Prostrate Cancer And Radiation Side Effects
Newer technology in the field of prostrate cancer has meant that the condition can be dealt with more effectively and efficiently than it has been for so many years. This is good news especially as so many men develop some problem or the other regarding prostrate cancer. However, when it comes to treatment with radiation, the list of side effects could just be daunting. So what essentially is a curative process brings on its own ensuing set of problems.
Any one who is suffering from prostrate cancer and has radiation recommended as a therapy must acquaint himself with all the possible side effects before subjecting himself to this line of treatment. Maybe your life could be saved thanks to radiation, in which case there could be no choice as far as the treatment is concerned. However, do remember to take a close look at all the side effects you could possible suffer from as some of them could change your life. Let's take a look at the ones that could affect you the most.
One of the most unfortunate side effects is impotence. Even though the person might still have a sexual drive, he may not be able to get an erection and this could be terribly frustrating. Even though there is an erection, the person may not be able to maintain it. Ejaculation might be possible but the whole sexual experience could be a very disappointing performance. Radiation treatment may just be better than radical prostatectomy where there is usually permanent damage but for most men, radiation too affects sexual performance and this is a great risk that anyone undergoing it has to be aware of. It really is a trade-off for most men: live without cancer or at any rate, hope for a cancer-free life versus sexual satisfaction. It might not be a choice for most people but to think of a whole life ahead being frustrated has its downside too.
Another problem which is more of an embarrassment than anything else is incontinence. This happens if there is damage caused to the urinary sphincter during radiation. Depending on the extent of the damage, the patient could have varying incontinence problems. This can cause problems but most people can take recourse to surgery and correct the problem.
The third major side effect is infertility. Most prostrate problems have this as a side effect. So it would be best to save sperm cells before you decide to go in for that radiation treatment. This could be a life-changing problem so do get yourself a bit of counseling and advice on how to proceed.
Radiation does bring other side effects in its wake as well. These three, however are the major ones that really need to be looked at so the person can deal with life after radiation knowing full well what to expect. Not knowing what to expect and faced with such problems after the treatment can be quite a shock. That is why it is best to acquaint yourself with not just radiation but all that follows it.
Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Prostate Cancer and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Prostate Cancer web site. For more articles and resources on Prostate Cancer related topics, treatment options and much more visit his site at:
=>http://prostate.need-to-know.net/
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: May 13, 2008
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