Patient/caregiver was instructed upon complications of ablation therapy for prostate cancer treatment as follows:
As prostate gland is located close to urinary system (urinary bladder & urethra), sexual organs (penis), and bowels (rectum & anus), radiation therapy for prostate cancer can have an impact on these neighboring organs, thus affecting urine flow, bowel movements, and sexual performance. Complications of radiation therapy for prostate cancer treatment include
- Perineal pain and bruising: Damage to the perineal skin from insertion of the ablation needles can result in pain and tenderness in the perineum with damage to the perineal skin and bleeding.
- Painful urination: Damage to the urinary system with ablation therapy can result in painful urination or dysuria.
- Erectile dysfunction: The nerves and blood vessels controlling the penile erection, in close proximity to the prostate, could be compromised with ablation treatment measures for prostate cancer. This can result in erectile dysfunction and impotence, contributing to reduced libido or sex drive, poor performance during the act, difficult orgasm, and impaired ejaculation. All these impairments can culminate towards male infertility.
