HBOT for Prostate & Pelvic Radiation Damage

Radiation is an effective treatment for prostate, gynecologic, colorectal, and bladder cancers, but months or even years later, some patients can face symptoms from radiation-damaged tissues in the pelvic region. In fact, studies show that roughly 5% to 20% of patients develop late bladder or rectal complications after pelvic radiotherapy. These radiation injuries may appear as urinary bleeding or urgency, known as hemorrhagic cystitis, rectal bleeding and diarrhea, pelvic pain, or painful intercourse. 

Individuals experiencing these side effects can find effective relief through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This treatment works by exposing tissues to medical-grade oxygen to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and promote healing in damaged areas. 

Read on to learn how HBOT for radiation injury works for pelvic and prostate tissue damage and where to find the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. 

HBOT for Radiation-Damaged Tissues and Radiation Injury

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is most commonly known for treating carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness, but it is also used to heal soft tissue wounds and chronic wounds in many parts of the body. It is also an effective supplemental treatment option for those with bacterial infections and other health problems where inflammation or poor circulation can inhibit healing. 

After pelvic radiation, the blood supply to some deep tissues changes. This can slow healing and even leave the bladder, rectum, or vaginal tissues fragile and prone to bleeding or pain. 

HBOT works by placing a patient in a pressurized chamber where they breathe 99.7% medical-grade oxygen. During treatment, the red blood cells become rich with oxygen, causing a surge of oxygen that sparks the growth of new capillaries and activates the cells that rebuild connective tissue. Over time, these treatments strengthen and rehydrate tissue that radiation once left stiff and inflamed. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? 

Good candidates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy are people who continue to experience pelvic symptoms long after radiation treatment has ended. Symptoms of radiation-damaged tissue in the pelvis or prostate can include: 

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent or urgent trips to the bathroom
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained diarrhea
• Pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse
• Wounds or fistulas that aren’t healing well 

Before starting HBOT, a medical team may perform tests like a cystoscopy, rectal exam, or imaging study to confirm that the problem stems from radiation injury and not another cause.

What to Expect When Getting Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatments

Most people attend HBOT sessions once a day, most days of the week, spending about 60 to 90 minutes inside the chamber, breathing 99.7% oxygen at a pressure roughly two to two and a half times higher than normal air. Treatment plans typically include 30 to 60 sessions, depending on the severity of the tissue damage and the body's response. Although the process requires commitment, many patients describe it as a soothing and healing experience.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe? 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally well-tolerated, but, like any medical treatment, it carries a few risks. The most common side effects are pressure-related and feel similar to what happens on an airplane; ears that pop or a mild sense of fullness in the sinuses as the chamber pressurizes. The only absolute reason to avoid HBOT is an untreated pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, since pressure changes could make it worse. Choosing a hyperbaric oxygen treatment facility that is accredited and has a long history of safety is important. 

Finding the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia for Radiation Damage to the Prostate and Pelvic Structures 

At Regenerative and Hyperbaric Medicine, we’ve built our mission around making that healing accessible, effective, and safe. Our expert team has spent decades refining the science and practice of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and patients from across the United States choose our UHMS-accredited centers for the confidence that comes with proven outcomes and meticulous safety standards. 

Since 1993, we’ve helped restore health for people facing radiation-damaged tissues after cancer treatments, as well as chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, osteomyelitis, and more. With locations throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, including Cumming, Marietta, and Sandy Springs, we offer a 100% unbroken safety record and Board-Certified experts ready to help. 

Ready to trust the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia with your care?