The side effects include mild discomfort and bruising in
the perineum (the region between the anus and scrotum).
While the seeds are active and are delivering the radiation
to the prostate, urination is usually more frequent and
can be more urgent. This is especially true in the first
2 months after the procedure when the radiation is most
intense. Burning with urination usually subsides within
the first few days.
Occasionally, if the prostate swells
following the procedure, the passage of urine may be impaired
and a catheter must be inserted until things settle down.
This may take only a few days or may last several weeks.
The rectum is rarely affected (1-2%), but if this happens,
tenderness and burning during bowel movements may occur.
These effects settle down as the radiation subsides.
