What's it like living with Erectile Dysfunction?

We know it can be an isolating experience, filled with questions and uncertainty. And so does Andy Barham, who shares his personal, real-life journey with ED.

Andy takes us through when he received his initial diagnosis and the emotional impact it had on his life and relationship. The various treatments he explored, and his ultimate decision to get a penile implant.

If you've been personally affected by ED, a partner of someone with ED, or just seeking to understand the patient experience, Andy’s story will help.

You'll learn:

• The emotional and psychological toll of living with erectile dysfunction
• The steps and considerations that led Andy to choose a penile implant over other treatments
• The process of the implant procedure from a patient's point of view
• What to expect after having an implant
• Andy's advice for other men, and their partners, who are navigating a similar journey

About our guest

Andy Bahram is 64 years old, married since 2007, with two children from his first marriage, a granddaughter and a grandson, who he spoils rotten. 

In 2012 Andy was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had it removed just before Xmas that same year. As is often the case following prostate ops, Andy was left with erectile dysfunction. 

Despite trying the usual medicinal options, it soon became apparent that his ED was not going to be a short term issue. After almost 2 years of trying all sorts of ‘remedies’, Andy found that the only thing which gave him some semblance of an erection was a self-administered injection. Andy could not accept this as his only option for the future. 

As a result of the ED problems, Andy also suffered an extended bout of depression. After lots of investigations online and arguments with his consultant, Andy was finally referred for a penile implant in 2015. It completely changed his life and returned him to almost ‘normal’. 

Since then Andy has written a book (see below) about his experiences. He has worked closely with Coloplast as a patient advocate and conference speaker.

You can stick that up your arse! An account, by two brothers, of their personal journeys, which will hopefully do for prostate cancer what ‘50 Shades’ did for sadomasochism. 

Available via Amazon.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Dr Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.

What are penile implants? How do they help with Erectile Dysfunction?

Penile implants are one of the most advanced treatment options for erectile dysfunction.

Urologist David Ralph joins Clare and Fabio to explain what implants involve, who they’re for, and how they can transform lives.

You'll learn:

• What penile implants are and how they work
• Who might be a candidate for this treatment
• The surgical process and recovery
• Success rates and patient satisfaction
• Why choosing an experienced specialist is essential

About our guest

Professor David Ralph is Professor of Urology at UCLH and UCL, London since 1996. He has built up the Andrology department at UCLH from a single man unit into a department of five consultants, 6 clinical fellows, MD and PhD students and junior staff. It is now the largest, most prestigious Andrology department in the world with over 50 international observorships per year and the highest number of tertiary referrals in the UK.

His practice is entirely confined to Andrology with the main interests being penile reconstruction, Peyronie’s Disease, Erectile dysfunction with prosthetic Urology and male infertility. He runs a large multidisciplinary erectile dysfunction service with a European training fellowship for penile prosthesis implantation and is Director of the Erectile Dysfunction Clinical Trials Unit.

He has held many prestigious positions, the most notable including the Chairman of the BAUS section of Andrology, President of the British Society of Sexual Medicine and President of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM). He is currently Chairman of The European Society of Genitourethral Reconstructive Surgeons, President of the Sexual Advice Association charity and a specialist advisor to NICE.

He founded the national penile cancer centre at UCLH, the international training centrefor penile prostheses insertion and the major phallic reconstruction unit. It is also the biggest priapism centre in the UK.

He has over 250 peer-reviewed publication, 60 chapters and books, 500 international presentations and 500 invited lectures. He has been awarded the Brantley Scott medal in 2016 for recognition of his international contribution to Prosthetic Urology, the British Society For Sexual Medicine Career Award in 2017 and the ESSM career award in 2022.He is also the recipient of the St Peter’s Medal, the highest award from the British Association Of Urological Surgeons for advancement in Urology.

For more about David, visit St Peters Andrology in London

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Dr Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.

What is Peyronie's disease? What causes it? When is it time to talk to someone?

Peyronie’s disease affects millions of men worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed conditions in men’s health.

