HIFU side effects
The 11 Main HIFU Side Effects (Don’t worry, they are nothing compared to surgery!)
HIFU is a revolutionary new procedure used to treat prostate cancer with a highly focused ultrasound waves. This powerful energy eliminates selected prostate tissue and destroys localized tumors that have formed in it. It works wonders for prostate cancer patients and the side effects are minimal. Nevertheless, they do exist, and it is important to be aware of what they are.
Recovery from HIFU requires the use of a catheter for the first week or so, because this tube is used to drain urine – the same as after surgery. Any time there is a catheter involved, you run the risk of getting a urinary infection. Also, of course, wearing a catheter comes with its own dose of discomfort, and afterwards the patients must learn to urinate on his own all over again.
Another one of the HIFU side effects is that the prostate channel can get filled with scar tissue. However, this is not very common, with only about 5 percent of the patients suffering from it. Another complication following the HIFU procedure could be a rectal fistula (which is rectal wall damage), but this is extremely rare, and most doctors have never even seen it. The chance of getting it is about 2 or 3 out of a thousand, and this is actually a smaller risk than with surgery.
Another one of the possible HIFU side effects is that it may lead to incontinence. Again though, this is reported to be very rare. In addition, about 90 percent of all patients are able to resume their normal sexual function within as little as a few days after getting HIFU treatment. Some report the ability to have an erection and even engage is sexual activity the next day!
Here is a point by point summary of the possible HIFU side effects you may experience after getting this treatment:
1 – There may be pain in the area that was treated (scrotum or rectum area) 2 – You may have protein in your urine (also referred to as Proteinuria) 3 – You may experience a complete and sudden inability to urinate 4 – A risk of UTT – urinary tract infection 5 – A little difficulty in urinating is possible (also referred to as Dysuria) 6 – There may be tenderness, pain, or swelling in the scrotum (Epididymitis) 7 – You may find blood in the ejaculation fluid or semen (called Hematospermia) 8 – An infection of the prostate is a risk (also referred to as Prostatis) 9 – There may be blood in the urine (Hematuria) 10 – A leakage of urine is also possible (Urinary Incontinence) 11 – You may suffer from something called Retrograde Ejaculation, which means that after ejaculation the semen is passed to the bladder instead of exiting the penis)
Keep in mind, of course, that all these side effects are extremely rare, and the number and severity of the HIFU side effects are minimal compared to the other more “traditional” methods of treatment. In fact, HIFU is known amongst doctors and patients alike for its lack of associative side effects. This is one reason why this treatment method is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Similar Posts:
- Is Too Much Porn Messing With Your Sex Skills?
- Thick green mucus from nose – what should I do!
- A.M. Vitals: Samsung Says Report Shows No Cancer Link to Factories
- Some breast cancers could be treated with prostate cancer drugs
- Fruit flies lead scientists to new human pain gene
