Bowel and bladder problems

Treatments for prostate cancer may affect the bowels and the bladder. This man had bowel problems after he had a radical prostatectomy (bowel problems are rare after radical prostatectomy).

He developed bowel problems after he had his prostatectomy.

External beam radiation may also affect the bowels and the bladder. Men described episodes of bleeding from the back passage, diarrhoea, constipation and damage to the bowel.

Describes how radiotherapy severely affected his bowels.

Comments on the symptoms he developed after external beam radiation.

Explains how he developed problems with the back passage after radiotherapy.

Describes the problem with irregular bowel movements after radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy sometimes results in pain and inflammation of the bladder, and a burning sensation during urination. Brachytherapy may cause temporary urinary problems from swelling of the prostate after the insertion of the hollow needles when the seed implant is performed. Brachytherapy may also cause temporary bowel problems. One man, who had had a prostatectomy, described some urinary problems after the operation.

Comments on the discomfort in urinating after having radiotherapy.

Describes his temporary problems with passing water after Brachytherapy.

Describes the urinary problems after having a prostatectomy.

High Intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is thought to reduce bowel and bladder side effects. However bowel and bladder side effects may still occur. It is still a new treatment and more data is needed to assess its effectiveness in reducing side effects (for more information see Prostate Cancer Charity website).