| Prostate cancer | Diagnosing prostate cancer | Treatment for prostate cancer |
| Coping with side effects of treatment for prostate cancer |
This information has been reviewed by:
Associate Professor Jeremy Millar, The Alfred
Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
The side effects of prostate cancer treatment can include erectile dysfunction (impotence), changes in bowel habit, urinary incontinence and infertility. These can be hard to cope with. Below is some information that may be useful to you. For further information, your doctor could refer you to relevant services, or telephone the Cancer Council Helpline.
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 nerves. Your doctor will try to avoid damaging the nerves. However, because the cancer can grow very close to the nerves that control erections, it is not always possible.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated. Your doctor or nurse can provide you with more information about this.
If you have a partner, problems with erections can affect your closeness. It is important that your partner understands the changes to your body that can be caused by prostate cancer treatment, and that you both try to stay as close and affectionate as you were before treatment. If you do not have a partner, or are worried about forming new relationships, it can help to talk about how you feel. Call the Cancer Council Helpline for information about sexuality.
Some men have diarrhoea, mucus discharge or bowel urgency after treatment.
A small number of men bleed from the bowel after radiotherapy. For most men, bowel problems improve over time. If your bowel problems do not improve, seek advice from your radiation oncologist.
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 parts that control urination. In some men it can be minor, for example, just a few drops when they cough or sneeze. In others it can be more severe, so that men need to use incontinence pads several times a day. It is usually worst straight after treatment, and gets better within a year after treatment.
Men can be concerned about odour or ‘having an accident' in public. It is important that you don't withdraw from your friends or social situations because of such fears. You can prevent or disguise odour and accidents. Seek help from your doctor or the Continence Foundation of Australia if you need to. You may like to call the Cancer Council Helpline, for referral to a volunteer who has had similar problems.
Exercising the muscles in your pelvis can help. You may need to use pads. There are also clamps and other devices you may wish to try. For more information, ask your doctor or call the Continence Foundation of Australia on 1800 330 066.
If your incontinence doesn't improve over time, surgery may be an option.
Most men become infertile after treatment, which means the sperm they produce are not able to penetrate an egg. If this is important to you, discuss your options with your doctor. Your partner (if you have one) may also wish to talk with the doctor.
