When undergoing radiation therapy, you will be alone in the treatment room. However, your radiation therapists will be able to see and hear you continuously via cameras and microphones installed in the room.

During brachytherapy, the machine will be connected to your body to administer the treatment. You will not experience any sensation from the machine’s movements, but you may hear sounds such as whirring or clicking. Radiation itself is imperceptible; you cannot see, feel, smell, or taste it. If you become anxious or feel unwell at any point during the treatment, simply raise your hand or call out. The radiation therapists can pause the treatment to attend to your needs.

Prostate brachytherapy is a highly convenient treatment option, offering a rapid recovery period. You will be able to resume your daily activities shortly after the procedure.

Since the radiation is delivered directly to your prostate, the surrounding healthy tissue experiences minimal damage, which helps reduce potential side effects.

Prostate brachytherapy can be completed in a single session, allowing you to return home on the same day. Unlike some other treatments, such as external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy does not require multiple sessions.

The recovery period is brief, allowing you to resume your normal activities within a few days. You will typically be able to return home as soon as you have recovered from the anaesthetic, which is usually on the same day. It is advisable to take things easy in the days following your prostate brachytherapy, and this is perfectly acceptable. You should avoid heavy lifting and only return to work when you feel sufficiently recovered.

The side effects of prostate brachytherapy can vary significantly from one person to another, and some individuals may not experience any side effects at all. However, the likelihood of noticing side effects tends to increase with the number of seeds implanted. Common side effects include urinary issues, such as blood in the urine or brown-coloured semen, bruising and pain around the testicles, and discomfort during urination. Urine retention is also possible, which may require temporary catheter insertion to aid urine drainage. Most men find these urinary side effects improve over time, often within weeks or months. Additionally, bowel problems can occur due to the proximity of the prostate to the bowel, leading to symptoms like diarrhoea, increased flatulence, and more frequent bowel movements. These bowel issues typically improve with time as well. Erection difficulties and reduced semen production are other potential side effects, which may be temporary or permanent. Your consultant will provide detailed information about long-term expectations and offer advice on managing any side effects that arise.