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If you are having radiation therapy to any part of the pelvis
(the area between your hips), you might have some of the
digestive problems described in the abdominal
radiation section. You also may have some irritation
to your bladder. This can cause discomfort or frequent urination.
Drinking fluids can help relieve some of your discomfort.
Your doctor can prescribe some medicine to deal with these
problems.
There are also certain side effects that occur only in the
reproductive organs. The effects of radiation therapy on
sexual and reproductive functions depend on which organs
are treated. Some of the more common side effects for both
men and women do not last long after treatment. Others may
be long-term or permanent. Before your treatment begins,
ask your doctor about possible side effects and how long
they might last.
Scientists are still studying how radiation treatment affects
fertility. If you are a women in your childbearing years,
you should discuss birth control measures with your doctor.
It is not a good idea to become pregnant during radiation
therapy. Radiation may injure the fetus. In addition, pregnancy,
childbirth, and caring for a very young child can add to
the physical and emotional stress of having cancer. If you
are pregnant before beginning radiation therapy, special
steps should be taken to protect the fetus from radiation.Depending
on the radiation dose, women having radiation therapy in
the pelvic area may stop menstruating and may have'other
symptoms of menopause. Treatment also can result in vaginal
itching, burning, and dryness. You should report these symptoms
to your doctor or nurse, who can suggest treatment.For men,
radiation therapy to an area that includes the testes can
reduce both the number of sperm and their effectiveness.
This does not mean that conception cannot occur, however.
If you're having this type of treatment, discuss your concerns
and your birth control measures with your doctor. If you
want to father a child and are concerned about reduced fertility,
you can look into the option of banking your sperm before
treatment.
During treatment to the pelvis, some women are advised not
to have intercourse. Others may find that intercourse is
painful. You most likely will be able to resume having sex
within a few weeks after your treatment ends.Some shrinking
of vaginal tissues occurs during radiation therapy. After
your radiation therapy is finished your doctor will advise
you about sexual intercourse and how to use a dilator, a
device that gently stretches the tissues of the vagina.
With most types of radiation therapy, neither men nor women
are likely to suffer any change in their ability to enjoy
sex. Both sexes, however, may notice a decrease in their
level of desire. This is more likely to be due to the stress
of having cancer than to the effects of radiation therapy.
This effect most likely will go away when the treatment ends,
so it should not become a major concern. A booklet on sexuality
and cancer is available without charge from your local American
Cancer Society office. There are different versions for male
and female patients.
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