What to Expect with HIFU Treatment

A prostate cancer diagnosis often arrives with a wave of uncertainty. Beyond the shock of hearing the word “cancer,” there’s the pressure to make a quick, life-altering decision. Surgery? Radiation? Active surveillance? For many men, each option brings as many questions as it does answers.

In recent years, a quieter but highly effective alternative has emerged: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). As a non-invasive, organ-sparing treatment, HIFU offers a targeted way to destroy prostate cancer tissue while preserving urinary and sexual function.

But what is the patient experience really like? From the moment of diagnosis to the first steps of recovery, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect with HIFU both medically and emotionally so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing HIFU

Most men discover they have prostate cancer through elevated PSA levels, followed by MRI imaging and a prostate biopsy. If cancer is found, the next step is to determine how aggressive it is. This is where tools like the Gleason score, PSA levels, and tumor staging come into play.

HIFU is typically offered to patients with:

• Localized prostate cancer (meaning the cancer hasn’t spread)
  
• Low- to intermediate-risk disease (Gleason score 6 or 7)
  
• One or two areas of cancer in the prostate (focal disease)
  

If your doctor determines that your cancer is suitable for HIFU, you may be referred to a specialist center where the procedure is available either in your home country or abroad.

It’s important to know: HIFU is not for everyone. If the cancer is aggressive or has spread beyond the prostate, more intensive treatments like radical surgery or radiation may be necessary. But for well-selected patients, HIFU offers a compelling middle ground.

Pre-Treatment Planning

Before the procedure, your medical team will conduct advanced imaging, usually multiparametric MRI, to identify the exact location and size of the tumor. This ensures that only the cancerous portion of the prostate is targeted during HIFU.

You may also undergo:

• Urodynamic studies (to assess bladder function)
  
• Prostate mapping biopsy (to confirm cancer location)
  
• Anesthesia evaluation (to prepare for the procedure)
  

If you’re traveling abroad for treatment such as to clinics in Turkey, where HIFU is widely available and more affordable your coordinator will help arrange travel, airport transfers, and hotel accommodations.

This planning phase is crucial: the better the imaging and diagnosis, the more precise and effective the treatment.

What Happens During HIFU?

HIFU is typically performed as a day procedure under spinal or general anesthesia. The treatment usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size and number of targeted areas in the prostate.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

1. A rectal probe is inserted and positioned adjacent to the prostate gland.
   
2. Real-time imaging (MRI or ultrasound) guides the physician in aligning the probe to the cancer site.
   
3. High-intensity ultrasound waves are focused on a precise point within the prostate.
   
4. The sound energy causes rapid heating of the cancerous tissue, reaching temperatures above 85°C (185°F), destroying it while sparing surrounding structures.
   
5. After treatment, a catheter is often placed to help with urination during the first few days of recovery.
   

The entire process is painless due to anesthesia, and there are no incisions, no bleeding, and no external wounds.

The First 24 to 72 Hours

Once the procedure is complete, most men are discharged the same day or after a brief overnight observation. Here’s what to expect:

• Mild urinary discomfort is common, especially in the first 24–48 hours.
  
• A catheter may be left in place for 5–10 days to allow the prostate to heal.
  
• Some men experience blood in the urine or semen, which usually resolves within a week or two.
  
• You may feel slightly fatigued, but most patients are up and walking the same day.
  

Most men are advised to limit physical activity for a few days and avoid heavy lifting for a week. However, many return to desk jobs or light routines within 3–5 days.

If you’ve traveled abroad for treatment, such as to Erdem Hospital in Istanbul, your recovery will be supported by an international patient coordinator, and post-treatment checkups will be arranged before your departure.

The Weeks That Follow

After the first week, your body begins to fully absorb the treated tissue. The prostate may feel slightly swollen, leading to temporary symptoms such as:

• Increased frequency of urination
  
• Mild burning during urination
  
• Lower ejaculate volume or absence of semen
  
• Temporary erectile difficulties (in some cases)
  

These effects usually subside over 2 to 6 weeks, and most men report improved urinary and sexual function over time, especially compared to traditional surgery.

In terms of cancer control:

• Your PSA levels will be monitored every 3 to 6 months.
  
• Follow-up MRI or biopsy may be scheduled at the 6- or 12-month mark to confirm treatment success.
  
• If needed, HIFU can be repeated, or additional treatments can be added (such as radiation).
  

HIFU doesn’t “close doors.” If the cancer comes back, other treatment options remain viable.

Regaining Peace of Mind

The physical benefits of HIFU are often clear: no major surgery, fewer complications, and faster recovery. But for many men, emotional relief is just as important.

After weeks or months of worry, the ability to move forward without losing one’s identity, independence, or intimacy brings a renewed sense of control. Patients often describe HIFU as:

“The treatment that fit my life, not the other way around.”

That psychological comfort knowing you’ve taken action without enduring unnecessary harm is part of what makes HIFU such a smart, patient-friendly option.

Is HIFU Right for You?

HIFU is a smart, minimally invasive choice for many men with localized prostate cancer but it’s not a universal fit. The best way to know is to:

• Get a second opinion from a HIFU-trained urologist
  
• Review your biopsy, MRI, and PSA results
  
• Consider your personal values around recovery, sexual function, and long-term health
  

If you’re seeking effective treatment with minimal disruption, HIFU may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At Erdem Hospital, we offer comprehensive HIFU treatment for international patients seeking precision care without compromise. With advanced technology, experienced urologists, and a patient-first approach, we help men reclaim their health and dignity with peace of mind.