Side Effects of Prostate Cancer

The side effects of advanced prostate cancer can affect a good number of men. These side effects may come from the cancer treatment or from the cancer itself. If you understand how these side effects work and perhaps some ways to alleviate them, you may be better able to cope. You should always be an active participant in your care and treatment — ask questions, learn as much as you can. Make sure you understand all the options so you can make an educated decision — with the help of your physician.

One of the major side effects of the prostate cancer treatment is impotence. Approximately 90 percent of men who underwent an orchiectomy (removal of the testicles) will experience impotence. There are hormone therapies that may also cause impotence. Some men regain the ability to achieve an erection without any assistance, while others do seek medical treatments. These treatments include oral medication or injections into the penis, and penis implants. You should discuss all these options with your physician.

Another common side effect of this disease and its treatment is incontinence or the inability to control urine. Fortunately most patients usually regain this control. Therapies for this condition include exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles and the sphincter. Biofeedback programs are used with these programs to help reinforce positive performance. Medications are also available to help with this side effect.

Bone metastases is often a result of the prostate cancer spreading to the bones. This is a very painful condition and can make the bones weak and prone to breakage. This metastases can also be caused by the hormone therapy that may be used to fight the prostate cancer. Your doctor will be able to provide medical treatment to help alleviate the pain, as well as to strengthen the bones.