The Penis Project

Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett
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The Penis Project

The Penis Project is for everyone who has a penis, knows someone who has one or would like to have one. In other words – EVERYONE! The aim Is to provide a podcast series and monthly newsletter that links science and the real stories of everyday men, by kick-starting a conversation on any topic that may impact on male health. There is a cultural shift happening – men are happy to talk, but how and where do they start a conversation about problems in their private parts? At the pub? By the pool? On their push bike? Not likely………. That’s why we have started The Penis Project.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    184: Prostate cancer and testosterone levels – a lived experience.

    In this episode, Melissa and Shane dive deep into health topics encountered by Shane, including  personal experiences with prostate cancer, low testosterone, and hormone replacement therapy. They cover:  Health Management and Responsibility  The significance of individual responsibility in monitoring and managing personal health.  Exploring the role of hormone levels in cell regeneration and cancer development, with Melissa sharing a study on how low testosterone might increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.    Testosterone Replacement Therapy  Benefits and challenges of testosterone replacement therapy for mood, energy, and overall well-being.  Shane shares his journey with prostate cancer, from diagnosis to treatment, and how low testosterone influenced his health management.  A discussion on therapy options, dosage adjustments, and the importance of regular monitoring for optimal health outcomes.    Practical Health Tools  Shane and Melissa discuss the W-912 massage pen for nerve stimulation, used to improve recovery post-surgery and general nerve health. [Link included below] *note this is Shane’s experience and not a professional endorsement by Melissa  Tune in to hear Shane’s unique insights on his hormone health, his journey through cancer recovery, and taking charge of personal health through informed decisions and proactive measures.   Link to massage pen   https://ozerty-australia.com/products/acupuncture-massage-pen?currency=AUD&variant=41499371962554&stkn=f969373eaaa1&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PMax&utm_campaign=AU-PMax%20-%20ALL&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqNuax_7GiQMVXKRmAh3Sjwb1EAQYASABEgI95fD_BwE    Further reading:   ----------  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

    18 min

  2. 12 NOV

    183: A gay man’s journey through prostate cancer.

    In this episode, Melissa welcomes Richard, a 71-year-old gay man, who shares his journey through prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, offering an honest look into the physical, emotional, and relational changes that come with it from the perspective of a gay man.    Key topics include:  Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment  Richard’s decision to opt for robotic prostate surgery over radiotherapy and the recovery process that followed.  Reflections on his initial fears, including concerns about anesthesia, biopsy discomfort, and his catheter experience during recovery.  Sexual Rehabilitation and Erectile Health  Richard discusses using a penis pump and pelvic floor exercises to prevent penis atrophy post-surgery, offering insights into the challenges and humor he’s found in the process.  Melissa provides recommendations on pump use, hair trimming for comfort, and ways to maintain sexual health as part of recovery.  Intimacy and Relationship Adjustments  Changes in Richard's intimate life with his partner, how they’ve adapted their relationship post-surgery, and exploring different forms of intimacy as they age.  Open discussions on same-sex relationships and how prostate cancer impacts sexual health and partnership dynamics.  Personal Reflections and Family Relationships  Richard shares his late-in-life coming out journey, the importance of family connections, and maintaining positive relationships with loved ones, including his ex-wife and daughters.  A heartfelt discussion on cherishing relationships and the importance of support systems through health challenges.  Next Steps and Health Management  Richard’s ongoing regimen: daily use of the penis pump, pelvic floor exercises, upcoming PSA test follow-up, and transitioning from incontinence underwear as his continence improves.  Listen to Richard’s candid account of resilience, adaptation, and love as he navigates life post-prostate cancer. ----------  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

    36 min

  3. 29 OCT

    182: World meeting on sexual medicine Rio De Janeiro 2025 – what’s new and what did we learn.

