201: From Diagnosis to Data: One Man’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer Recovery

201: From Diagnosis to Data: One Man’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer Recovery

In this episode, Melissa chats with David, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 and underwent a prostatectomy. David candidly shares his journey—how a routine PSA test led to a life-saving diagnosis, what recovery was really like, and how he’s taken a scientific, data-driven approach to his penile rehabilitation.

With warmth, wit and wisdom, David opens up about his experience with erectile dysfunction (ED), continence concerns, vacuum pump rehab, and using the FirmTech ring to monitor nocturnal erections—describing it as a “FitBit for your dick.” He also talks about the importance of talking openly about men's health and encouraging others, including his sons and mates, to get checked early.

In This Episode, We Cover:

  • Why tracking PSA trends—not just the number—can save lives
  • David’s experience with no symptoms and the surprise diagnosis
  • The emotional toll and stigma around ED and incontinence post-surgery
  • Why using a penile pump isn’t weird—it’s essential rehab
  • Real-world side effects of tablets vs low-dose daily Tadalafil
  • Monitoring erections with FirmTech and what the data can reveal
  • The surprising link between erectile function, heart health, and alcohol
  • The power of talking: How David's openness has led others to get tested
  • Tips for men navigating life post-prostatectomy
  • Why your penis might be the first clue your heart’s in trouble

Key Takeaways:

  • Prostate cancer is often silent—many men have no symptoms at all.
  • Early detection matters. David’s long-term PSA monitoring saved his life.
  • Erectile rehab works best when started early. Pumps, Tadalafil, and data help.
  • Talking saves lives. One conversation might be what pushes someone to get checked.
  • Nocturnal erections are a sign of good health—and you can measure them.
  • FirmTech isn’t just about sex—it's a window into your cardiovascular system.

Expert Insight from Melissa Hadley Barrett:

“As a sexologist and nurse practitioner, I see too many men suffer in silence after prostate cancer. David’s story shows that recovery is possible—with data, determination and a bit of humour. Erectile function is not just about sex—it’s a vital sign of your overall health. So yes, monitoring your function might just save your life.”

Listen & Subscribe:

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! Your feedback helps us spread the word about men’s health and break down stigma. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite app by searching “The Penis Project Podcast.”

Resources & Links:

  • Book a telehealth consult with our experienced sexual health team at Restorative Health Clinic

Websites:

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

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

Jaksot(206)

166: Running for life - A prostate cancer story

166: Running for life - A prostate cancer story

In this episode of the "Penis Project Podcast," I chat with Jason Phillips to discuss his journey following his prostate surgery. Jason wants to give back, get on with life as he knows it and most importantly raise awareness about prostate cancer for other men. His way of doing it? Running 129km in rural Western Australia to raise money for research at PCFA.    I hope you enjoy this inspiring story. Follow his training and run at his socials below. He leaves the starting blocks 24th April and is hoping to finish on the 25th April (ANZAC day).    This is the link to Jason’s official PCFA fundraising page:  https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/s/1762/1879    The following are the links to Jason’s socials:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.phillips.5891  Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/jason_phillips_05/    Episode Summary   - Prostate cancer treatment journey    - Getting on with life as ‘normal’   - Survival  ---------- 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/

26 Maalis 202425min

165: Pete and his Dynamo Penis / Penile Implants

165: Pete and his Dynamo Penis / Penile Implants

In this episode of the "Penis Project Podcast," I chat with Jenny and Peter to discuss Peter's journey with penile implants following his prostate surgery. They cover various topics related to the decision-making process, surgery, recovery, and post-surgery experiences. Peter details his pre-surgery anxieties, which surprisingly gave way to a smooth recovery with minimal discomfort. Jenny and Peter kindly and openly share their experiences relating to sexual activity, challenging common beliefs about older adults and sex.  Episode Summary  Initial Diagnosis and Decision-Making  Surgery Experience  Post-Surgery Challenges  Sexual Experience  Health Benefits and Aging  Future Improvements  ---------- 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/

19 Maalis 202436min

164: Canada calling - for help! A prostate journey.

164: Canada calling - for help! A prostate journey.

Today we speak to George all the way from Canada. George came to Australia and fixed his continence and got his old fella to remember what he was supposed to do. This man had a very complicated and drawn-out post op recovery but is now on his way to penile perfection, thanks to his physio in Canada recommending he visit Jo Milios and subsequently Melissa whilst he was down under. Listen here to see how his recovery went ahead in leaps and bounds once he hit the ”lucky country”  ---------- 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/

5 Maalis 202430min

163: Is that a gun in your pocket…Frisk search gone wrong

163: Is that a gun in your pocket…Frisk search gone wrong

If you are a regular listener to The Penis Project then you will probably remember Rod Popcorn from episode 53. If you haven’t listened back that far, then I recommend you go back as this is a funny, honest account of a prostate cancer recovery.  Rod will be 4 years post op this April and he joins us today to share a hilarious story about a recent experience that involved a needle, an erection, a motorbike and airport security. This episode is short but it will have you chuckling to yourself for days.   ---------- 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/

20 Helmi 202417min

162: Online Dating - A first-hand account from an expert.

