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

Avsnitt(206)

70. Your Weight Loss Guide - Kendall Gow - RSHealth Clinic’s newest NP

70. Your Weight Loss Guide - Kendall Gow - RSHealth Clinic’s newest NP

Today, we talk with Kendall Gow.     Kendall is RS Health's newest nurse practitioner - who not only specialises in all things related to Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, and Erectile Dysfunction but also an expert in Medical Weight Loss Management.    For this episode, Kendall discusses and explains the importance of weight management, how weight affects the pelvic floor, and a few more information regarding weight (and sandwiches) that you'll surely want to remember.    Kendall has worked in general and surgical nursing with a primary focus on Urology and Gynaecology. She has also been working as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator since 2017. She has continued to study over the years and currently holds a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Nutrition (Edith Cowan University), Post Graduate qualification in Nutrition, Post Graduate qualification in Diabetes Education, and a Master of Nursing.    Enjoy listening!     To book an appointment with Kendall, just click here or send an email to admin@rshealth.com.au. Feel free to also head to this link to read Kendall’s article on obesity and ED.   If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

26 Jan 202214min

69. Father of Men’s Health Physiotherapy: Meet “Peter Dornan”- talking Pudendal Neuralgia & Prostate Cancer

69. Father of Men’s Health Physiotherapy: Meet “Peter Dornan”- talking Pudendal Neuralgia & Prostate Cancer

In today’s podcast, we interview the ‘’Father of Men’s Health Physiotherapy ‘’– Peter Dornan AM from Brisbane, Australia. Recently confirmed as the ‘’Champion of Prostate Cancer’’, Peter shares his very personal story - 25 years in the making. He reveals his battle with a prostate cancer diagnosis as a 52 year old fit, healthy, health professional and the impacts it had on him physically and psychologically at a time when there was minimal support. Now 77, Peter continues to challenge the status quo and is a world leader in pelvic health issues in men, including pudendal neuralgia and pelvic pain. Not only does Peter continue to work full time, but Peter is also an author, sculptor, saxophonist, and teacher, as well as being Dr Jo’s long-term men’s health mentor. A softly spoken man – Peter’s dedication to the men’s health field is both inspirational and humbling. Listen, then look him up and share him widely. An Order of Australia Medallist and Queenslander of the Year 2020… no finer man has graced our podcast series… And he’s even on Twitter! Links: www.peterdornanphysiotherapy.com.au Article: https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/6490631/its-time-to-drop-our-ivory-tower-of-manhood-says-qlds-senior-of-the-year/ Twitter: @DornanPeter   ---------- If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

18 Jan 202231min

68. ’’How To Shame the Devil”, by “Ros Thomas”. A book with a voice for men in #metoo

68. ’’How To Shame the Devil”, by “Ros Thomas”. A book with a voice for men in #metoo

Today, we talk with Ros Thomas.   Ros is a Perth-based author and former journalist of 25 years who has written a long-running weekend column for The West Australian Newspaper.   Together with Dr Jo and Melissa, Ros will talk about the inspiration of her very 1st novella 'How to Shame the Devil', what moved her to start writing ~ again ~ and to remind us all that 'it's never too late to become who we want to be or to start again'.   Themes of the book relate to sexual consent, and the #metoo movement in the context of yesteryear vs the 2021… the aging process and life reflections from the viewpoint of a nursing home…   Are you wondering how this book relates to men? Just click the button below to know and start listening!     To check out Ros's book and buy your copy, feel free to visit here: https://www.nightparrotpress.com/product/how-to-shame-the-devil/?moderation-hash=c719b3e95e0405f977270fcd96dcfc89%23comment-11448&unapproved=11448   ---------- If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

12 Jan 202254min

67. Foreskin Restoration following Circumcision with “Tim’’

67. Foreskin Restoration following Circumcision with “Tim’’

Our first episode of the new year will be about restoration - foreskin restoration. For this topic, we talk with Tim. Tim will talk about his experience, the reason why he reached out to us, and few 101s about foreskin restoration, namely; devices, groups, and orgs. Plus a few more interesting topics you'll surely enjoy! Few resources for you: hhttps://15square.org.uk/   ---------- If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

