The Penis Project

183: A gay man’s journey through prostate cancer.

In this episode, Melissa welcomes Richard, a 71-year-old gay man, who shares his journey through prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, offering an honest look into the physical, emotional, and relational changes that come with it from the perspective of a gay man.  

 Key topics include: 

1. Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment 

• Richard’s decision to opt for robotic prostate surgery over radiotherapy and the recovery process that followed. 

• Reflections on his initial fears, including concerns about anesthesia, biopsy discomfort, and his catheter experience during recovery. 

1. Sexual Rehabilitation and Erectile Health 

• Richard discusses using a penis pump and pelvic floor exercises to prevent penis atrophy post-surgery, offering insights into the challenges and humor he’s found in the process. 

• Melissa provides recommendations on pump use, hair trimming for comfort, and ways to maintain sexual health as part of recovery. 

1. Intimacy and Relationship Adjustments 

• Changes in Richard's intimate life with his partner, how they’ve adapted their relationship post-surgery, and exploring different forms of intimacy as they age. 

• Open discussions on same-sex relationships and how prostate cancer impacts sexual health and partnership dynamics. 

1. Personal Reflections and Family Relationships 

• Richard shares his late-in-life coming out journey, the importance of family connections, and maintaining positive relationships with loved ones, including his ex-wife and daughters. 

• A heartfelt discussion on cherishing relationships and the importance of support systems through health challenges. 

1. Next Steps and Health Management 

• Richard’s ongoing regimen: daily use of the penis pump, pelvic floor exercises, upcoming PSA test follow-up, and transitioning from incontinence underwear as his continence improves. 

Listen to Richard’s candid account of resilience, adaptation, and love as he navigates life post-prostate cancer.

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Websites: 

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

  

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA 

 
 

 

182: World meeting on sexual medicine Rio De Janeiro 2025 – what’s new and what did we learn.

Recently Kate and I attended this conference in Brazil. It was 4 days jam packed with information in the sexual health field. People from all over the world attended and from many different professions. Many urologists, sexologists, a few nurse practitioners, occupational therapists and many more. I have attended this conference in previous years and it is always exciting to update skills and think about what we can incorporate into our care to assist more people in their intimate lives and cancer journeys.   

Today we are going to discuss the big takeaways we got from this years conference. In future episodes I will discuss some of these topics in more detail but for today is an overview.  

I chose to attend mainly presentations around prostate cancer rehabilitation, peyronies disease and relationship issues. Kate attended lots of sessions on women’s health, wellbeing and sexuality.  

My top takeaway was that the research shows ‘less positive outcomes for penile rehabilitation when started greater than 6 months following prostate cancer surgery’ so it is my mission this year to get men to come in earlier and not wait to start rehab.  

Kates big takeaway is that Ph is not just important in pool water, it is also very important in vagina health.  

Listen here to find out more about: Testosterone(having low T may actually increase risk of developing prostate cancer), peyronies, how erectile function drugs are associated with decreasing risk of MACE (major adverse cardiac events), of the 237 reasons people cited for having sex what was the number 1 reason, what is Bocox and many more exciting tit bits.  

Following the conference Kate and I also went on a trip for a few days up the Amazon and did lots exciting things including piranha fishing so we tell you the highlights of this too and recommend you put this on your bucket list. 

If you would like to read the paper that discusses testosterone and prostate cancer this, is it: Prostate safety events during testosterone replacement therapy in men with hypogonadism: A randomised clinical trial. December 2023 JAMA Network Open 6(12):e2348692, DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.48692 

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Websites: 

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

  

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA 

181: The Penis project meets the GU Cast : PSA anxiety, ADT and what’s new in prostate cancer treatments.

This episode on The Penis Project we are excited to interview Dr. Declan Murphy and Dr. Renu Eapen, both who have a wonderful podcast called GU CAST. In this episode we will discuss advanced prostate cancer among many other topics, such as:

 - PSA anxiety is a very real feeling that many men and their families feel when waiting for PSA results.

 - What a rise in PSA means and why you don’t need to panic and why you shouldn’t compare your result with your mates. 

 - Bust some PSA myths, plus what to do when it rises and when to be concerned.  

 - What is new in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatments in the future.

 - What is Theranostics and how this could be a big thing in the future of prostate cancer treatment. 

