Prostate Radiotherapy
An effective treatment for prostate cancer, given as daily sessions with simple bladder and bowel preparation.
Why radiotherapy is used
- Radiotherapy is a main option for prostate cancer and can be curative on its own or combined with hormone therapy.
- It is sometimes used after surgery to remove the prostate if needed.
- Your doctor decides the best option based on the disease stage, grade, and your general health.
The area being treated
- The prostate gland, and sometimes the nearby seminal vesicles.
- In some cases the pelvic lymph nodes are treated.
- The prostate sits close to the bladder and rectum, so planning focuses on protecting them.
Preparing for CT simulation
- You are usually asked to attend with a full bladder (by drinking a set amount of water beforehand) and an empty bowel where possible.
- A full bladder helps push part of it out of the beam, and an empty rectum reduces its day-to-day movement.
- Some centers use a gel spacer between the prostate and rectum for extra protection — your doctor will explain if it suits you.
Positioning & immobilization
- You lie on your back in a stable, comfortable position, sometimes with supports to steady the legs.
- Following the same preparation instructions (bladder and bowel) every day is an essential part of treatment accuracy.
- The machine takes daily images to confirm the prostate position before each session.
How your treatment is planned
- Your doctor outlines the prostate and surrounding area, and marks the bladder, rectum, and hip bones to protect them.
- The plan is designed to deliver a high dose to the prostate while reducing what reaches the rectum and bladder.
- Treatment may be over several weeks, or a shorter schedule with larger doses (such as SBRT) in selected cases.
Early (acute) side effects
- Urinary symptoms: frequency, urgency, burning, or a weaker urine stream.
- Bowel symptoms: looser stools, urgency, or discomfort when opening the bowels.
- Fatigue that builds up as treatment progresses.
- Mild skin irritation in the perineal area at times.
Possible late side effects
- Mild chronic urinary changes (urgency or frequency) in some patients.
- Changes in erectile function that may appear gradually — discuss openly with your team, as there are solutions.
- Late bowel changes are less common (urgency or minor rectal bleeding).
- An effect on fertility — discuss sperm banking before treatment if this matters to you.
When to contact us immediately
- Being unable to pass urine at all (urinary retention) — needs urgent assessment
- Fever with urinary symptoms (may indicate a urinary infection)
- Visible, ongoing blood in the urine or stool
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that does not settle
If any of these appear, contact your treatment team immediately or go to the emergency department.
How to prepare
- Follow the instructions on drinking water and timing your full bladder before each session.
- Keep your bowels regular with a balanced diet, and tell the team about constipation or diarrhea so it can be managed.
- Avoid foods that irritate your bowel or bladder if you notice they worsen symptoms.
- Discuss any blood-thinning medication or previous urinary problems with your team.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will I need hormone therapy with the radiation? And why?
- How many sessions, and would a short schedule (SBRT) suit me?
- What is the expected effect on my urinary and sexual function?
- Is a rectal spacer an option for me?
- Should I consider sperm banking?
Important notice
This platform is for explanation and education only and does not replace medical advice. Your treating physician is the final source of truth for your condition and treatment plan. Do not make any treatment decision based on this content alone.