In this episode, we break the silence and stigma surrounding this condition, offering expert insights, and the latest treatment innovations. Whether you're newly diagnosed or seeking better ways to manage symptoms, this podcast offers a safe space to learn, connect, and take control of your health journey.

About our guest

Dr Fabio Castiglione is a Consultant Urologist and Andrologist at King’s College Hospital, London, and Honorary Reader at King’s College London, where he leads academic urological activities. He trained at San Raffaele University in Milan and obtained a PhD at KU Leuven (Belgium) on stem cells and erectile dysfunction.

A recognised pioneer of regenerative medicine, he published the first studies on stem cells and PRP for Peyronie’s disease. He is a world-leading expert in testosterone, longevity, and men’s health, recipient of the ESSM Excellence Award (2022) and the ISSM Rising Star Award (2023), and serves as a Prostate Cancer UK Clinical Champion.

For more about Fabio, visit https://fabiocastiglione.com and https://urologistandandrologistlondon.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Dr Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.

What happens if lifestyle changes don't make a difference? What if Viagra doesn't work?

There are a number of second-line treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) and with the help of Urology Nurse Fiona Holden we look at the options beyond first-line medications, including vacuum devices and emerging therapies.

You'll learn:

• How vacuum therapy works and who it’s suitable for
• About injectable treatments 
• Emerging treatments like Shockwave Therapy and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
• What to know before going private
• Why seeing a reputable andrologist matters

About our guest

Fiona Holden qualified as a nurse in 1993. She has worked in Urology for the majority of her career and has been a member of the Andrology team at University College London Hospitals for the last seventeen years. She runs nurse led erectile dysfunction clinics offering pharmacological management through to penile prosthesis surgery. Fiona has completed her MSc in advanced practice and is a non-medical prescriber. She has published in peer reviewed journals and has co-authored a book chapter on erectile dysfunction management and penile prosthesis surgery.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Dr Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.

What really happens when you're referred to hospital for erectile dysfunction? Who will you meet? What questions will you be asked?

Ms Marta Skrodzka, Urologist from St Georges Hospital, Tooting joins Clare and Dr Fabio Catiglione to walk us through from the moment you step into the clinic, to the tests and treatments you might encounter. 

We’re here to demystify the process. You’ll learn:

• Who you’ll meet during your hospital visit
• The questions you’ll be asked and why they matter
• Common tests, including imaging and the NPT (Nocturnal Penile Tumescence) test
• Understanding venous leak and how it’s assessed
• The role of testosterone — including the risks of misuse
• How PDE5 inhibitors are used and when they’re appropriate
• The value of psychosexual counselling and where it fits in your care journey

About our guest

Marta Skrodzka MD PhD, FEBU, FECSM, FEAA is a Consultant Urologist and Andrological-Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeon at St.George’s University Hospital in London, United Kingdom. 

She is an expert in sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, penile prosthetic surgery and genital reconstruction. She is a chair of European Society of Sexual Medicine Scientific Committee for Reconstructive Surgery, lecturer for European School of Urology, Educational Director of ESU-ESAU-ESGURS Masterclass on erectile restoration and Peyronie’s disease, Member of European Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons, Member of Educational Committee of European Society of Sexual Medicine, Associated editor for Central European Journal of Urology – Andrology Section and Associated editor for Video Journal of Sexual Medicine. Ms Skrodzka has published multiple peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters. She is invited as faculty at national and international conferences.

Her training largely done in Poland included Scholarship in Reconstructive Urology in University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany and EAU Scholarship Programme at Sava Perovic Foundation Reconstructive Centre Belgrade, Serbia. She received her PhD in 2012 in sexual medicine. Her sub-specialty qualifications are confirmed by two European exams: Fellow of European Committee of Sexual Medicine and Clinical Andrologist of European Academy of Andrology.  She is fellowship-trained in Andrology and Penile Reconstruction at the Institute of Urology, University College London Hospital and St.George’s University Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Dr Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.

What is the role of a GP? What happens at that first appointment? How can your GP help with Erectile Dysfunction?

