# 201: From Diagnosis to Data: One Man’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer Recovery Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/201-from-diagnosis-to-data-one-man-s-journey-through-prostate-cancer-recovery Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/201-from-diagnosis-to-data-one-man-s-journey-through-prostate-cancer-recovery.md Podcast: [The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686) Published: 2025-08-12T22:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://thepenisproject.podbean.com/e/199-from-diagnosis-to-data-one-man-s-journey-through-prostate-cancer-recovery/ Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wp5dn5xjtb7pru98/Dave_Cullen_DONE_v1b5078.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/episodes/201-from-diagnosis-to-data-one-man-s-journey-through-prostate-cancer-recovery Duration seconds: 2390 ## Resource In this episode, Melissa chats with David, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 and underwent a prostatectomy. David candidly shares his journey—how a routine PSA test led to a life-saving diagnosis, what recovery was really like, and how he’s taken a scientific, data-driven approach to his penile rehabilitation. With warmth, wit and wisdom, David opens up about his experience with erectile dysfunction (ED), continence concerns, vacuum pump rehab, and using the FirmTech ring to monitor nocturnal erections—describing it as a “FitBit for your dick.” He also talks about the importance of talking openly about men's health and encouraging others, including his sons and mates, to get checked early. In This Episode, We Cover: Why tracking PSA trends—not just the number—can save lives David’s experience with no symptoms and the surprise diagnosis The emotional toll and stigma around ED and incontinence post-surgery Why using a penile pump isn’t weird—it’s essential rehab Real-world side effects of tablets vs low-dose daily Tadalafil Monitoring erections with FirmTech and what the data can reveal The surprising link between erectile function, heart health, and alcohol The power of talking: How David's openness has led others to get tested Tips for men navigating life post-prostatectomy Why your penis might be the first clue your heart’s in trouble Key Takeaways: Prostate cancer is often silent—many men have no symptoms at all. Early detection matters. David’s long-term PSA monitoring saved his life. Erectile rehab works best when started early. Pumps, Tadalafil, and data help. Talking saves lives. One conversation might be what pushes someone to get checked. Nocturnal erections are a sign of good health—and you can measure them. FirmTech isn’t just about sex—it's a wi… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/episodes/201-from-diagnosis-to-data-one-man-s-journey-through-prostate-cancer-recovery/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-penis-project-podcast-breaking-taboos-in-men-s-sexual-health-3323686/201-from-diagnosis-to-data-one-man-s-journey-through-prostate-cancer-recovery.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.