204: 5 year anniversary episode: Kirk’s Story: Early PSA Testing, Surgery at 59, and Getting Back to Life (Fast!)

204: 5 year anniversary episode: Kirk’s Story: Early PSA Testing, Surgery at 59, and Getting Back to Life (Fast!)

In this Episode which marks the 5th anniversary of the Penis Project Podcast, Kate and Melissa, practitioners from Restorative Health Clinic talk to Kirk (59), who shares his very recent journey with prostate cancer — from vigilant PSA screening due to a strong family history, through biopsy and robotic prostatectomy(Gleason 9), to an unusually swift return of continence and erections (yes, really… at 5 weeks!). We chat about why a good GP relationship matters, common myths (no, PSA screening is not a finger-up-the-bum), and practical rehab steps that set you up for the best outcome. We also touch on the challenges recent Medicare telehealth changes pose for rural men and why community conversations save lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • PSA screening saves lives: It’s a blood test. Many men still believe screening means a rectal exam — that misconception stops blokes from testing.
  • Early and regular checks matter, especially with family history. Kirk and his GP were “on it,” which likely changed his trajectory.
  • Rehab starts before surgery: Pre-op pelvic floor coaching and early, structured penile rehab support faster continence and sexual recovery.
  • Expectations matter: Being clear about how important sex is to you helps the team tailor a plan (medications, devices, or injections) so intimacy continues post-treatment.
  • Modern prostate cancer care is not what it was 20 years ago — minimally invasive surgery, targeted radiation, and better side-effect profiles.

Episode Highlights

  • Family history matters: Kirk, a 59-year-old anaesthetist, always knew prostate cancer was a “when, not if.” Vigilant PSA screening caught it early.
  • PSA test = blood test: Many men still mistakenly think screening means a rectal exam — this myth stops blokes from testing.
  • Gleason upgrade: Biopsy showed 7, but post-surgery pathology was 9 — reinforcing why early surgery was lifesaving.
  • GPs are gold: A trusted GP relationship ensures timely checks and continuity of care.
  • Rehab starts before surgery: Pelvic floor exercises and penile rehab education gave Kirk the best start.
  • Fast recovery: At 5 weeks post-op, Kirk is dry, pad-free, and already regaining erectile function with support strategies.
  • Community conversations: Kirk shared his diagnosis with ice-hockey teammates — most had no idea PSA was just a blood test.
  • Rural barriers: Medicare telehealth changes risk limiting access for country men as of November 1st 2025 — highlighting the importance of policy that supports remote care.
  • Positive outlook: Kirk’s story proves recovery can be quicker than many expect, and modern treatments offer far better outcomes than in the past.
  • Take-home message: Don’t wait for symptoms — get your PSA blood test done and talk to your mates about it.

Shareable quotes

  • “Good news — PSA screening is a blood test. That’s it.”
  • “Pre-hab matters: start pelvic floor and penile rehab before surgery.”
  • “Sex after prostate cancer is absolutely possible — the toolkit is bigger and better than ever.”
  • “Men will talk footy all day — let’s talk our health the same way.”

Resources & Links:

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. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch.

Email: admin@rshealth.com.au

Websites:

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

https://makehardeasy.com.au

https://melissahadleybarrett.com

Instagram:

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett

Facebook:

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

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

Linkedin:

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

TEDX

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

Jaksot(206)

158: Merry Christmas - last episode for 2023

158: Merry Christmas - last episode for 2023

To round up 2023 I thought I would do a quick snippet from all of us here at RSHC (Me, Kendall and Kate) and Dr. Jo Milios (Co podcast founder) about highlights this year, and what is planned for 2024.   I hope all our listeners have had an amazing 2023, and are looking forward to 2024.   We at Restorative Sexual Health Clinic have had an exciting time, and are looking forward to learning and sharing new knowledge with all of you in 2024.   Thanks so much for listening, following along and being a part of our podcast community!  ---------- 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 Joulu 202327min

157: Mismatched libidos - what, why and how.

157: Mismatched libidos - what, why and how.

