Prostate cancer support services help men with sex, continence

The exercise and support program PROST! Exercise 4 Prostate Cancer has linked up with a Perth sexologist and nurse practitioner who can assist men and couples.

PROST! provides assistance with continence and erectile function recovery before and after prostate surgery.

It operates in five locations across Perth with plans to expand into the Peel region.

Group secretary and cancer survivor Bronte Parkin said because sexual relations and intimacy issues sometimes arise, partners can also suffer anxiety and depression.

"We believe that the wives or partners of men diagnosed with prostate cancer don't know about us," he said.

Program creator, physiotherapist Dr Jo Milios, has teamed up with sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett.

"They jointly broadcast for The Penis Project podcast, which provides useful information and advice and, sometimes, amusing anecdotes," Bronte said.

"The sexologist can provide advice and assistance with sexual relations and intimacy issues as a result of prostate cancer and its treatment."

Bronte said the planned expansion into Peel was thanks to grants from LotteryWest and the Tour de Cure cancer fundraising initiative.

With its mantra of "muscle, mateship and mood", the program was created 11 years ago.

It has a whole of body focus including pelvic floor muscle training, weight resistance work, cardiovascular training, pilates and yoga techniques.

Bronte, who had surgery 10 years ago, said the twice-weekly one-hour exercise programs are done in a group setting so that camaraderie can develop between the men.

"We also have a coffee club at each location that meets after each session," he said.

Fees are $12 a session, with some health funds offering a rebate.

PROST! has set up a donations page on its website to assist in setting up new locations and getting the message out.

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