HIFU for Prostate Cancer Treatment Shows Promise in Preserving Erectile Function

For men who have prostate cancer, the treatments often carry side effects that are worse than the disease itself. Erectile dysfunction is one of these. This problem was the subject of a study performed by British researchers at the London NHS Trust, and the research was reported at the American Urological Association 2014 annual meeting.

According to the report, men who have high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for prostate cancer do often experience a postoperative decline in erectile function. However, unlike other treatment options, HIFU does not appear to create a permanent problem. Most men have their erectile function return to their baseline level in around six months.

The researchers studied 116 patients who received HIFU treatment. They established a baseline erectile function score of 19.8. The men studied showed a significant decline in erectile health at one month, with a level of 12.5 being average. At three months this had increased to 15.7, and by six months it was as high as the baseline. The study also showed that 65 percent of patients were potent without medication after receiving HIFU.

What does this mean for prostate cancer patients? It means that prostate cancer has a new treatment option that may eliminate the risks, including the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Of course, prostate cancer does not always need to be treated, and in many cases is not a true cancer at all. To learn more about the potential dangers of prostate cancer treatment, visit Dr. Bert Vorstman athttps://urologyweb.com/exclusive-medical-reports/

Dr. Vorstman also blogs at http://www.urologyweb.com/uro-health-blog/

Contact him directly at bvorstmanmd@gmail.com.