This week we meet Dr. Elisabeth Gordon, a New York based Integrative sexual health psychiatrist, who is passionate about sexual health education, health and happiness. It was very exciting to speak with Elisabeth, who had some great insights to share on mismatched libidos. This is an issue I am often asked about in clinic, and I reached out to Dr. Elisabeth to see if she could share her knowledge with us.   Dr. Gordon’s philosophy is that - “Sexuality is an essential component of identity and a key element of our lives and intimate relationships, with ourselves and others. In addition, sexual health is intrinsically related to physical and mental health. Being satisfied with your sexuality and sexual interactions can create a sense of happiness, support your well-being and health, and increase satisfaction with relationships. Unfortunately, many people have difficulties with sex, both psychologically and/ or physically and, in turn, these difficulties and dysfunctions can negatively impact your mood, health, and relationships.”  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed speaking with Elisabeth. She is a great communicator and makes a difficult subject all seem so simple.   To find out more about Elisabeth go to www.psychandsexmd.com  Instagram: @psychandsexmd  Linked In: Elisabeth Gordon   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psychandsexmd    https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/11/well/family/sex-drive-libido-partner.html    ---------- 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 Joulu 202359min

156: Help, my penis is stuck up! Priapism’s - the what, why, and how.

156: Help, my penis is stuck up! Priapism’s - the what, why, and how.

This week Kendall and Melissa talk about priapism. A priapism is an erection that is sustained fully erect for longer than 2 hours. This sounds like a dream come true if you have been suffering with erectile dysfunction, however it is a painful and scary situation to find yourself in.  This is the most common reason men site for not wanting to try injection therapies for erectile dysfunction.   This issue actually occurs very infrequently if the practitioner teaching you injectable therapies is experienced and cautious with initial dosing, and if the patient follows instructions. In this episode, the details of priapism and how to avoid and resolve this issue are discussed in detail.   If you have erectile dysfunction and would like to try but are scared of this possible side effect, listen here to find out the facts instead of urban myths.   ---------- 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/

28 Marras 202321min

155: An apple a day keeps the Dr away…

155: An apple a day keeps the Dr away…

Men’s health and the importance of having a regular primary health care practitioner Today we speak to GP Dr Lloyd about all things men. So when should a man start having regular checkups? According to Dr Lloyd, “No set age but the sooner the better. “ Men and women are different, women have time points in their lives where they have to see a GP such as hormonal changes, childbearing, breast checks etc. but for men it is different and often health is treated like firefighting. Men just go to the Dr when they have a fire that needs putting out. In this episode we look at why starting earlier is a better option for men, the health system, and their loved ones. Dr Lloyd says: “So medicine's complicated, it's fascinating, but it just shows how one thing, one issue needs a whole wider approach, not just deal with the problem, and brush under the carpet and move on. I think that's what guys do wrongly, isn't it? They'll see a GP; we call it firefighting. So, you quickly put that fire out, and actually, there's an inferno going on behind. So yeah, it's complicated and that's the beauty of medicine.” He also suggests a great read by Caitlin Moran called “What About Men?” which I have since read and is great. Finally, we talk about his recent trigger to look after his own health. Lloyd has decided to open a new clinic called Man Health to offer a slightly different approach to assisting men in their long-term health goals, listen to this episode to find out more. Hopefully this episode will get you motivated to see a primary health practitioner for regular overhaul and tune up if you haven’t already. www.manhealth.com.au https://www.instagram.com/manhealthclinic info@manhealth.com.au ---------- 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/

21 Marras 202344min

154: The Solo Sidekick  -  ‘The Eureka’ prostate patient

154: The Solo Sidekick - ‘The Eureka’ prostate patient

In this episode, we revisit Anthony the Eureka patient from episode 112 and 113. Anthony was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022 at age 53. He was determined to get through it with the best possible outcome. He decided to document his journey in film and post on YouTube, in the hope of helping other men and their partners in the same situation. Jo Milios interviewed Anthony in December 2022 to hear all about his early days recovering and today we will see how he is going another year down the track. He is now cancer free, with almost no side effects.  He has also written a song about prostate cancer which we play at the intro and outro of this episode.   In my experience many men tell me tell that their life has been improved by their prostate cancer journey from various aspects, improved health, rekindling of past hobbies and interests and a deepening of relationships. Anthony is one of these guys who has turned this experience into a positive. I hope you enjoy this episode. If you would like to hear more music from Anthony and see his YouTube diary, please see links below.   Prostate Cancer video series   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMjyrGJ5Wr0&list=PLzi-qvS6scVBFA7jpWOx6HJTK4zvUeYnD&ab_channel=AnthonyRobertson    Solo Sidekick on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@SoloSidekick/playlists    Solo Sidekick on Spotify  https://www.tiktok.com/link/v2?aid=1988&lang=en&scene=bio_url&target=https%3A%2F%2Fspotify.link%2FUkXhDYTl7Db    ---------- 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/    Music: Anthony Robertson    Prostate Cancer Song  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvfAdju1rxY&ab_channel=AnthonyRobertson