    Recently Kate and I attended this conference in Brazil. It was 4 days jam packed with information in the sexual health field. People from all over the world attended and from many different professions. Many urologists, sexologists, a few nurse practitioners, occupational therapists and many more. I have attended this conference in previous years and it is always exciting to update skills and think about what we can incorporate into our care to assist more people in their intimate lives and cancer journeys.    Today we are going to discuss the big takeaways we got from this years conference. In future episodes I will discuss some of these topics in more detail but for today is an overview.   I chose to attend mainly presentations around prostate cancer rehabilitation, peyronies disease and relationship issues. Kate attended lots of sessions on women’s health, wellbeing and sexuality.   My top takeaway was that the research shows ‘less positive outcomes for penile rehabilitation when started greater than 6 months following prostate cancer surgery’ so it is my mission this year to get men to come in earlier and not wait to start rehab.   Kates big takeaway is that Ph is not just important in pool water, it is also very important in vagina health.   Listen here to find out more about: Testosterone(having low T may actually increase risk of developing prostate cancer), peyronies, how erectile function drugs are associated with decreasing risk of MACE (major adverse cardiac events), of the 237 reasons people cited for having sex what was the number 1 reason, what is Bocox and many more exciting tit bits.   Following the conference Kate and I also went on a trip for a few days up the Amazon and did lots exciting things including piranha fishing so we tell you the highlights of this too and recommend you put this on your bucket list.  If you would like to read the paper that discusses testosterone and prostate cancer this, is it: Prostate safety events during testosterone replacement therapy in men with hypogonadism: A randomised clinical trial. December 2023 JAMA Network Open 6(12):e2348692, DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.48692  ----------  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

    38 min

  4. 15 OCT

    181: The Penis project meets the GU Cast : PSA anxiety, ADT and what’s new in prostate cancer treatments.

    This episode on The Penis Project we are excited to interview Dr. Declan Murphy and Dr. Renu Eapen, both who have a wonderful podcast called GU CAST. In this episode we will discuss advanced prostate cancer among many other topics, such as:  - PSA anxiety is a very real feeling that many men and their families feel when waiting for PSA results.  - What a rise in PSA means and why you don’t need to panic and why you shouldn’t compare your result with your mates.   - Bust some PSA myths, plus what to do when it rises and when to be concerned.    - What is new in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatments in the future.  - What is Theranostics and how this could be a big thing in the future of prostate cancer treatment.  We also discuss the big one ADT treatment (testosterone lowering) what, when, how and why. Is using testosterone therapy when you have had prostate cancer a definite NO, you may be surprised with the answer.  Find the GU Cast on Instagram gu_cast_podcast this podcast focuses on GU Oncology, all about prostate, kidney, bladder, testis and penile cancer and is hosted by Declan Murphy and Renu Eapen   Website www.gucast.org    ----------  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

    39 min

  5. 1 OCT

    180: Mr David Dangerfield – You can rewire your penis!

    This is another exciting episode which came highly requested by you, The Penis Project audience. We have interviewed David previously on the podcast in episode 46, and two patients who have undergone this procedure (episodes 83 and 174) so listen here for the backstory  Mr Dangerfield in conjunction with Prof Chris Coombs have developed a surgical technique to restore erections utilizing nerve grafting.   Listen to Melissa have an informal chat with David about this revolutionary surgery. Topics covered are what the surgery entails, who is the perfect candidate, pre-habilitation and rehabilitation following surgery, and much more.    At present this surgery has mainly been utilised for post-prostate cancer surgical patients but we also discuss areas that this could help other men. For more information about this innovative technique and Dangerfield, please go to this website where you will find links to TV presentations, other podcasts, YouTube interviews and much more. https://www.cucare.com.au/erectile-restoration-surgery/    ----------  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

    25 min

  6. 17 SEPT

    179: Robert- Everything he has done is hard won! A prostate cancer story. Spice up your rehab!

    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    ----------  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

    46 min

  7. 3 SEPT

    178: Emily Duncan - That's Orgasmic

    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  ----------  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

    44 min

  8. 20 AUG

    177: Gadgets and Thing-me-bobs! Ideas that may make your prostate cancer journey easier, with someone who has been there.

    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/  ---------- 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/

    35 min
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About

The Penis Project is for everyone who has a penis, knows someone who has one or would like to have one. In other words – EVERYONE! The aim Is to provide a podcast series and monthly newsletter that links science and the real stories of everyday men, by kick-starting a conversation on any topic that may impact on male health. There is a cultural shift happening – men are happy to talk, but how and where do they start a conversation about problems in their private parts? At the pub? By the pool? On their push bike? Not likely………. That’s why we have started The Penis Project.

Information

  • Creator
    Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Penis Project

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