162: Online Dating - A first-hand account from an expert.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Since today is the day of love and friendship, I thought it would be a good time to discuss online dating.   Today we are talking to Lee, and this is a fun and informative discussion. Lee has been online dating intermittently for two decades, so this guy has experienced it from the beginning.  Any young people listening will be amazed to know what it was like before apps.    I learnt a lot from this interview, and I am sure you will too. Even if you are not in the market for a new partner, this is a fun, interesting episode that delves into how humans interact.   I would love to hear your feedback on this episode, and I really want to interview a female and non-binary person about their online dating experiences, so if this is you or someone you know please contact me.    ---------- 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/

13 Helmi 20241h

161: Rehabilitation – A Game Changer! Penile Rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment. Harden Up Day, Wild Erections and more….

161: Rehabilitation – A Game Changer! Penile Rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment. Harden Up Day, Wild Erections and more….

In this episode, we have a chat with Jonathon and Jeanine, all the way from NZ. Jonathon thought he would get prostate cancer, as his family had a history of it, and he was proactive in getting a diagnosis and watched it for 4 years before finally being advised it was time to remove it in December 2022.   This is an excellent, honest conversation with this lovely couple where they discuss their fears, treatment and recovery journey. They are both open and vulnerable with how this journey affected them as a couple and individually.  Being proactive, Jonathan sort out as much information as he could and that is how he found The Penis Project and Victoria Cullen- A Touchy Subject  https://www.atouchysubject.com/    He found these both invaluable resources. He was surprised to find out that despite being offered excellent treatment for the cancer, his aftercare and information provided to enable him to return to ‘normal” was lacking. This led him to enroll in the Online Penile Rehabilitation Program which he found to be an invaluable tool in his recovery process.   Jeanine discusses her reaction to the changes and how she dealt with these and the changes in his responsiveness. Listen to this episode for these and many more useful tips to navigate this journey.   If you enjoy this podcast, you may also like Episode #123: 300-400 Times Penile Injections  If you would like to know more about the Online Penile Rehabilitation Program please go here: https://melissahadleybarrett.com/penile-rehabilitation-program/  Link for the products discussed in podcast:   Vacurect- https://melissahadleybarrett.com/product/vacurect-penis-pump/  Bathmate- https://melissahadleybarrett.com/product/bathmate-hydro-7-penis-pump/   Firmtech Ring-   https://melissahadleybarrett.com/product/firmtech-tech-ring/  https://melissahadleybarrett.com/product/firmtech-maxpr-ring/   ---------- 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/

6 Helmi 202450min

160: Swinging, a first-hand account.

160: Swinging, a first-hand account.

This week, Melissa and Kate speak to a couple who met at a swinger’s group. Yes, you heard correctly, swingers. This is a lifestyle choice that many of our listeners may not know anything about. I think I am open minded and have come across many different types of relationships, but I have to say I learnt a lot in this interview. Kate is a little more naïve, so she was shocked as to what she heard and asked lots of interesting questions.  I encourage you all to listen, have a laugh and keep an open mind. This lifestyle may or may not be for you, but this episode is guaranteed to give you a giggle and broaden your horizons.   ---------- 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/

23 Tammi 20241h 15min

159: Feelings & Healing – A Chat with Michael Hodge

159: Feelings & Healing – A Chat with Michael Hodge

You've probably heard about stress causing ED, but what about the role of repressed emotions? In this episode I chat via Zoom with Michael Hodge in Texas, who shares his unique perspective and introduces what he describes as the "root cause model" of sexual dysfunction.  Michael’s personal journey included five years of grappling with severe pelvic pain, persistent urinary issues, and sexual dysfunction in his 20s. After his recovery, he embarked on a quest to uncover the root causes of these complex mind-body issues. In collaboration with renowned pelvic health specialist Dr. Brianne Grogan, Michael developed a program dedicated to helping men go beyond the surface level symptoms and delve deeper into the depths of genitourinary dysfunction.  Michael's Website: https://www.transformpelvichealth.com/  Vigor Sexual Strength Program (for ED and PE): https://bit.ly/vigorstrongsex    Transform YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformPelvicHealth    The topics discussed in today’s podcast include:   Mind/Body Connection  Breathwork  Masculinity   ---------- 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/

9 Tammi 202438min

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