If you get radiation therapy to any part of the pelvis, you might have one or more of the digestive problems already described. You may have some irritation of your bladder, too, which can be uncomfortable and cause you to urinate often. You may also have effects on your fertility and sex life.

Fertility

Women: Do not try to become pregnant during radiation therapy because radiation can harm the fetus. Women should talk to their doctor about birth control options and how radiation may affect their fertility. If you are pregnant, let your doctor know before beginning treatment.

Depending on the radiation dose, women having radiation therapy in the pelvic area may stop having their menstrual periods and have other symptoms of menopause. Treatment also can result in vaginal itching, burning, and dryness. Report these symptoms to your doctor so you can learn about options for relieving these side effects.

Men: For men, radiation therapy to an area that includes the testes can reduce both the number of sperm and their ability to function. This does not mean, though, that pregnancy cannot occur. If you want to father a child and are concerned about reduced fertility, talk to your doctor before starting treatment. One option may be to bank your sperm ahead of time.

Other than studies that looked at survivors of atomic bomb blasts, there is little information about radiation's effect on the children conceived by men during or after getting radiation therapy. Because of the uncertain risk, doctors often advise men to avoid getting a woman pregnant during and for some weeks after treatment, especially if there is radiation to or near the genital area.

Sexual relations

With some types of radiation therapy involving the pelvis, men and women may notice some change in their ability to enjoy sex or a decrease in their level of desire.

Women: During treatment to the pelvis, some women are advised not to have sex. Some women may find it painful. You most likely will be able to resume having sex within a few weeks after your treatment ends, but check with your doctor first. Some types of treatment may have more long-term effects, such as scar tissue that could affect the ability of the vagina to stretch during sex. Again, your doctor may be able to offer suggestions if this happens to you. You can also get more information from our booklet, Sexuality for the Woman with Cancer.

Men: Radiation may affect the nerves that make a man able to have an erection. If a man is having seed implant radiation therapy, he should check with his doctor about safety precautions, such as using condoms. If erection problems do occur, it is usually gradual over the course of many months or years. Talk with your doctor about treatment options if this is a concern for you. You can get more information from our booklet, Sexuality For the Man with Cancer.

Last Medical Review: 12/23/2008
Last Revised: 12/23/2008