We also discuss the big one ADT treatment (testosterone lowering) what, when, how and why. Is using testosterone therapy when you have had prostate cancer a definite NO, you may be surprised with the answer. 

Find the GU Cast on Instagram gu_cast_podcast this podcast focuses on GU Oncology, all about prostate, kidney, bladder, testis and penile cancer and is hosted by Declan Murphy and Renu Eapen  

Website www.gucast.org   

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Websites: 

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

  

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA 

 

180: Mr David Dangerfield – You can rewire your penis!

This is another exciting episode which came highly requested by you, The Penis Project audience. We have interviewed David previously on the podcast in episode 46, and two patients who have undergone this procedure (episodes 83 and 174) so listen here for the backstory 

Mr Dangerfield in conjunction with Prof Chris Coombs have developed a surgical technique to restore erections utilizing nerve grafting.  

Listen to Melissa have an informal chat with David about this revolutionary surgery. Topics covered are what the surgery entails, who is the perfect candidate, pre-habilitation and rehabilitation following surgery, and much more.   

At present this surgery has mainly been utilised for post-prostate cancer surgical patients but we also discuss areas that this could help other men.

For more information about this innovative technique and Dangerfield, please go to this website where you will find links to TV presentations, other podcasts, YouTube interviews and much more. https://www.cucare.com.au/erectile-restoration-surgery/ 

 

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Websites: 

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

  

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA 

179: Robert- Everything he has done is hard won! A prostate cancer story. Spice up your rehab!

This is a very special episode featuring none other than Victoria Cullen from “A touchy Subject” and Robert, a longtime patient of both Victoria and me (Melissa Hadley Barrett).

Robert had an open prostatectomy in May 2009 and has been on a journey of self-discovery ever since. He initially saw men’s health Dr in Brisbane for 4-5 years until he went searching for other options. He injected twice a week for years a mysterious mix … he did achieve an erection, but this was not ‘wife friendly” as no spontaneity. He was only 57 years old at this stage and disappointed with the loss of what was previously a good intimate relationship. Unfortunately, he received advice that vacuum pumps were a waste of time and used injections for rehab, this became costly and tedious and eventually he ran out of steam 2016 and gave up. He felt shame about loss of function.  

 Along the way he met various health professionals whom he asked if they could help and usually, they didn’t respond well until he was eventually sent to a sex therapist who convinced him that outercourse was the way of the future. Finally in 2021 he was introduced to Victoria’s work by a physio he saw to assist with incontinence issues, and he hasn’t looked back. Through Victoria, he met me and Tess Deveze and continued to spice up his rehab and life. 

 This is a story of perseverance, patience, resilience, and of finding pleasure and joy. I hope you learn as much from Robert as Victoria, and I have and can use some of his lessons and apply them to you. You may be interested to join Victoria’s Hub (a safe place for men to chat, share and help each other. Happy pumping! 

 

- https://atouchysubject.podia.com/a-touchy-subject-community : to join the Hub Membership 

- https://www.atouchysubject.com/help-for-ed-post-prostate-surgery : free 101 rehab program 

- https://www.atouchysubject.com/ed-vacuum-pump-vacurect-demonstration-video : Vacurect training course 

 

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Websites: 

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

  

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA 

178: Emily Duncan - That's Orgasmic

Today we speak with Emily, a sexologist with a psychology background. Emily has a great podcast,  “That’s Orgasmic” of which I am a keen listener. Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Emily’s podcast and thought The Penis Project audience would benefit from her education, view point and information.   

 In this episode we discuss; mismatched libidos (takeaway message – you are not broken), how to build desire, premature ejaculation from a psychological approach , “Post nut clarity” what is it?, how important it is to change up your script, and much more.  

 Emily (she/her) is a Queer cis-gendered Sexologist and NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner based in Geelong, Victoria, who is passionate about advocating for LGBTIQA+ issues, sex, relationships, and the rights of disabled people. She specializes in helping disabled individuals experience the sex and relationships they desire, challenging societal barriers that have long denied them their sexuality. Emily offers sex education, therapy, and tailored support, drawing from her extensive experience with various disabilities and her interest in neurodivergence. She also supports young adults, particularly women, who struggle with sexual confidence, desire, and pleasure due to inadequate sex education and societal pressures. Raised in a conservative rural environment, Emily understands the challenges of unlearning harmful sexual scripts and now helps others do the same, guiding them to reclaim their sexuality and maximize their sexual wellness.  

