Impotence usually does not occur right after radiation therapy but gradually develops over one or more years. Brachytherapy may also result in impotence, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems. Some men have hot flashes after surgery but these may go away with time. Some men also have breast tenderness and growth of breast tissue. Side effects of LHRH analogs are the same as with an orchiectomy, and include reduced or absent sexual desire and impotence, and hot flashes.
Some men also have breast tenderness and growth of breast tissue.
These side effects occur about as commonly as after orchiectomy. Side effects of antiandrogens in patients already treated by orchiectomy or with LHRH agonists are usually not serious or common, but may include nausea, diarrhea, and tiredness. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drugs, the amount taken, and the length of treatment. Temporary side effects might include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, and mouth sores. Because chemotherapy can damage the blood-producing cells of the bone marrow, patients may have low blood cell counts.