The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health

For today's episode, we talk with Australian Hall of Famer (2007), five-time Hawthorn Premiership Player & 1986 Brownlow Medalist, Berto ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico!  He has recently opened up about his own unexpected men’s health crisis in 2022 – an episode of urinary retention -, which caused pain ‘far worse than any previous football injury’ ’over his 240 game career. This included the punctured lung and multiple broken ribs suffered in the 1989 AFL Grand final vs Geelong - a game many report as the “finest ever GF” for its ferocity & the infamous poleaxing of Dipper by the ‘’GOD ‘’of Football-, Gary Ablett Snr. In this riveting interview with Dr Jo Milios (Men’s Health Physiotherapist) and West Coast Eagles Physiotherapist Chris ‘Tex’Perkin, Dipper reveals the stark story of his ‘’middle of the night’’ emergency, when he was carted off in an ambulance after his bladder became blocked, requiring emergency surgery, catheterisation and a going need to wear adult diapers. Dipper reveals what happened and why, and takes us on a personal journal of living with ongoing urinary incontinence linked to problems of the bladder & prostate! As you will hear, Dipper also points out that many lessons have been learnt, but there are still many more that need addressing when it comes to common physical issues in men’s health. For example, a referral to a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic floor muscle training was advised by his Drs, but then not undertaken. When Chris Perkin asks ‘’Why?’’, Dipper’s answers reveal much about the culture of the great Aussie male, where asking for help, or even a drink of water – were not part of the traditional male footy player’s macho image in the 1980’s. Stoicism, ‘’pushing thru’’ and showing no cracks in the armour were essential credentials, and reflect a time and place, you may be surprised to tune into. True to form, however, Dipper’s humour and candour are incredible! Listening to his attempts to perform a pelvic floor ‘’Nuts 2 Guts’ exercise will leave you scratching your head…   Most poignant to Dr Jo, however, was Dipper’s answer to ‘’how he is now?’’ – 8 months after surgery to clear the urinary tube, remove excess prostatic tissue (BHP- Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) and fix the urinary retention issue that had caused him so much pain. Well, Dipper says, ‘’I don’t need to empty my bladder 60-80 times per day and every 20 mins during the night anymore, I piss like a 12-year-old, I just don’t know when I’m going to piss and I don’t have prostate cancer…’.   ENJOY! LISTEN & LEARN! – Dipper is now a LEGEND of Men’s Health – the Merv Huges of Football. RESOURCES: A previous interview by Dipper about testicular cancer & Men’s Health: https://fb.watch/ixccQt6J7w/?mibextid=v7YzmG Heraldsun 2. Online US news story: https://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl-2022-robert-dipper-dipierdomenico-lifts-lid-health-issue-225435620.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/   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

  In 2022 Melissa and Kendall, together with Dr Rob Newton, had the chance to present during one of PCFA’s Shine A Light episodes.  Today, you will be able to listen to those very informative presentations and a few Qs and As.   You will first hear from Melissa. Followed by Kendall. And then by Dr. Rob Newton – who we also interviewed here in the podcast (Episode 104: Exercise is Medicine with Dr Rob Newton).     Melissa’s talk revolved around sexual health before, during, and most especially after prostate cancer.  Whilst Kendall’s talk was all about diet, nutrition, and weight.   Finally, Dr. Rob Newton focused on how exercise affects a cancer patient’s journey. His presentation explains the reason why he encourages everyone to do any type of exercise regardless of what shape they are in.   This one is a full-blown (no pun intended!) episode with lots of important nuggets related to prostate cancer – from sexual health to diet, weight adherence, and exercise.   When you start this episode, we suggest that you take notes. All the information shared here is relevant, scientific, and helpful.   You can also watch the episode on our Youtube channel.   https://youtu.be/cHigI6aklh4 ---------- 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

