Managing the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
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Fertility and Sexual Problems
Sexual and fertility changes are common side effects of radiation therapy to the pelvic area. Women who have had radiation to the vagina, uterus, or ovaries and men who have had radiation to the testicles or prostate may experience these side effects. Women may not be able to become pregnant and have a child, and men may not be able to father a child. Many of these side effects disappear when treatment ends, but some hormone and fertility changes may remain for life. However, should you become pregnant after treatment, the baby should be healthy.
Some common sexual and fertility problems for women include:
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Vaginal itching, burning, or dryness
- Narrowing and shortening of the vagina
- Symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, dryness, and not having your period
- Inability to get pregnant after treatment
Some common sexual and fertility problems for men include:
- Impotence or not being able to get or keep an erection
- Inability to get a woman pregnant
Here are some issues to discuss with your doctor or nurse:
- For men, if you want to father a child in the future, tell your doctor before therapy starts. Your doctor may be able to bank your sperm.
- For men, tell your doctor if you become impotent. Your doctor can prescribe medicine and tell you how long it might last.
- For women, if you want to get pregnant in the future, tell your doctor before therapy starts. Your doctor may be able to preserve your eggs.
- For women, talk to your doctor about birth control. You must not get pregnant while undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation can damage the fetus.
- Ask your doctor if it is a good idea to have sex during radiation therapy.
