193: Richard and Pauline Story – A prostate cancer journey, 75 and back to preop function, it is possible!

In this candid and heartfelt episode, Melissa chats with Richard and Pauline, a 75-year-old couple who generously share their personal experience with prostate cancer—from diagnosis to recovery. They open up about the emotional and physical aspects of his journey, including the moment a routine PSA test led to further investigation and, eventually, robotic prostate surgery.

This conversation shines a light on topics that are often left unspoken: erectile dysfunction after surgery, managing incontinence, and maintaining penis health in the face of cancer treatment. Richard discusses the treatments he tried, including injections, penis pumps, oral medications, and a new nasal spray for ED—and what worked best for him.

They also talk about the role of partners during recovery. Richard speaks warmly about the support he received from his wife Pauline, and how her own journey with vaginal discomfort was improved with expert help from the vagina whisperer Kate.

Alongside medical insights, this episode explores the financial realities of treatment, highlights the importance of pre-surgical preparation (including pelvic floor exercises), and makes a compelling case for early PSA screening—particularly for men over 40 or those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Key Takeaways:

• Why PSA testing and early detection matter

• New nasal spray for Erectile Dysfunction- Spontan

• How pelvic floor physiotherapy helps with recovery and incontinence

• Treatment options for erectile dysfunction post-surgery

• The benefits of maintaining penis health after prostate cancer

• The impact of a supportive partner and professional team

• Federal and State government support available for incontinence products

Resources & Links:

• Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic

• https://spontan.hck.digital/patient-zone

• https://www.pelvichug.com/ Louise Hug

• For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com.au

• Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)- federal Australian government https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/continence-aids-payment-scheme-caps

Listen & Subscribe

• If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app.

Connect With Us

We love hearing from real people navigating penile health—just like Richard. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch.

Email: admin@melissahadleybarrett.com Website: www.rshealth.com.au

Websites:

https://rshealth.com.au/

https://makehardeasy.com.au

https://melissahadleybarrett.com

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