Radiation therapy for prostate cancer can cause proctitis (inflammation inside your arse). This is usually a short term after effect of radiotherapy but for some men it can be permanent. This can cause pain if you are the receptive partner (bottom) during anal sex.  Therefore, if you’re thinking about having radiation therapy, you might want to ask how it can affect the bowel and the back passage.

Another effect of radiation therapy can be loss of some body hair, including your public hair. This is not usually permanent although when your body hair grows back it could be different from before radiation therapy. If body hair is part of how you see yourself sexually you should ask your doctor for more information.