Recovering after HIFU

Because of the heat used during HIFU, the prostate gets swollen. This shouldn’t be painful, but it will be hard to urinate (pee). To make sure your bladder gets drained, a thin tube (or catheter) will be inserted before you have HIFU.

After HIFU, you’ll still need the catheter for a few days to drain urine from your bladder. You’ll have regular follow-ups with your doctor to check how you’re handling side effects, monitor how your cancer is responding to treatment and ask any questions that are on your mind.

Your doctor will keep tracking your PSA levels every 3 to 6 months for a few years, to make sure the HIFU has worked. You might also have an MRI or biopsy to check if the cancer is gone.

Questions to ask
your doctor or care team

It’s important to talk to your doctor or care team to make sure you have the information you need before, during, and after treatment.

Here are some questions you might want to ask:

  • What are the side effects of HIFU?

  • What are the advantages of this treatment versus my other options? What are the disadvantages?

  • What are my other treatment options?

  • What happens if HIFU doesn't work? What treatment can I have then?

  • How long until I know if the treatment has worked?

Research is currently underway on HIFU to learn more about its risks and how effective it is at treating prostate cancer. Your doctor can advise you on whether HIFU is a suitable treatment option and how you can access it.
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