'Lifting the Kilt'

It is a subject many men do not want to talk about, but male incontinence can be a life changing issue and can be especially prevelent after prostate surgery.  In this episode Dr Jack Pacey the inventor of the Pacey Cuff talks with us about his experience in assisting men with continence issues.   Dr Pacey is a Vascular surgeon, inventor of a number of medical devices and is currently the CEO of Pacey MedTech which is an organisation on the cutting edge of incontinence research.

This year, multi award winning Pharmacist and founder of Mens Health Downunder, Brad Butt, is travelling around Australia. Brad will be stopping off to present to anyone and everyone interested in prostate cancer with the hope of opening up conversations about mens urological health.In this episode Brad discusses his upcoming trip and his passion for helping to improve mens health, especially in rural and remote communities.

Lets be honest. No one REALLY wants to take a pill and for as long as we've spoken to doctors and pharmacists and our allied health care team we've been told we "are what we eat" and that with a little bit of diet, exercise and self-care we can improve our overall health. In this episode we talk with Naturopath Alice Flannery to discuss Natural Treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Alice will cover various foods and supplements along with lifestyle changes that can improve the outcomes for those suffering from ED.

In this episode we talk with Anel Martinez a Neurosexologist specialising in sex therapy and sex education, mental health and human behaviour about treatments for Premature Ejaculation (or PE).   Anel is based in Spain and works as a Clinical Sexologist for MYHIXEL.    MYHIXEL markets a system that combines an educational app and a lifelike device to create the perfect alternative to traditional medical treatments for premature ejaculation.    The system utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (or CBT) to help men learn about the mind-body connection, and hopefully reduce their anxiety and improve their sex lives.  As a non-pharmaceutical treatment for PE this could be the solution many men are looking for.

In this episode we talk with Stephen De Pretre from Belgium, the CEO of Sapphire Pharmaceuticals about the causes and various treatment options available for PE (or Premature Ejaculation).  Stephen also discusses in detail, his company's PE treatment called Promescent, which is a topical lidocaine-based treatment may help some men who have PE issues.  This treatment may not be for everyone could provide an important tool in the toolbox for treating PE.

As time goes by and we use the same medication over several years, sometimes the problem we are medicating for can worsen and also the medication can become less effective.Compounding is when a pharmacist “custom makes” a medication, providing a specialised solution for doctors and patients. Medications can be prepared in alternative ways by compounding pharmacies, so you take it in a slightly different way to improve its efficacy, which may mean no more swallowing tablets!  In this episode, Brad talks us through some of the different medication forms available and the possible benefits of these. 

When talking about prehabilitation, we are referring to the importance of getting your ‘affairs' in order before surgery or consultation (like tidying up that messy garage so you know where everything is prior to starting to work on your car). Prehabilitation prior to prostate surgery is about ensuring you are in tip-top condition, as an upcoming patient, to help enable the best possible outcome. This can involve getting information, starting specific exercises, connecting with other health professionals, losing a bit of weight, improving your general fitness and eating well. This also refers to stocking up on the supplies you may need during recovery. In other words, planning ahead, as much as possible, and prepping yourself for what you might be in for post-surgery. In this episode, Brad talks about some of the steps you can take to prepare, both physically and mentally, to assist with optimal recovery. 

Dealing with continence issues can be difficult at the best of times after exploring the use of pads and mechanical clamps there may seem like there are no other solutions.  In this Episode Brad discusses some of the more “quirky” solutions to help combat this debilitating condition.

Self-injection can psychologically be a difficult thing for anyone to master and this can be made even more difficult when you have to inject yourself in your most sensitive of areas.In this episode Brad discusses a variety of devices you can purchase that can make the process of injecting yourself a little easier.

In this episode Brad and Warwick discuss science behind Penile Traction Therapy, why it is used and how it works.  In addition the pros and cons of a number of different traction devices are discussed.  For most, this is a little known topic, but as you will find out the use of Penile Traction Therapy can literally be a game changer for many men suffering from a variety of urological issues.

In this episode Brad and Warwick discuss the pros and cons of a number of different models of Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs) aka Penis Pumps.  VEDs are an essential part of post prostatectomy rehab along with an excellent aid for men with erectile issues.  This deep dive into the topic will help potential users identify what are the differences between the various devices and also what device might be the most suitable each patient. 

We are honoured to be joined in this episode by Professor Suzanne Chambers a health psychologist who has been working as a practitioner and researcher in psycho-oncology, the psychology of cancer, for over 25 years. Suzanne has published a fantastic self-help book for men with prostate cancer and their partners called “Facing the Tiger: A Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer and the People who Love Them”Join us to discuss this fantastic resource and its tool kit approach to building strategies to deal with the initial diagnosis of Prostate cancer through to the ongoing support structures available to help men ongoing. Mentioned in this episode:Suzanne ChambersFacing the Tiger: A Survivorship Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer and their Partners  MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438) 

Continence clamps may sound like a medieval instrument of torture but they have come a long way within the men's urological space.  In fact, the use of a clamp can return the confidence and independence to men often struggling with continence issues.Join us today as Brad walks us through the history, comfort levels and general workings of the different types of continence clamps on the market. Mentioned in this episode: • MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438)

