The urethraThe duct urine (and semen for men) passes through on the way... Full Definition, which carries urine from the bladderA sac in the human body that collects urine for excretion. through the penis, runs through the center of the prostate gland. As a result, prostateThe prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bla... Full Definition cancerCancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally an... Full Definition and treatment for it could cause changes in urinary function. The problems vary, with different problems resulting from different treatments.
Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the inability to control or hold urine, and an increased urgency to urinate. The problem arises when the urethra is damaged, which can happen during surgery or radiationHigh-energy particles that cause ionization and tissue damag... Full Definition. For instance, the urethra must be cut to remove the prostate and then reconnected. Urinary incontinence caused by surgery may go away after about a year. CryotherapyThe use of low temperatures in medical therapy. (cold therapy), radiation, brachytherapyA form of radiotherapy where small radioactive implants are ... Full Definition (radiation with implanted seeds), and HIFU (heat therapy) may also cause urinary incontinence because they destroy prostate tissue from within and may damage the urethra.
Urinary incontinence can be managed with the use of pads. In some cases, additional surgery to correct the urethra may be necessary.
Urinary pain/blood in the urine: RadiotherapyTreatment that uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells.... Full Definition applied to the prostate and surrounding regions, may cause painful urination or blood in the urine. Urination could also be difficult or frequent.