Prostate Cancer - No Man is an Island

Prostate cancer is the number 2 cancer killer of males in Australia. With 12,000 males living each year with the diagnosis of prostate cancer, many are or will be living with the post-operative health issues associated with prostate cancer. Blokes being blokes may put issues on the back burner with a 'she'll be right, mate' attitude.

Sure, a lot of things improve with time, but not prostate cancer. A much better approach is to get educated, get involved, and start preparing and planning. Commonly, prostate cancer is diagnosed in later years, and as a result, there can be other related health issues for men when they find out they have prostate cancer. 

We recommend that, as soon as you receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer, you consider getting your body ready for your surgery.

Doug can assist you in developing and following an appropriate exercise program, with a specific emphasis on learning how to build your pelvic floor. We offer a pelvic floor imaging service, during which you will learn to turn on and off your pelvic floor correctly. Seeing is believing, and knowing that you are performing correct pelvic floor contractions is vital.

One side effect of surgery is urinary incontinence, and research has shown that undertaking a 'pre-operative' program for 8+ weeks significantly strengthens your pelvic floor pre-operation and reduces the time to achieve your goal of being dry again post-operation.

Key factors to consider that are associated with prostate cancer are;

• Overall physical condition (i.e., starting sooner is better)
• Learn relaxation techniques and ensure you are achieving a quality 7-8 hours of sleep a night
• Pelvic floor health and awareness (learn the correct technique using our real-time ultrasound machine)
• Urinary incontinence (i.e., engage with your pelvic floor, build awareness, strength and endurance). The recommendation is to start your guided pelvic floor program 8-12 weeks before your surgery date.
• Erectile dysfunction (i.e., tools need to be used to be useful). If you are having problems achieving a functional erection, a vacuum pump is a great assistant. We supply and can explain the correct use of the Vacurect Erection Enhancement System. Regarding prostate surgery, becoming familiar with the proper use before surgery makes good sense. We will teach you the current recommended training protocol. If you want to 'top up' your erectile firmness, you can use the vacuum pump immediately.

Chronic Pelvic Pain, Erectile Dysfunction & Peyronie's Disease

Chronic pelvic pain, pudendal neuralgia, erectile dysfunction, and Peyronie’s disease are highly complex and often misunderstood conditions that can profoundly impact a man's quality of life. Whether caused by nerve irritation, tissue scarring, or restricted blood flow, these conditions frequently resist traditional treatments.

Focused Shockwave Therapy offers a cutting-edge, non-invasive solution by delivering targeted acoustic energy deep into the affected pelvic tissues. This advanced technology stimulates cellular repair, accelerates nerve healing, breaks down painful plaque or scar tissue, and promotes new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). By addressing the root physiological causes rather than just masking symptoms, focused shockwave therapy provides a highly effective, drug-free pathway to long-term pain relief and restored function.

Additional Resources

Pelvic Floor Training

• Pelvic Floor awareness and training (video)
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Education (video)

Pads & Swimming

Living in Esperance and not being able to swim or attend hydrotherapy doesn't need to be limited if you are experiencing urinary incontinence. Check out these stylish, functional board shorts that will give you peace of mind while enjoying your water activities.

• Disposable continence pads
• Reusable continence washable pads

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

• General prostate information booklets. Download or read online.

Erectile Dysfunction

• Brochures & Fact Sheets
• www.andrologyaustralia.org

Beyond Blue: Maintaining Your Well-Being

• Information booklet discussing anxiety and depression for men with prostate cancer

Books

Prostate Recovery Plan - M.A.P. - Craig Allingham (available in clinic)

Physiotherapist with a strong interest in post-prostate cancer and developing a physical recovery plan for incontinence. Available for purchase at Esperance Physiotherapy.

Conquering Incontinence - Peter Dornan

Peter is a physiotherapist who had one of the earliest radical prostatectomies. He writes about learning how to cure himself and continue achieving his life's goals. A real groundbreaking story.

Facing the Tiger - Suzanne Chambers

A psychologist and a nurse, Suzanne writes about the importance of mental preparation for men and their loved ones for the challenges ahead when dealing with prostate cancer.

Redefining Prostate Cancer - Lamm, Lepor & Sperling

Co-authored by a men's health internist, a research & clinical urologist, and an interventional radiologist, this book explores the evidence for different treatment options for prostate cancer. Written in an easy-to-read style, it ranges from the preventative stage, and treatment pros and cons to life after treatment. It is filled with case studies and patient checklists to assist in discussions with your GP and medical team.