HIFU side effects
As a minimally invasive focal therapy, the side effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are significantly fewer than those of radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy.
Based on outcomes from over 2,000 procedures, The Focal Therapy Clinic’s data shows that HIFU preserves quality of life while effectively controlling cancer. Below, we explain each potential side effect, how common it is, and what to expect during recovery.
Will I need help gaining or maintaining an erection after focal therapy?
Cancer control
88% cancer-free at 5 years (Ganzer et al., 2017)
Sexual function
90%+ preserved sexual function after HIFU (FTC audit, n=265)
97%
Urinary continence
97% had no problems with urinary continence after HIFU
What to expect: HIFU side effects
Because HIFU targets only your tumour, leaving your prostate and the surrounding nerves intact, the likelihood of permanent incontinence or erectile dysfunction is much lower compared with surgery. Learn more about how HIFU treatment works.
Our patient data shows that side effects after HIFU are mild and infrequent. Based on our audit of 265 patients, possible side effects include:
| Side Effect | How Common | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary incontinence | Less than 2% (97% maintain full continence) | Typically temporary; resolves within weeks |
| Urinary tract infection | Small risk (due to catheter) | Catheter typically removed within 1-3 days |
| Blood or debris in urine | Common and expected | Days to weeks as treated tissue breaks down |
| Decreased/absent ejaculatory fluid | Small risk; may affect fertility | May be permanent in some cases |
| Erectile dysfunction | Less than 10% (90%+ preserve function) | Often temporary; discuss with your consultant |
| Perineal discomfort | Mild; between testicles and rectum | Typically resolves within days |
| Testicular infection | Rare | Treatable with antibiotics |
Source: FTC patient outcome audit (n=265, October 2025)
Urinary side effects
Fewer than 2% of our audited patients experience urinary incontinence after HIFU — 97% remain fully pad-free at one year (265 patients). In the first days to weeks, some men notice a burning sensation when urinating, increased urgency, or a temporary need for a catheter; these early effects settle as the prostate heals.
Sexual side effects
More than 90% of men in our audited series preserve sexual function after HIFU, especially where function was good before treatment. Because HIFU targets only the tumour area, the nerves controlling erections are spared wherever the cancer’s position allows; your consultant will tell you before treatment how close your tumour lies to these nerves.
Bowel side effects
Bowel problems are rare after HIFU, because — unlike radiotherapy — no radiation passes through the bowel wall. Temporary discomfort can occur in the first days; persistent bowel symptoms are uncommon and should be raised with your consultant promptly.
Rare but important side effects
A small number of men experience urethral narrowing (stricture), urinary infection, or temporary urinary retention after HIFU. These are treatable — the key is to report symptoms early rather than wait for your scheduled follow-up.
Do HIFU side effects go away?
Most early effects — burning on urination, urgency, blood in urine or semen — settle within days to weeks as the prostate heals. The one-year results above (97% pad-free, 90%+ sexual function preserved) reflect our audited outcomes after recovery. If any symptom persists beyond your follow-up review, your consultant will assess it directly.
“So I had the HIFU treatment…and the rest has been joyful and happy. I do not feel like a cancer sufferer.”
Perry Letcher
The Focal Therapy Clinic patient
Hear from some of our previous patients about their experience with HIFU.
Watch now
Any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU treatment or NanoKnife treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
