Radiation Side Effects on the Prostate

Prostate cancer affects many men. There are three types of treatment--prostate surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. All three have about the same cure rate, but many men try to avoid the knife and opt for radiation or chemotherapy, according to the Prostrate Cancer Treatment Guide. Radiation does, however, have some side effects.

Incontinence

• Incontinence, the inability to control ones bladder, may last from a few days to much longer. In worst case scenarios a patient may have to go home with a Foley catheter.

Impotence and Penile Shrinkage

• Radiation can cause penile shrinkage and impotence. The radiation damages tissue that makes an erection possible while trying to destroy the cancerous tumor.

Stool Problems

• Sometimes radiation treatment can cause blood or mucus in the stool. Proctitis, the inflammation of the lining of the rectum, may be the cause of blood or mucus. Proctitis is caused by the radiation.

Skin Irritation

• External radiation can cause skin irritation to the prostate region. Redness, tenderness, and dryness are all common skin problems associated with radiation.

Hair Loss

• Loss of pubic hair during radiation is not uncommon. The hair loss will either be permanent or temporary depending on the dosage of radiation needed to treat the cancer.