In rare cases they could persist and become a chronic problem. The most common side effects are caused by irritation of the bladder neck and urethra. Patients have experienced difficulty initiating urination, frequent urination, burning with urination or a sense of urgency when they have to urinate, but they do not become incontinent. Side effects may also be caused by irritation of the rectal wall. Patients have experienced more frequent bowel movements, worsening of hemorrhoidal symptoms, rectal discomfort, mucous discharge, increased gas or the increased urge to have a bowel movement.
Diarrhea is rare.
For most patients all of these symptoms are mild and require no medication. However, if you become uncomfortable, your physician can prescribe medications to decrease or alleviate the symptoms. Some patients will notice mild fatigue during the last weeks of treatment. Although we recommend that you rest as needed, you should be able to work full time during treatment and maintain your usual level of activity. Late side effects of radiation may occur sometime between four months and two years after treatment is completed.