7 Jan 202247min

66. Ball pain, vasectomy, fertility and more with “Dr Trenton Barrett”

66. Ball pain, vasectomy, fertility and more with “Dr Trenton Barrett”

And botox in your penis and bladder?   Today, we talk with Dr. Trenton Barrett. Dr. Barrett is a urologist, with specialty on male genito-urinary complaints as well as sexual health. And his subspecialty interest is in female urology, andrology, and male infertility. Dr Barrett talks about Azoospermia, which is a medical term used when there are no sperm in the ejaculate, as well as its causes, what can be done for this type of cases, procedures, and more. He also talks about Oligospermia, which is a term for low sperm count and how it's different from Azoospermia. Dr Barrett also answers the question of whether procedures relating to the scrotum/testes (ie vasectomy) can cause erectile dysfunction or not, and whether varicoceles are the possible reason for pain during sex/orgasm (for those experiencing it). He also brushes upon testicle pains, diagnosis, and its possible treatments (ie botox). Yes, you heard it right, botox can also be injected to the bladder (has been done since the 80's) for overactive bladders! Further, Dr Barrett and Melissa discuss vasectomies (and even reversals), what's true and what’s not. Spoiler alert - there shouldn't be a crippling pain. A few more topics discussed are penile implants and injections. This is a fully-loaded episode with tons of golden nuggets that not only talk about the penis but also the bells around! Have a listen as we believe you will enjoy and learn a lot about these topics!   ---------- If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

21 Dec 202131min

65. From hard conversations to a Clear Mind: Meet “Craig Aird”

65. From hard conversations to a Clear Mind: Meet “Craig Aird”

Today's episode is something for everyone especially FIFO workers and their partners.   Meet Craig.   Craig will share his story of how at 16-years old, he was diagnosed with cancer and how this experience helped him be the person and coach that he is today. Together with his wife, they own Clear Mind Studio – a health space for everyone but in particular FIFO couples. Listen as he shares his inspiring story – he was diagnosed with cancer at 16 years old, saved his sperm for his future. He has radically changed his career path to help others drawing from his own experiences to do so.   Craig's wisdom is: Hard conversation, easy life Easy conversation, hard life We hope you enjoy this inspiring story.   Helpful links: https://www.clearmindstudio.com/ ---------- If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

14 Dec 202147min

64. Meet “Russell” and his implant – for continence and a dripping penis. (Artificial Urinary Sphincter)

64. Meet “Russell” and his implant – for continence and a dripping penis. (Artificial Urinary Sphincter)

For today's episode, we have a celebrity podcaster – RSHCs’ very own Sharon Stephen. Our guest is Russell - who according to Melissa sounds like Elvis. Russell suffered incontinence( continuous leakage) after his radical prostatectomy - even after obedient adherence to pelvic floor exercises. After trying everything - Russell met Dr. Jessica. To know what caused Russell's incontinence and the solution that was provided, have a listen to the podcast!  --- ---------- If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

7 Dec 20211h

63. Meet “Proctor””- Pelvic Pain, Prostate Cancer, wild-type erections & suppositories!

63. Meet “Proctor””- Pelvic Pain, Prostate Cancer, wild-type erections & suppositories!

Today, we talk to Proctor.   Proctor's story also started when he was 18-19 years old. Much like the same with Pierre, Proctor also experienced pain in his perineum... and in his testicles.   He also went to different doctors, was prescribed with pain medications, and still no explanation with how the pain is occurring. Then he had robotic radical prostatectomy after his Prostate Cancer was picked up by a diligent GP.   All of these brought Proctor to Dr. Jo and Melissa - and the rest is history. :)   This episode will not only share Proctor's journey, discuss 'wild type erections' but will also show you the importance of having a very diligent GP.   Enjoy listening!    ---------- If you feel The Penis Project is valuable to you then, please review and subscribe as this will ensure more people get to hear what we have to say. ---------- 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 David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

2 Dec 202143min

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