| 1. |
Urinary dysfunction
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Incontinence, frequency of leakage or loss of bladder control |
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Frequent urination accompanied by pain |
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Practice personal hygiene to prevent skin irritation |
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Reduce fluid intake prior to exercise or sleep |
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Avoid caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol that can irritate the bladder |
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Practice pelvic muscle exercise |
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Avoid or adjust medications that affect bladder function such as painkillers, diuretics |
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Use absorbent pads to prevent staining of clothing |
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| 2. |
Bowel dysfunction
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Faecal incontinence – inability to control bowel movement |
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Eat regular well-balanced meals. Increase fiber intake and drink enough fluids. This is to increase normal stool formation and promote regular bowel movement |
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Establish regular bowel emptying time |
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Use absorbent pads to prevent staining of clothing |
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Ask your doctor to prescribe medications to treat symptoms |
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| 3. |
Erectile dysfunction |
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Ask your doctor to prescribe medications to treat symptoms |
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Speak with doctor regarding the use of external mechanical devices eg. vacuum erection pumps or Prostaglandin injection to the affected organ |
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Surgery |
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| 4. |
Bone loss and osteoporotic fractures |
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Increase intake of calcium and vitamin D |
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Start weight bearing exercises |
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Ask your doctor to prescribe medications to treat symptoms |
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| 5. |
Swelling or enlargement of one or both breasts (gynaecomastia) |
Swelling may subside once medication is stopped or the dosage is reduced |
| 6. |
Hot flushes |
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Usually mild and may wear off after a period of time |
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Drink plenty of fluids |
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Avoid nicotine, coffee, tea or alcohol consumption |
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Some herbal supplements may help. You need to speak with your doctor or pharmacists before using them |
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| 7. |
Infertility |
Patients should discuss this with their doctors before beginning treatment if they intend to start a family |
| 8. |
Tiredness or fatigue (usually temporary) |
Doing light exercises may help |
| 9. |
Urine discoloration |
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Usually caused by the colour of medication. Will subside in 2-3 days |
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Drink plenty of fluids to eliminate drugs from urine |
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| 10. |
Fever |
See your doctor to exclude the possibility of an infection |
| 11. |
Nausea and vomiting |
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Avoid spicy and oily foods |
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Take small frequent meals |
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Take the anti-vomiting medications as prescribed |
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| 12. |
Mouth sores and ulcers |
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Practice good oral hygiene |
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Use a soft bristle toothbrush and gargle with mouthwash regularly |
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Avoid alcohol, sour and spicy food that can irritate the sores |
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Ask your doctor to prescribe medications to treat symptoms |
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