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

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

You the listeners asked for it, so you got it.

Many requests come through that the listeners of The Penis Project podcast want to know more about women, so this week we talk to a Michelle who will discuss how Kate helped Michelle’s vagina and Vulva stopped feeling like ‘broken glass’. In this episode we also have Kate who works at RSHC and assisted Michelle in having pain free sex for the first time in years! Michelle had previously seen many clinicians none of which assisted with her issue until she saw Kate.

Listen here to hear about the treatment used and what helped Michelle and may help you if you are a vagina owner or your loved one. Not only is Michelle pain free she has noticed significant improvements in her personal relationship.

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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/

Today on The Penis Project Project podcast I speak with Louise Hug. I work closely with Louise as she sees many of the men that I see pre-prostatectomy and she does women’s pelvic health too, so we cross paths quite a bit. Sometimes men tell me snippets of their consultations with Louise, and she has some great tips to share and ways of explaining pelvic floor training. So, for today’s episode I have asked her to share them with you.

About Louise: Pelvic Health Physiotherapist MClin (Pelvic Health and Continence) BSc (Physiotherapy), APAM, MACP

She completed her Undergraduate Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Notre Dame, then commenced work at a private practice shortly after graduating. In 2021 she completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, followed by completion of Clinical Masters, majoring in Pelvic Health and Continence Physiotherapy. Following Graduation, she worked with Dr Judith Thompson (Physiotherapist PhD) who I have interviewed previously the podcast.

She worked musculoskeletal physiotherapy for eight years treating neck, back and pelvic girdle pain with both hands-on and gym-based treatment. In 2015 she developed an interest in core activation, breath work and muscle balance for rehabilitation, subsequently completing a Cert IV in Pilates.

In her early sporting life, she was a full-time gymnast until the age of 13 and enjoyed tennis, pilates, swimming and barre. These experiences gave her an understanding of injury management and prevention. This is what motivates her to assist others with their return to daily life and sport, not only post-injury but also after life events such as vaginal delivery and caesarean section, as well as gynaecological, breast cancer and prostate surgery.  

She has completed several courses upskilling in Women’s and Men’s Urinary Continence and Ano-Rectal Dysfunction expanding her knowledge, leading to a passion in the field of Pelvic Health. She provides treatment that has evidence-based support.

She is passionate about assisting both male and female patients with their bladder, bowel, and sexual function.

Check out her spoken bio on you tube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDYEiF7z88

Also I videoed this interview so if you would like to see us in person check out my You tube channel: Melissa Hadley Barrett https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6SkzSkveDXzqUuA1ZONDEg

You tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6SkzSkveDXzqUuA1ZONDEg

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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/