We hope you enjoy this episode, for more information about Emily and how to book a consult please go to  www.emilyduncansexology.com 

That's Orgasmic podcast is on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7KO3hdjoPXkYAU3lI4XEkO?si=S9ygU8VSRVC_AeQ0JEHP4A 

That's Orgasmic on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/thats-orgasmic-with-sexologist-emily-duncan/id1540459611 

 Instagram @thatsorgasmic 

Email: emilyduncan@thatsorgasmic.com 

To book a session with Emily at Emily Duncan Sexology follow the link: https://www.emilyduncansexology.com/ 

Sunroom: https://sunroom.so/thatsorgasmic 

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Websites: 

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

  

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA 

177: Gadgets and Thing-me-bobs! Ideas that may make your prostate cancer journey easier, with someone who has been there.

Today we talk to John who had a prostatectomy in February 2024. Joh has taken his recovery very seriously and has paid particular attention to the products and practices that made his recovery easier. Today he was kind enough to share what he has learnt. We hope that these tips and tricks will help you have smoother sailing.

 

We talk about pads, travelling with pads, penile clamps, underwear he found comfortable, pumping tips and many more.

Please see the blog on our website for more detailed information and links to tools John discusses - https://melissahadleybarrett.com/show-notes/ 

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Websites:

https://melissahadleybarrett.com  Men’s health only

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

 

Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 
https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

176: Hypertonic Pelvic Floor with Archie

So, we have talked a lot about the pelvic floor on this podcast, but usually it is about strengthening it to maintain/ improve continence post prostate cancer treatment. But what happens if your pelvic floor is too tight? Well, you can have too much of a good thing.  

Today we talk to Archie, a 29 year old guy who has a tight pelvic floor. This caused him issues in the bedroom. When your pelvic floor is too tight it can be a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction in both men and women. For women it usually results in pain and in men erectile dysfunction can be an issue. Listen to this week’s episode to find out how this issue can be helped.  

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Websites: 

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ 

http://prost.com.au/ 

  

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

 

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

175: Frank’s Prostate cancer Journey - Team work/support is the key

Today we speak with Frank, who was 49 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is now 16 months post-op and has had an unremarkable healing journey. He has no incontinence, and his erectile function has returned. It hasn’t all been plain sailing as you will hear, but with ‘stickability’ following the rehab roadmap he is back on track and now the surgery feels like a blip on the horizon.  

Frank talks about how he now wants to talk about his journey with others for two reasons:

1. To help other men in the same situation and,

2. He finds it therapeutic to talk about what he has been through.  

I sincerely hope that you listeners will enjoy this conversation as much as I did and that it gives men soon to go through this journey hope.  

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Websites:

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/

http://prost.com.au/

 

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814

 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/

174: Dangerfield does Mike - Nerve grafting post prostate cancer removal for erectile function

This is another episode where you the listeners asked for it, so you got it. Most exciting this week is we have guest interviewer Victoria Cullen from ‘A Touchy Subject’ on the interview.  If you don’t know about Victoria and you have had prostate cancer treatment- you, should, she has awesome information for people in this area so check out her website https://www.atouchysubject.com/. 

Many of you saw the TV show where Dr. David Dangerfield was interviewed about this surgery. Professor Chris Coombes and Dr. David Dangerfield perform this surgery to return erectile function to men post prostate cancer treatment. Following Dr Dangerfield’s TV interview, I was inundated with requests for more information so here it is.  

Those of you who are longtime listeners of The Penis Project may remember Episode 46-way back in August 2021 where Jo Milios and I interviewed Dr. Dangerfield on this life changing surgery, and following in that we interviewed a patient who had been through the surgery (Episode 83). A few years have passed now and, in this episode, we speak with Mike who had non nerve sparing prostatectomy in May 2023 and recently had microsurgery with Dr. Dangerfield and Dr. Coombs to repair his erectile dysfunction.  

The plan is we will follow Mike’s journey over the next 12 months and see how he goes, so listen here for the initial post op recovery and keep listening for updates. 

Also, if you want to know more, we will be interviewing Dr. Dangerfield himself in September 2024 so keep listening. 

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Websites:

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/

http://prost.com.au/

 

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814

 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/