Possible long-term side effects of treatment
Treatments affect everyone in different ways. It’s hard to predict which side effects you will have. Your healthcare team will tell you what to expect with each treatment. They will also let you know what side effects you should report right away and which ones you can wait to tell them about at your next appointment. If you notice any side effects or symptoms that you did not expect, talk to a member of your healthcare team as soon as possible.
Patients often worry about the side effects of treatment. However, side effects can often be well managed and even prevented with medicine. Be open with your healthcare team. Tell them your concerns and ask questions. They will help you get the care and information you need.
Some side effects of treatment for prostate cancer can be long-lasting or permanent. When choosing which treatment is best for you, it is important to consider the possible long-term side effects. Long-term side effects include problems with bladder control (incontinence), sexual function (impotence) and the ability to father children (fertility).
Incontinence
Incontinence means you are no longer able to fully control the flow of urine. It can be caused by damage to the bladder, the bladder muscle or to the nerves that help your bladder work properly. Urine may leak out suddenly after a cough, sneeze, hearty laugh or other physical activity. Sometimes, urine may leak out when your bladder is too full or when the urge to urinate is too strong.
You are more likely to notice incontinence right after treatment, especially after surgery. As your body recovers, you will notice improvement and your bladder control may return to normal. Some men never have complete control again.
There are many ways to help manage incontinence. Ask your doctor about Kegel exercises to train your pelvic muscles if you have small leaks many times a day. Medications can also help the muscle that controls the bladder.
Impotence
Impotence is the inability to have or keep an erection. If the testicles have been removed, impotence is permanent. In some men, surgery or radiation therapy can cause long-lasting damage that will result in erectile problems.
It is not unusual for your doctor to wait several months after cancer treatment – to give you time to recover – before ordering tests to find the exact cause of the impotence. The test results will help decide how to treat the impotence. If you and your partner need emotional support, your doctor can also refer you to specialists and counsellors.
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to father a child. Most treatments for prostate cancer cause infertility. Before you undergo any treatment, talk to your doctor about sperm banking (freezing sperm for use in the future). Sperm banking allows you and your partner to decide later whether or not you want to have children. Your healthcare team can help you plan ahead.
Last modified on:
10 December 2009
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