Acute side effects include:
- fatigue or tiredness
- bowel and rectal irritation – this can lead to diarrhoea , frequency of the bowel, nausea and vomiting.
- bladder problems – including discomfort when passing urine, needing to pass urine more frequently and more urgently
- skin changes – red, dry and itchy skin in the treatment area
- hair loss in treatment area
- vaginal dryness and discharge – this may cause pain and discomfort during intercourse
Late side effects of radiation therapy include:
- bladder changes – ongoing discomfort on passing urine, more urgency and less control of bladder function
- small risk of bowel blockage
- sexual dysfunction – narrowing of the vagina and dryness
- early menopause
- infertility
- lymphoedema
- rarely: a pelvic fracture or a second cancer