Side effects from radiotherapy to the prostate

Radiotherapy can irritate the lower part of the bowel and you may experience some related symptoms towards the end of your treatment. Symptoms of irritation can include:

• Increase in the amount of times you use your bowels

• Softer/looser bowel actions

• Discomfort in passing a bowel motion

• Urge to use your bowels without passing a motion (tenesmus)

• Bleeding from the rectum (especially if you have haemorrhoids)

• Mucus discharge

Let your nursing team known if you experience any bowel changes or discomfort as they will be able to provide advice to help you manage. Dietary changes may be required, and a referral to a dietitian can be arranged for you.

It is important to drink two litres (8 glasses) of water each day (as long as you are not on a restricted fluid intake). If your temperature is elevated, you’re having trouble or discomfort passing urine, experience any blood in your urine or have abdominal pain, please promptly notify your care team.

The effect of radiotherapy to sexual function can be different for everyone. You can continue sexual activity without causing harm to your partner. However, it is important to use contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment.

Radiotherapy can damage the nerves that control erections and this may affect your ability to maintain an erection or you may feel a burning sensation during ejaculation. This may develop over time and be ongoing. Your desire to have a sexual relationship may also decrease during treatment. Please discuss with your care team if you would like more information or have any concerns. Referral to a doctor who specialises in erectile dysfunction can be arranged for you if required.

Fatigue is a common side effect of radiotherapy. You may feel tired or lack energy for daily activities during your treatment. This is a normal reaction to the radiotherapy and each person is affected in varying degrees. Finding a balance between rest and activity will help you manage daily life.

As you progress through your treatment, radiotherapy can irritate the bladder lining and the urethra (the tube that you urinate and ejaculate through).

Symptoms can include:

• The need to urinate more often, including overnight

• A sudden urge to empty your bladder

• A burning sensation when you urinate

• Change or reduction in your urine flow/stream and/or difficulty urinating

• Blood or particles in the urine

Should any symptoms of bladder irritation occur, let your nursing team or doctor know as soon as possible as they can provide advice and treatment options to reduce your discomfort.

With our current treatment techniques, it is uncommon for a skin reaction to occur when we are treating the prostate. However, the skin around the anus may become irritated if you experience frequent or loose bowel actions. Your nurses will provide you with information on how to care for your skin during your treatment.

• During your treatment we advise that you wash your skin gently with warm water and non-perfumed soap

• Do not use talcum powder in the treatment area

• Avoid exposure of the treated area to excessive temperatures including heat packs, ice packs, electric blankets, saunas or hot spas during your radiotherapy

Advise your nurse if you are experiencing any skin changes. We can help you to manage them and provide support.

Your bladder needs to be comfortably full and your lower bowel needs to be empty for your daily treatment.

Please follow the bladder and bowel preparation advice from your radiation therapy team.