Radiation injury
Radiation cystitis
What is radiation cystitis?
Radiation cystitis is a delayed side effect of radiation therapy that affects the bladder. It occurs when radiation causes damage to the bladder lining, sometimes months, or even years, after treatment ends.
These internal changes might include:
- Reduced blood supply to bladder tissue
- Inflammation or irritation of the bladder wall
- Fragile blood vessels that may bleed
- Scarring or reduced bladder capacity
These changes can lead to symptoms such as urgency, pain, or blood in the urine. Because they often develop gradually, they’re commonly mistaken for ageing or unrelated health concerns.
Radiation cystitis is more common than many people realise, especially after treatment for prostate, bladder, bowel, cervical, uterine, or vaginal cancer.
For women
Kaylene survived breast cancer but pain came later.
Radiation therapy was behind her, but something still wasn’t right. Kaylene lived with pain down her side for two years. Doctors said it was ageing. But an MRI revealed the truth: radiation had caused hidden tissue damage.
For some women, radiation’s effects appear slowly and often in unexpected places. While Kaylene’s pain wasn’t bladder-related, many women experience post-radiation bladder issues.
Common symptoms for women include:
- Burning when going to the loo
- Urgency or needing to go more often
- Blood in your urine
- Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Ongoing discomfort or pelvic pressure
- Yes – vaginal stenosis / painful intercourse
These may be signs of radiation cystitis, a condition that can occur after radiation therapy for cervical, uterine, vaginal, or bowel cancer.
For men
You’ve had radiation therapy. Now something feels off.
You expected to move forward after treatment – but now, there are signs something’s not right. For some men, the effects of radiation therapy appear long after the treatment itself.
Radiation cystitis is one possible delayed side effect – especially after treatment for prostate, bladder, or bowel cancer.
Common symptoms for men include:
- Blood in your urine
- Burning when going to the loo
- Urgency or frequent urination
- Frequent night-time urination
- Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Incontinence and straining to pee
If you’re noticing any of these, talk to your GP, it could be related to earlier treatment.
HBOT for Radiation cystitis
How HBOT may help
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that may support recovery from radiation-related tissue injury, including radiation cystitis.
By increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream, HBOT helps:
- Stimulate healing in damaged tissue
- Improve blood supply
- Reduce inflammation
Wesley Hyperbaric provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) that is:
- Provided within a licensed and ACHS-accredited day hospital
- Delivered in a calm, clinical environment
- Medicare rebated for eligible patients
- Covered by all major private health funds
- Overseen by accredited medical and nursing professionals
- Backed by more than 25 years of clinical experience in hyperbaric medicine
To get started, you’ll need a referral from your GP or specialist.
Take the next step
If you’ve had radiation therapy and are experiencing new bladder symptoms or pelvic pain, don’t ignore it. Radiation side effects can appear long after treatment ends.
Speak to your GP about a referral to Wesley Hyperbaric.
We’re here to support your recovery.
Need more information?
Our team is here to help.
Simply use the form below to ask your questions or request our radiation information leaflet, and we’ll send it directly to your inbox.
Disclaimer
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your GP or specialist before starting any treatment. While many patients benefit, outcomes may vary.
Want to learn more?
Research has explored the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in managing late radiation tissue injury:
– PubMed Study 1
– PubMed Study 2