Coping with side effects
The side effects of prostate cancer treatment include erectile dysfunction (impotence), changes in bowel habit, urinary incontinence and infertility. Below is some information that may be useful to you. These can be hard to cope with.
Key Points :
- Urinary incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Infertility
- Bowel habit changes
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is not being able to control; the flow of urine. It is a common side effect of prostate cancer treatment, caused by damage to the nerves or other parts that control urination. In some men it can be minor, just a few drops when they, for example, cough or sneeze. In others it can be more severe, so that men need to use incontinence pads several times a day. It usually gets worse straight after treatment and gets better within a year of treatment.
Men can be concerned about odors or ‘having an accident’ in public. It is important that you do not withdraw from your friends or social situations because of such fears. You can prevent or disguise odors and accidents. Exercising the muscles of your pelvis can help. You may need to use pads. There are also clamps and other devices you may wish to try. If your incontinence does not improve with time, surgery may be an option.
Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Erectile dysfunction means not being able to get and maintain an erection firm enough for penetration. This can happen as men get older. It can also happen to men who have radiotherapy or surgery for prostate cancer, because these treatments can damage key nerves. Your doctor will try to avoid damaging these nerves, but sometimes, because the cancer can grow very close to them, it is not possible.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated by:
- Injections to the penis, that you can learn to do yourself, can help you have an erection These injections can cause a dull pain for a little while ins some men and scarring if used too often.
- Tablets can increase blood flow to the penis, helping you have an erection. These tablets can cause headaches and a hot flushing feeling
- Other methods include implants in the penis and pumps
Infertility
Most men become infertile after treatment, which means the sperm they produce are not able to penetrate an egg.Sometimes, the best thing to do is ‘watch and wait’. Regular check ups will tell you and your doctor if treatment is needed. Prostate cancer can be treated by surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy.
Treatment will depend on where the cancer is, what type of cancer it is, its size and how far it has spread. Your specialist will also consider your age, general health and your preferences. You may see a number of different specialists at this stage to help decide the best treatment for your particular cancer.
Bowel habit changes
Some men have diarrhoea or bowel urgency after treatment. A small number of men have bleeding from bowel after radiotherapy. For most men, bowel problems improve over time.
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