Louis van Gaal and Prostate Cancer

Louis van Gaal and Prostate Cancer: Antonini Explains How to Resolve Sexual Impotence

Louis van Gaal, the renowned Dutch football manager, recently shared his experience with prostate cancer, a diagnosis that has profoundly affected both his career and personal life. During treatment, van Gaal faced significant challenges, including the impact of the disease on his ability to engage in sexual intercourse, highlighting a common difficulty among cancer survivors. We discuss this with Prof. Gabriele Antonini, a urologist and andrologist at the Sandro Pertini Hospital in Rome and the team physician for SS Lazio. An international expert in this field and the leading penile prosthesis surgeon in Europe, he is currently in Colombia as a guest of honor to present his advanced surgical techniques at the national congress of the Colombian Urological Society.

“Prostate cancer is among the most common forms of cancer in men and requires complex treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapies. These treatments can have long-term side effects, including incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which affect quality of life and personal relationships. Despite advances in surgical techniques, many patients, like van Gaal, continue to experience erectile difficulties, which can impact self-esteem and psychological well-being. Radical prostatectomy, often necessary for treating prostate cancer, can lead to erectile dysfunction due to potential damage to the nerves and blood vessels involved in erections. Initial therapies include oral medications, intracavernous injections, or vacuum devices. However, when these are ineffective, the implantation of a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis represents a permanent and highly effective solution. The three-piece inflatable prosthesis consists of two cylinders inserted into the penis, a fluid reservoir in the abdomen, and a pump in the scrotum. The procedure, which requires only a small 2 cm incision at the base of the penis and takes about 15 minutes, allows the patient to manually control the erection. The prosthesis does not alter skin sensitivity, and the nerves responsible for tactile sensations are not damaged, allowing the patient to maintain the ability to experience pleasure.
The achieved erection looks and behaves similarly to a natural erection, offering a satisfying and natural sexual experience.
The system is entirely internal, ensuring discretion without visible external components and enabling the patient to achieve an erection at will.

Many men report high levels of satisfaction after the implantation of the inflatable penile prosthesis, emphasizing how this solution has restored their sexual function and contributed to improving self-esteem and psychological well-being. The ability to lead an active and fulfilling sexual life positively affects overall quality of life. Louis van Gaal’s testimony is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those battling prostate cancer. His openness and transparency help raise public awareness of these issues, encouraging other men to seek support and solutions. Modern technologies, such as the implantation of a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis, offer hope and a new chance for a satisfying life for those affected by erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer treatment.”