Treatment depends on how large the tumor is, whether it has spread to other parts of your body, your symptoms, your overall health, and your age. Some of the treatments, and their side effects, are:

• Surgery to remove the prostate (prostatectomy). For a short while after surgery you may have some problems, such as discomfort and some loss of control of the flow of urine (incontinence). Most men are able to control their bladder again after a few weeks. Surgery may also cause erectile dysfunction (trouble having or keeping an erection, also called impotence). Nerve-sparing surgery may help so that this problem does not last. But in some cases, men become permanently impotent. Also, when your prostate is removed, you will no longer produce semen. You will have dry orgasms. If you wish to father children, you may consider sperm banking or a sperm retrieval procedure before surgery.
• Radiation therapy. This treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may also lead to long-term problems such as diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, and poor control of the flow of urine. The radiation may be given externally (radiation beamed at your body from a machine). This may cause the urethra, rectum, and anus to become inflamed. Or the radiation may be given internally, which means the radiation comes from radioactive seeds placed in the prostate gland. This may cause erectile dysfunction and loss of bladder control.
• Hormone therapy. Surgery to remove both testicles or drugs may be used to keep prostate cancer cells from getting the male hormone (testosterone) that they need to grow. The testicles produce the most of the testosterone in your body. Drug treatment can include medicines that keep the testicles from making testosterone, block the action of male hormones on the prostate cancer cells, or prevent the adrenal gland from making testosterone. Side effects of treatment depend on the treatment used. They may include erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, loss of sexual desire, weaker bones, breast tenderness or slight enlargement, nausea, or diarrhea.

Watchful waiting, which means not having treatment, may be chosen if:

• The risks and possible side effects of treatment outweigh the possible benefits.
• You are an older adult.
• You have other serious health problems.
• You are diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer that seems to be growing slowly.
• You have no symptoms.