145. Ryan’s story with HIV; The good, the beautiful, the lemonade

145. Ryan’s story with HIV; The good, the beautiful, the lemonade

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett August 8, 2023 Duration: 53:07
How far has science progressed with treating HIV? Quite far and Ryan will share all the details.   Today’s episode will give you a peak into Ryan’s life - from his HIV diagnosis, to breaking the news to his family, to recovering from work discrimination, and to conquering life. Cliché as it may sound but Ryan did make lemonades from lemons.    As you listen to this episode, we hope it gives you a glimpse of what HIV is now, how it’s being treated, the daily experiences of HIV patients and why there shouldn’t be fear and discrimination but instead love and acceptance.     Summary Outline Today’s episode discusses about:  Ryan’s HIV diagnosis  Sharing HIV news to family and opening about being gay  What you can do when diagnosed with HIV  Discrimination in the workplace for people with HIV  Bouncing back up from this   Foot fetishes   Current treatment for patients now   How it’s like with dating and life   Treatment options available for heterosexual men with or without HIV   Who are bug chasers   Condom use for protection  And a lot more    Here is Ryan's message for a new HIV diagnosee: BREATHE!!!  This is not the end of your life but the beginning. Think on the bright side it’s all “POSITIVE” from here on!!!! Touch base with your local HIV organisation. They will have counselling services and/or a Peer Navigation programme or be able to point you to one. In Perth there is POWA(Positive Organisation WA). Find an HIV+ Peer and get peer support or even a group of peers. In perth we have a monthly brunch for People with HIV. Even if you don’t think you need counselling engage with one, its surprising how even when you think you have things sorted how the discrimination affects you. Engage with your specialist/Dr around your treatment options you don’t have accept the first one they suggest. It’s your own body you decide what goes in it and there are multiple HIV treatment regimens available now with different side effects what is best for me is not necessarily the best for you. Enjoy listening! ---------- 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 BarrettLinkedin: 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 anyone who’s ever felt alone or confused about a sexual health issue, The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health provides a rare and essential space for honest dialogue. Hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett, this podcast emerged in 2020 from a collaboration with physiotherapist Jo Milios, born from a shared frustration with the silence and stigma surrounding men's bodies. The show has since grown into a substantial resource, with nearly 200 episodes and over 219,000 streams, reflecting its vital role. What you’ll hear here isn’t just theoretical; Melissa blends her clinical expertise with direct, anonymized conversations from her practice, often including the perspectives of patients and their partners. This approach transforms each episode into a nuanced exploration of real-life concerns-from erectile function and pelvic pain to intimacy and communication-topics that are routinely avoided yet universally impactful. The discussions are grounded in science but delivered with a relatable, compassionate tone that makes complex information accessible. Tuning into this podcast means joining a community where awkward questions are welcomed, evidence replaces myth, and personal stories illuminate the path to better health. It’s a practical guide for men and those who care about them, dismantling embarrassment one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health
Podcast Episodes
137. Rise of the Phoenix - Meet Phoenix [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:31
Today, we speak with Phoenix, a 54-year-old man, who underwent surgery for prostate cancer in July 2022. Over a period of three years, Phoenix monitored his PSA levels, until one test showed an elevated result and him ex…
136. Doing What Dad Said - Meet Rod [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:52
"I hoped I gave you guys the gift of life. Cause unfortunately it’s not gonna work my way. So, it’s up to you guys to get checked regularly and stay in tune". This was Rod’s message from his dad which he religiously heed…
135.Losing Weight After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis; Star Trek Paul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:41
If you’re looking to lose weight and have been finding it difficult, this might just be the podcast for you. In just two months, our guest for today lost 9 kgs. ;) Meet Paul. We also have our guest host, Kendall. Paul wa…
134. Joe’s Prostate CancerJourney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
For today’s episode, we have Joe. Joe was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer before his daughter’s wedding. A difficult decision had to be made whether to have his surgery before or after the event. But due to possible Covid…
133. Melissa’s Talk on Sexual Dysfunction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:56
For this episode, get to hear Melissa as she presents her talk on sexual dysfunction, patient perceptions, and more to health practitioners - another step taken to help bridge the gap for Men’s Health. This is the last o…
132. Melissa’s Radio Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
For this episode, get to hear Melissa’s Plenty Valley FM radio interview - a station all the way from Melbourne. This just shows how The Penis Project is reaching men. So thank you to everyone who is spreading the word a…
131. Melissa in NZ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
Last March, Melissa and Dr Jo were invited to speak at a conference in New Zealand. And… you’ll be able to listen to one of those talks, today! For this episode, you’ll get to know more about what Melissa and Dr Jo are d…
130. Lonely Nights, A Poem Reading Episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:40
It’s the Easter Week and we’d love for you to enjoy this poem as you take a break. ;) This poem is written by Steve Jones, entitled Lonely Nights. Enjoy! For anyone who would like to share their poems and want us to read…
129. The Universe of Deliciousness, With Author Julia Hollenbery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:07
Get ready for a sultry, pleasurable episode with our guest Julia. For today’s episode, we speak with Julia. Julia is the author of the book entitled The Healing Power of Pleasure, Seven Medicines for Rediscovering the In…