Certain side effects have been associated with different types of treatments. Each patient's response to treatment will be different but there are some common effects. As a result of surgery, there may be damage to the nerves that control erections and bladder muscles. Impotence and incontinence are always a possibility after prostate surgery. These effects can be temporary, but for some men they are permanent.
Retropubic prostatectomy has a lower incidence of nerve damage.
New nerve sparing techniques can be used to lower the risk of impotence and incontinence, but the risk is not eliminated. There may be some minor bleeding in the urine immediately after the operation. Some patients may also experience temporary problems with bladder control. Cryosurgery - The freezing process may damage nearby nerves resulting in impotence or incontinence. If the bladder or intestines are damaged during the procedure, then patients may experience pain, a burning sensation, and a need to empty the bladder and bowels often.