Luca Incrocci

Name of practice

Erasmus Medical Center

Location of practice

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Educational background

M.D., from the University of Pisa, Italy

Ph.D.: Sexual functioning in male patients in radiotherapy and urology at the University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Professional background

Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology 

Sexologist

How long have you been a member of the ISSM?

Since 1998

Why did you join the ISSM?

At that time, ISSM was the only international organization dealing with sexual medicine and offering international meetings to present and discuss research in the field.

How does the ISSM benefit you?

ISSM offers the possibility to exchange experiences with colleagues active in the field of sexual medicine.

What led you to begin practicing in the field of sexual medicine?

In the mid-1990's, sexual functioning was a taboo.  More research was needed and
proper counseling for cancer patients had to be initiated. I thought this was a challenge in patients diagnosed and treated for cancer. This led me to start working in the field, and I set up the first outpatient clinic for cancer patients with sexual dysfunction.

What are the special challenges in working in your region of the world?

Although Dutch people are quite open about their sexual problems, finances are a concern because most of the patients cannot afford the costs related to the drugs and devices to treat sexual dysfunction.

Success story

I am the Treasurer of ISSM (second term) and the co-founder and President of the International Society for Sexuality and Cancer (ISSC).

I am the chair of the 15th meeting of the European Society for Sexual Medicine to be held December 6-9, 2012 in Amsterdam. 

I have published more than 80 papers in peer-reviewed journals and edited several books.  I am very active in the field of sexual medicine both nationally and internationally.