Myth 14

Although erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are side effects of some treatments for prostate cancer, their incidence varies considerably. For example, for men who undergo brachytherapy, urinary incontinence occurs in about 1% of patients while erectile dysfunction can occur in 40 to 60% of men. Erectile dysfunction is expected as part of hormone therapy since the idea is to severely limit sex hormone production. However, erectile function typically returns gradually after treatment is over. Following prostatectomy, the rate of urinary incontinence has been reported to be about 10% one-year post surgery. Thus, the risk of impotence and urinary incontinence associated with prostate cancer treatment depends on the treatment and, of course, on the man.