However, others may continue for some months and some may even be permanent. If you have any problems during your treatment, talk to the radiotherapy staff, who will be able to help you. Radiotherapy does not make you radioactive and it is perfectly safe for you to be with other people, including children throughout your treatment. However, improved planning and treatment techniques have made these long term effects less likely. This side effect of treatment can be very difficult to deal with and can affect your relationship with your partner and your sex life.
Many organisations offer counselling for sexual or relationship problems.
In a number of men, the bowel or bladder may be permanently affected by the radiotherapy. The blood vessels in the bowel and bladder can become more fragile after radiotherapy treatment and this can cause blood to appear in the urine or when your bowels are open. This can take many months or years to occur. If you notice any bleeding it is important to let your doctor know so that tests can be carried out and appropriate treatment given. If this occurs it is important to discuss it with your doctor who can arrange for you to see a specialist continence nurse.