There are six major categories of side effects that are normally associated with prostate cancer treatments:
- urinary dysfunction
- bowel dysfunction
- erectile dysfunction
- male fertility problems
- effects due to the loss of testosterone
- side effects of chemotherapy
Urinary Dysfunction includes urinary incontinence and irritative voiding symptoms. Effects can range from some leaking to complete loss of bladder control, and , including increased urinary frequency, increased urinary urgency, and pain upon urination. For men undergoing prostatectomy, incontinence is the main urinary side effect. New treatments, such as robot prostatectomy, have reduced this side effect to the more invasive radical prostatectomy.
Bowel Dysfunction includes diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and the inability to control bowel movements. This side effect is more common following external beam radiotherapy. During prostatectomy, damage to the rectum is rare, and the bowel changes noticed in the first few weeks following surgery are likely the result of the body adjusting to the increased abdominal space due to the loss of the prostate. Radiation therapy can cause significant damage to the rectum, resulting in some or all of the bowel dysfunction side effects.
Erectile Dysfunction is experienced by nearly all men for the first 3-6 months following prostate cancer surgery. The reason for this is the nerves and blood vessels that control an erection are incredibly delicate, and any trauma to the area can result in changes to the natural function. If the two nerves, which run along the sides of the prostate gland, that control a man's erection are not damaged or cut, erections and full sexual function will be restored in as little as one month, but can take up to 12 months for full functionality to be fully restored. If the nerves are cut, then the ability to achieve an erection may be permanently impaired.
Male Infertility is always a problem after prostate cancer treatment. It is nearly impossible for a man to retain his ability to conceive children through sexual intercourse after the initial treatment. The loss of semen or prostatic fluid following surgery makes ejaculation impossible, so the sperm cannot physically leave the body to reach the woman’s egg for fertilization. If the prostate gland is left intact and the nerves untouched, full sexual function an ability to achieve an erection are usually restored with 3 - 12 months of the surgery. Even if the prostate gland is removed, men can usually still conceive a child through artificial insemination or IVF, In Vitro Fertilization, as men who have had prostate surgery can still produce sperm.
Testosterone is the primary male hormone. Side effects of testosterone loss, also known as low T, is lengthy and can include hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, weight gain, decreased muscle mass, anemia, depression, insomnia and memory loss. Male hormone replacement therapy, such as testosterone pills or creams have been known to cure many of these issues. Testosterone replacement therapy should only be administered under the direction of a doctor.
Chemotherapy drugs available today work in a slightly different fashion, and it’s hard to predict what sorts of side effects any one person will experience. Check with your doctor for reported side effects for your treatment. Your doctor may recommend freezing sperm for future insemination since chemotherapy may damage the sperm.
For more information visit: http://www.menshealthcures.com/Prostacet
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To Your Health!!
Ken Weiss
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