  Though a bit late, we’re sharing this Movember episode with you - a reminder that every day should be a health day.     For this episode, we talk with Presley.   Presley was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a year ago. Prior to his surgery, his doctor suggested that he meet with Dr Jo.   So three months before his surgery, he was able to start his pelvic floor exercises.   Fast forward to today, Presley is feeling ok.   But this has not always been the case for him.   Prior to diagnosis, Presley suffered from depression, anxiety, and separation.   Luckily, he found a new love… but this season of change for Presley still came with a few hurdles. Why? His medications were affecting his intimacy and what he could do down there.   But with an understanding partner and a change in medication, Presley is beginning to get his mojo back!   To listen to Presley’s story, click the button below.  To see full show notes, please visit The Penis Project website.  ---------- 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

  Today, we speak with Peter Pan.   Peter was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at the age of 56, thanks to his GP noticing a slight increase in his PSA. Given his family history of Prostate Cancer, they did further investigations immediately.  The news was devastating and a bit shattering. However, Peter got himself ready for treatment and surgery. This part is what he found the most frustrating - deciding the next steps.   Peter considers himself lucky throughout the process. Post-op, his continence was perfect according to Dr Jo. He also had some return of erectile function in just a few months.   Peter’s story today will discuss how he decided which treatment was best for him.    You can consider this episode an A-Z of one mans journey, which may assist you in yours. It's also a reminder of why it is important to get yourself tested as early as possible.   Various topics that were discussed in this episode include the following: Why having Dupuytren Contracture (please see here for image) predisposes you to develop Peyronies (penile curvature) How and why  penile pumps are so important Org*sms after prostate cancer surgery  To see what a Dupuytren Contracture is, please visit the full shownotes here >> ---------- 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  

  Today, we speak with Louise, the owner and founder of Farm Life Fitness. Louise is more than just a health and wellness professional because she’s also a farmer. She lives and breathes the agricultural lifestyle. Her lived experience means she understands the challenges to health and wellness that farming and living rurally can present. Melissa had the pleasure of meeting Louise at a speaking event in December 2022 and was so impressed with her story she invited her to speak on The Penis Project.   The aim of Farm Life Fitness is to create a space for anyone living in rural areas who wants to connect with others and improve their health. This model was inspired by the experience of Louise and her husband which she shares in this episode.   Combining her experience as a sports physiologist and the observations she had made in her workplace where she noticed that despite therapy, clients were not always achieving their desired results, so Farm Life Fitness was born. Programs are designed to help people who are living remotely to have access to programs that improve not just their physical health but most importantly, their mental wellbeing.   Louise’s initiatives and programs highlight the need of folks in rural locations. If you live in a rural or remote location this one is for you, but if you live in a metro area, this will make you think and help you understand the lifestyle of the people who grow our food.   Enjoy listening!   For more info about Louise’s programs, visit her website at https://farmlifefitness.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/   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  

  For today’s episode, we talk with Jonn, the founder and owner of Body Curious.     Following an accident, Jonn was left with 15% whole body permanent impairment. However, through a combination of rehabilitation and yoga, he was able to restore his body function. This inspired him to create Body Curious in 2014, a men's only yoga studio committed to improving health outcomes for men. He is a qualified Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage teacher & Practitioner, and a Sexological Bodywork Practitioner.    Early on, Jonn realised that his studio was attracting more men than women. So, with this information, he decided to focus on men.     This opportunity to cater to only men brought about the first of his now many Naked Yoga sessions. His 1st class of Naked Yoga was attended by 20 naked men.     In case you’re wondering, yes, naked – meaning complete, pure natural bodies showing.     Jonn also talked about his sexological work, how it works, why it’s different from the others, and what it can and can’t do.     Interestingly, the discussion also touched upon personal pleasure, why it’s important to understand how to explore yourself and how to teach children about this quite taboo but important topic.     How early should a child use a cellular phone? What happens if they get exposed to porn? When is the best time to discuss sex and pleasure with them? Why is it important to let children know that they should not be ashamed of pleasure? And so many more compelling topics that we know you’ll surely relate to.     Listen to the exchanges between Jonn, Melissa, and Dr Jo through the button below. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments as well!   ---------- 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  

