What Are The Challenges Of Recovering From Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer affects millions of men the world over, but needn’t be a fatal concern if caught in time and treated properly. Unfortunately, it is a condition beset with inhibitions, due to the unwillingness of many men to talk about it. This aspect of social consciousness has been known to have an adverse effect on the number of instances that could be caught at early screenings. Furthermore, embarrassment about the issue has inhibited men in forming the same kind of support groups as women have done for breast cancer, for example. This is especially the case when it comes to dealing with the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, most of which also affect that sensitive area.
There are several side effects commonly reported by those recovering from prostate cancer. However, men should not be too alarmed as these are by no means guaranteed. A significant number of men get away with few or no side effects from the process.
Incontinence – an unfortunate side effect that can sometimes arise from surgery or radiotherapy. The problem tends to fall into four categories. Stress incontinence is the most common and sees patients from surgery experiencing urine leakage when they cough, laugh or sneeze. Overflow incontinence is the opposite problem, where men take a long time to urinate and have difficulty in maintaining a constant stream. The third type, urge incontinence, is a name applied to those who have a sudden irrepressible need to urinate. Finally, and worst of all, is continuous incontinence, where men lose all command over their urinary faculties. It is important that those who suffer any of these conditions avoid diuretics such as coffee and alcohol, and practice strengthening exercises for their pelvic floor. If these immediate solutions don’t work, be sure to consult your doctor to discuss a number of other available methods to ensure your wellbeing.
Bowel problems – such effects may arise after radiation therapy, and are associated with external beam radiation. Possible side effects include diarrhea, gas, loss of bowel control and bleeding. Normal bowel function usually returns when treatment ends, and can be helped by over-the-counter medicines in the meantime.
Impotence – the upsetting incidence of erectile dysfunction is an unsurprising side effect in men who have received surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy for their prostate cancer. Post-surgical impotence is the most unfortunate type, as it is likely to be permanent. In the other cases, there is a range of medications that can help you cope until the time that your normal functioning returns.
Infertility – an outcome that should be planned for well in advance. In order to protect yourself against this eventuality, consider banking your sperm in a cryopreservation facility before your cancer treatment begins.
The range of wellness problems associated with prostate cancer treatment can be troubling for men. However, they are challenges that have to be overcome in the fight against prostate cancer. The best solution, as with any side effect, is to plan well in advance and consistently look after your overall wellbeing.
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