14 Marras 202331min

153: The Mane Truth – Hair Loss Q&A with Dr. Mario Terri

153: The Mane Truth – Hair Loss Q&A with Dr. Mario Terri

On the latest episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Kendall Gow joins me as we chat with Dr. Mario Terri to unravel the mysteries of baldness. Hair loss and balding are common topics of discussion that come up with the men we see at the clinic, so we wanted to get some answers from a specialist in the field of hair loss treatments.   Dr. Mario Terri, is a hair transplant surgeon and cosmetic physician, who also serves as the Senior Medical Director for Ashley and Martin Australia in Perth. We discuss the factors contributing to hair loss, from genetics to hormones, and debunk some common myths along the way.  Subscribe to The Penis Project Podcast and stay tuned for more informative conversations.  The topics discussed in today’s podcast include:   Hair loss statistics  Genetic causes  Baldness myths debunked  Lifestyle factors and risks  Medications and hair loss  Oral treatments and decreased PSA scores  Cooling caps and chemotherapy  Laser therapy     Here are some key points from our engaging conversation:    - The prevalence of hair loss varies between men and women. While it's commonly believed that 60% of men and 40% of women will experience hair loss in their lifetime, Dr. Terri shares updated statistics, revealing that up to 70% of men and around 10% of women may experience hair loss. After menopause, this percentage can increase to 30% in women.    - Hair loss in men is typically attributed to genetic male pattern baldness, accounting for 99% of cases. In women, it can result from various factors, including genetics, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices.    - Dr. Terri provides insights into the genetic aspects of hair loss, dispelling the myth that baldness is solely inherited from one side of the family. Polygenetics plays a significant role, and the risk of hair loss is higher if it runs in your immediate family.    - We discuss the age groups seeking treatment for hair loss, with a focus on the age range of 18 to 40, where individuals are often at a stage in life where they are concerned about their appearance and how it might impact their personal and professional lives.    - We address the misconception that baldness is related to high testosterone levels. Dr. Terri clarifies that the testosterone levels in bald and non-bald men are not significantly different, debunking this common myth.    - During consultations, Dr. Terri explains that they take a comprehensive approach, examining the patient's history, performing a physical examination, and asking relevant questions to determine the cause of hair loss, which can be genetic or attributed to other factors such as dermatitis or medical conditions.    Join us for an enlightening discussion that sheds light on the causes of hair loss and dispels myths surrounding this common concern. Whether you're experiencing hair loss or want to learn more about it, this episode offers valuable insights. Subscribe to The Penis Project Podcast and stay tuned for more informative conversations.  ---------- Websites: https://ashleyandmartin.com.au/  https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Online Men's Health Programs   https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders   https://www.prostaterehabilitation.com/    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/

7 Marras 202336min

152: Wonky Willies, bent penis….what angle is your dangle?

152: Wonky Willies, bent penis….what angle is your dangle?

Peyronies Disease Explained Did you know that prostate cancer survivors have a marked increased risk of developing Peyronies disease? The prevalence of diagnosed PD has been estimated to be 0.5% in adult males. PD is thought to happen in about 6 out of 100 men between the ages of 40 and 70. It’s rare in young men but has been seen in men in their 30's. The incidence of PD increases after prostate cancer treatment; however, studies vary in statistics. It is important to note that penile rehabilitation programs can reduce the risk,  post prostate cancer treatment.  For more information about Peyronies please read https://rshealth.com.au/peyronies-disease/  We have a new program coming soon to address this issue, a roadmap to penile perfection. Please register your interest at admin@melissahadleybarrett.com  This common issue is not talked about often and there are treatments available. Causation is often difficult to ascertain, however treatment is the same regardless of the reason it has occurred. Today we will speak to two men who have faced this hurdle and come out the other side.  I am particularly excited about this episode as we haven’t previously discussed the use of traction in this treatment.   ---------- 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/

31 Loka 202349min

151: Words Woke Me - Steve’s Journey To Recovery Through Poetry

151: Words Woke Me - Steve’s Journey To Recovery Through Poetry

In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, I chat with Steve Jones, a name that might ring a bell for our dedicated listeners. Steve's life took a unique turn when he lost his prostate, but in turn discovered a remarkable talent for expressing his story through poetry. His poetry delves into various aspects of his recovery, from overcoming loneliness and exploring intimacy to empowerment and appreciating life. Steve has recently published a collection of his poetry in a book called "Words Woke Me," a beautiful glimpse into his personal journey. Listen in as Steve shares a few of his poems and discusses his commitment to supporting men to feel less isolated when faced with the challenges of prostate cancer. To purchase Steve’s book: Click Here Steve’s Facebook Page: Click Here   Summary (Outline Only)  The topics discussed in today’s podcast include: A change in perspective Mental Health Becoming a support for others ---------- 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/

24 Loka 202322min

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