He coached the Netherlands at the last World Cup in Qatar while battling prostate cancer and receiving treatment without being seen by the players. Louis Van Gaal, 73, has always been a fighter, on and off the pitch. He spoke about his experience with the disease to the press and in a documentary, ‘Always Positive’, in which he became a spokesperson for cancer prevention and whose proceeds will be donated to the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (Cnio) which contributed to its production. The former Ajax and Barcelona coach has also spoken openly about erectile dysfunction as a consequence of treatments to combat prostate cancer. “After three years of radiotherapy, kidney infections and surgery, I can finally manage it,” said the Dutch coach. “I can pee naturally again but I can no longer make love, this is a problem.”
“Van Gaal has openly stated that the disease has affected his ability to have sexual intercourse, shedding light on one of the many challenges faced by cancer survivors. This confession is not only a gesture of great transparency, but also a way to raise public awareness of an aspect of the disease that is rarely talked about. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms among men, and treatment often involves surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, which can have significant side effects,” Gabriele Antonini, urologist-andrologist of SS Lazio, told Adnkronos Salute. “Van Gaal underwent the necessary treatment, which fortunately led to a remission. Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy is a common consequence due to the possible damage to the nerves and blood vessels needed for an erection. Despite advanced robotic surgical techniques that aim to preserve the nerves, many men still experience erectile difficulties. This situation can severely impact an individual’s quality of life and self-esteem.”
“Before considering a prosthetic implant, less invasive treatments such as oral medications (Ped5 inhibitors), intracavernous injections, or vacuum devices are often used. However, not all patients respond effectively to these therapies – continues the surgeon who was a guest at a scientific event in Colombia, the National Congress of the Colombian Urology Society – When these options are not effective, the implantation of a three-component hydraulic penile prosthesis represents a permanent and highly effective solution. This device allows men to obtain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse in a discreet and natural way”.
Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that is often necessary to treat cancer, but it can have significant side effects, including erectile dysfunction. “Fortunately, there are advanced solutions to address this problem, one of which is the implantation of a three-component hydraulic penile prosthesis,” recalls Antonini, an international expert in this type of surgery and the largest implanter in Europe. “It is made up of three parts: two cylinders inserted into the penis, a reservoir of liquid placed in the abdomen and a pump placed in the scrotum. All completely invisible. When the man wants to get an erection, he can activate the pump manually, transferring the liquid from the reservoir to the cylinders, which expand and create an erection. After intercourse, the liquid can be released to return the penis to a flaccid state.”
“A 15-minute procedure with a small 2-centimeter incision at the base of the penis. One of the main concerns of patients considering the implantation of a penile prosthesis is the loss of sensitivity and naturalness during sexual intercourse – continues Antonini – However, the three-component hydraulic prosthesis is designed to keep the sensitivity of the penis intact, since it does not affect the nerves responsible for sensations. Patients can enjoy the same tactile sensations and pleasure that they felt before the procedure, since the nerves responsible for sensitivity are not damaged. The erection obtained with the hydraulic prosthesis appears and behaves very similar to a natural one. The ability to obtain and maintain an erection controlled by the user offers a feeling of naturalness that contributes to sexual satisfaction. The system – he clarifies – is completely internal, ensuring discretion. There are no externally visible components, allowing the patient to feel comfortable in any situation”.
“Many men report a high level of satisfaction after the implantation of the hydraulic penile prosthesis, emphasizing how this solution has restored not only sexual function, but also self-esteem and psychological well-being. The ability to lead an active and satisfying sexual life contributes significantly to the overall quality of life – concludes the surgeon – The fight against prostate cancer is a battle that requires not only medical care, but also strong emotional and psychological support. Van Gaal shows that, even in the deepest difficulties, it is possible to find the strength to move forward and continue to live a full and meaningful life”.
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