We are privileged to be joined in this episode by “Ben”, a patient of MHDU. In this episode, Ben, Brad and Warwick discuss Ben's experience with prostate cancer and why he eventually chose to get a penile implant. In this open and honest discussion, the trio talk about penile implants as an option for men post-prostatectomy, including when and why you may decide to consider this as an option and the broader impact it can have on your life.   Mentioned in this episode:  • MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438) 

We all know what we ‘should' be doing in terms of lifestyle and diet, but what impact does this really have on our health? In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Alice Flannery, a degree-qualified Sydney-based Naturopath who talks us through the real impact diet and lifestyle can have on men's urological health. Alice discusses the role supplements and naturopathy can play in prostate cancer prevention, care and treatment.   Mentioned in this episode:  • Alice Flannery Website • MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438)

You may have heard of hormone replacement therapy, but have you heard of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)? In this episode, Brad and Warwick discuss what ADT is, how and why it is used (it's more common than you think).  They will also discuss its side effects, how to deal with them and where to go for support.   Mentioned in this episode:  - Healthy male  - MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438) - MHDU Links 

Men's Health Physiotherapy can help with more than just post-prostatectomy rehabilitation. In this episode, Jamie from Set2Physio, Brad and Warwick discuss Peyronie's disease and the importance of physiotherapy for treatment, as well as what a therapeutic ultrasound machine is and how it can help.   Mentioned in this episode:  • Contact Jamie at jamie@set2physio.com.au or go to https://set2physio.com.au/set2physio/ • MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438) • MHDU Links 

Do you think that post-prostatectomy rehab is only about taking your medication? Think again. In our first episode with Jamie from Set2Physio, we explore the role and importance of physiotherapy in post-prostatectomy rehabilitation. Jamie, Brad and Warwick discuss the importance of the male pelvic floor (hint: continence), the mechanics of pelvic floor activation and how using an ultrasound can aid post-proctectomy rehabilitation. We also explore what to expect when you book an appointment with a men's health physiotherapist.   Mentioned in this episode:  • Contact Jamie at jamie@set2physio.com.au or go to https://set2physio.com.au/set2physio/ • MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438) • MHDU Links 

Incontinence affects up to 10% of men, with this rate increasing with age. Unknown to many people there are a number of different types of incontinence which can present different symptoms. Unfortunately, many of the men affected by incontinence do not seek help due to embarrassment or not knowing where to turn. In this episode, Brad breaks down the stigma surrounding incontinence, by discussing what's really going on. This episode will also discuss treatment options associated with incontinence. Mentioned in this episode:  • Bins 4 Blokes  • Continence Foundation Australia  • CAPS • MHDU Website or call 1300 00 MHDU (1300 00 6438) • MHDU Links 

Peyronie's disease occurs in up to 16% of males, with the majority of men affected falling within the age group of 40-70. In Episode 9 of the MHDU Podcast series, Warwick and Brad discuss the tell-tale signs of Peyronie's disease and where you can seek help; it's one of those conditions where assistance can be hard to track down and quality information lacking, but on a positive note, Brad will outline a number of effective solutions to this problem. 

The healthcare team for men can vary extensively, ranging from traditional medical support through to psychological and exercise support.  Getting the right practitioners in your healthcare team can make all the difference. In Episode 8 of the MHDU Podcast series, Brad discusses “who's who in the zoo” with particular regard to holistic care tailored to men and their specific needs.  This episode also touches on the numerous professionals that can have a positive impact on each man's quality of life and how to find them.

LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome) is typically a result of an enlarged prostate and whilst not necessarily dangerous to a person's health it can be an early warning sign that something else is going on. The Symptoms of LUTS do become more prevalent with increasing age but they should not be ignored. In this episode, Brad talks through the signs and symptoms of LUTS and when to seek help from a medical professional. Brad also discusses the some of the medications that may be prescribed to assist men suffering with LUTS. 

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects one in every five men over the age of 40.  In this episode Brad continues his discussion on this problem and delves into areas such as: medications used for erectile dysfunction; why one treatment may be selected over another; the pros and cons of various solutions and practical tips to assist all solutions work better. With an ever increasing range of treatment options becoming available for ED, there is something for everyone.

On this episode of the MHDU podcast we discuss a topic that a lot of men are uncomfortable and even apprehensive to start a conversation about.  Brad discusses the physiological and psychological effects that contribute to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and how the condition can be treated. 

The road to recovery post prostate cancer; 'Pumps, tablets and the needle'. Brad speaks about the unspoken truths of life following prostate surgery and the different options available for penile rehabilitation. 

This episode we delve deeper into discussions on prostate cancer and what happens after a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Brad talks us through the pre-surgery checklist and then discusses erectile dysfunction, incontinence and pelvic floor related issues, as well as touching on the mental health burden that can come with a diagnosis and survivorship.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Australia and has a higher prevalence in men over the age of 50. In this episode, Brad highlights the symptomatic red flags, where to seek help and demystifies what is involved in a prostate exam. 

Welcome to the first episode of 'Lifting the kilt on men's health'. MHDU founder Brad Butt works alongside allied health professionals to tackle men's health conditions. MHDU aims to provide factual and reliable advice for men who are often reserved and sometimes nervous or embarrassed to openly talk about personal health issues.  In our first episode, Brad talks us through the establishment of MHDU and how he has created a safe space to answer the questions every male wants to ask but which many men find hard to ask or simply don't ask.