Many men undergoing treatment for prostrate cancer are understandably worried about the preservation of erectile function following treatment. Two common treatments for prostate cancer are radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy. Radical prostatectomy involves the complete surgical removal of the prostate gland and, while it is a very effective form of treatment, patients run the risk of sustaining nerve damage during surgery which can result in impotence. Brachytherapy involves the implantation into the prostate tumors of tiny titanium shells containing radioactive isotopes of iodine and palladium which kill and shrink the tumors. Brachytherapy is an equally effective treatment in most cases and, while erectile function can be effected, this is less likely than in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.