence, discuss them with your doctor prior to surgery.