Your GP will likely be the first person you speak to regarding Erectile Dysfunction, so we’re joined by Mr Rowland Rees, Consultant at University Hospital Southampton to discuss that the GP's role is to look at your overall health, not just the erection.

Find out what happens in that initial consultation, how the conversation will go and how they can help.

We address the cornerstones of erectile function.

• Cardiovascular Health: Your GP will treat ED as a potential warning sign for heart disease. They'll likely check your blood pressure and listen to your heart.

Lifestyle & Diet Advice: This is the first line of treatment. Your GP will discuss healthy eating, the importance of exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and stopping smoking. These aren't just suggestions; they can have a massive impact. Improving blood flow for your heart improves blood flow everywhere else. Think of it as a whole-body approach – what's good for your heart is good for your erection.

About our guest

Mr Rowland Rees is a Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist based at University Hospitals Southampton, and also Honorary Consultant at University College London Hospital. Since 2009 he has provided a regional andrology service for the Wessex region. 

Rowland covers all aspects of andrology and male genital surgery, including surgery for urethral strictures, Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, vasectomy reversal and male infertility. 

He performs over 300 such procedures per year, including urethroplasty, penile prostheses, vasectomy reversal, Micro-TESE surgical sperm retrieval, Nesbit & Lue procedures, Artificial urinary sphincters and male slings.

Rowland was elected Chairman of the British Association of Urological Surgeons section of Andrology and Genito-urethral surgery 2018-2020, and has published over 100 articles in the field of urology and andrology. He is a regular speaker and teacher at regional, national and international academic meetings, and serves on the editorial board of academic journals.

Rowland likes to spend his spare time cycling, singing and spending time with family.

For more about Rowland, visit www.wessexandrology.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Dr Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.

What really is ED? What causes it? When is it time to talk to someone?

We’re tackling the most fundamental questions about erectile dysfunction (ED), with our hosts Clare Akers, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Coloplast & Dr Fabio Castiglione, Consultant Urologist at Kings College Hospital in conversation with expert urologist Professor Asif Muneer, from University College London Hospitals, to break down the essentials. 

You’ll learn:

• A clear medical definition of Erectile Dysfunction and how it differs from other common sexual health concerns.
• The link between ED and major health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and the after-effects of prostate surgery.
• The powerful psychological side of ED, and how the cycle of anxiety and confidence can impact performance.
• The truth about over-the-counter pills and the crucial reasons why seeing a GP should always be your first step.
• Simple, direct advice on how to know when it’s the right time to book that important appointment with your doctor.

This is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to replace uncertainty with knowledge. It's a no-nonsense guide to understanding your health and taking that first, crucial step.

About our guest

Professor Asif Muneer is a Consultant Urological Surgeon and Andrologist based at University College London Hospital and Professor of Urology and Surgical Andrology at UCL. Having completed his research degree (MD) at UCL he went on to complete his surgical training in Oxford. He then undertook further fellowships to the University of Paris, Amsterdam and MD Andersen Cancer Centre in Texas. He has received a number of awards including the Keith Yeates Gold medal for the intercollegiate FRCS, British Urological Foundation award, Ethicon fellowship, Ralph Shackman fellowship and the Harold Hopkins Golden Telescope from the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS).  

Professor Muneer has published over 250 peer reviewed papers and edited eight textbooks including Viva Practice for the FRCS(Urol), Textbook of Penile Cancer, Atlas of Male Genitourethral Surgery and Prosthetic Surgery in Urology. He is past President of the British Society for Sexual Medicine, past BAUS honorary secretary and Chair of the BAUS Section of Andrology. He is a high-volume surgeon for primary penile prosthesis surgery and revision cases and performs penoscrotal and infrapubic approaches. 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Dr Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.

Have questions about Erectile Dysfunction?

We've got the answers!

In Straight To The Point we speak to specialist nurses, doctors and surgeons to help you understand what Erectile Dysfunction is and how it can be treated.

Book a call with Claire at https://ukerectilesolutions.co.uk/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any personal health concerns.

Straight To The Point is brought to you by Coloplast.

Hosted by Clare Akers and Fabio Castiglione.

Produced by Vibrant Sound Media.