What are the common side effects of prostate radiation?

Urinary, bowel: The exact side effect profile will depend on the type of radiation treatment you are getting (external beam to the prostate, external beam to the prostate and pelvis, brachytherapy, combination of brachytherapy and external beam). Typical acute side effects include irritation of the bladder (frequency, urgency), possible increased number of bowel movements, possible fatigue. These are temporary.

Gi and Gu irritation: Gastrointestional(gi) irritation: rectal irritation more frequent bowel movement, diarrhea, hemorhoids may act up, blood in the stool. Genitourinary (gu): bladder irritation, irritation of urethra, more frequent urination, burning with urination, blood in urine. Fatigue is also a common side effect.

Not much: Most commonly patients go through with no symptoms. The next most common are frequency in urination, burning, night frequency, fatigue, possibly rectal irritation. Occasionally ther can be bleeding.