  For this episode, we will listen to Melissa’s talk at the Masterclass for Urologists last June.     We all know that talking about sexual health can be a bit awkward. But it's important to remember that patients are sexual beings too! GP's play a vital role in ensuring their patients' sexual health and wellbeing, and part of that is being able to talk about sexual function openly and comfortably.     On June 11th 2022, Melissa was invited to be a guest speaker for a Perth Urology Clinic’s Masterclass and her topic was “Why patients are embarrassed to ask their GP about sex”.     We sent out a survey asking our audience various questions on the subject which received an overwhelming response, with over a quarter taking the time to fill it out (we really appreciate this)!     To know the results and how Melissa nailed her presentation, have a listen!     You can also view the results here:   https://rshealth.com.au/rshc-survey-sexual-function-discussion-with-your-gps/    And Melissa’s video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkQiZGyH8Nw  ---------- 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

  A lot of exciting things coming this 2023 for Men’s health - in and out of Australia! Join Dr Jo and Melissa talk about the highlights of this year and what to look forward to for 2023. Exciting times are ahead so buckle up, Penis Project listeners! ---------- 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

  Melissa has often mentioned that your heart health is related to your hard health. So today, we will dig deeper into this statement with Kendall and her mentor, Dr. Nilufeur McKay. Hello Dr Nilufeur starts with the advice that you always hear - prevention is better than cure. For anything that is heart-related, the most important thing is to prevent plaque build-up. By preventing build-up, you also prevent sudden heart attacks. Very interestingly also, even for both Kendall and Melissa, is the fact that a heart attack presents very differently for men and women. Dr. Nilufeur will define what these are. Moreover, she also shares how risk factors, women’s menopause, and other diseases affect the development of heart disease and vice versa. She further discusses the correlation between erectile dysfunction, heart attack, and the effect of medication (e.g., nitrates). If there is anything we want you to take away from this episode, it is this: make sure to talk to your GP/NP about the medications you are taking. Why? Because the medicine you are taking can impact the performance of your tool down there. In conclusion, Dr. Nilufeur reiterates that your health is in your hands. Know your body well and seek help when there’s something amiss. Remember, you have to take care of your health for your future. This is an interesting, super digestible episode so make sure to have a listen!   Dr. Nilufeur has over 20 years' nursing experience and is a Cardiology Nurse Practitioner. She started her career at Royal Perth Hospital, coronary care unit taking care of transplant and acute cardiac patients. She then spent 7 years at the Mayo Clinic as an NP on the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant service while completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Johns Hopkins University.   She then took a position at the University of California, San Diego as an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant NP before moving back home to Australia in 2020. She still works clinically and is the course coordinator for the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) course at Edith Cowan University. ---------- 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    

  Following on from last week’s episode of The Penis Project Podcast with Anthony & Carla (Episode 112), we are THRILLED to welcome them back into the studio for a review of Antony’s post-op recovery &  rehabilitation progress from a robotic prostatectomy on Nov 8th 2022!! Our Viva Las Vegas couple does not hold back as they share the thrills & spills - of their surgical experience, from the moment Anthony awoke to their first leaky days and nights, sexual recovery, and his  progression to sit-ups to train the pelvic floor! To – recap - What happens when you’re a healthy young man unexpectedly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer & have an avalanche of fear about the unknown side effects of life-saving surgery? What happens too, when you have brand new girlfriend flying in from Las Vegas to start a new life in Australia in the very same week?....... GET BUSY with REHAB-ing with it is EXACTLY WHAT! You will be inspired, delighted and impressed with what this dynamic duo managed to achieve in the BEFORE, to help the AFTER!!! An awesome story of love, hope and teamwork in difficult circumstances… So join in the conversation. Listen, learn and laugh with Anthony & Carla- the next generation of RECOVERY & REHABILITATION in Prostate Cancer. And their emerging love story… Stay tuned too, for Carla’s offer to answer questions for couples from her hometown of LAS Vegas – a new element to be called ‘’Carla’s Q&A”… coming soon…. Until then!! VIVA Las Vegas ---------- 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