Prostate massage therapy is a technique that has been shown to improve prostate problems in some men. However, due to a lack of substantive scientific evidence, prostate massage therapy is a controversial treatment. Prostate massage is also used as a form of sexual stimulation.

The prostate gland

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that wraps around the urethra between the bladder and penis. It produces fluid that lubricates the urethra and mixes with sperm from the testes to create semen.

Several medical conditions can cause the prostate to swell, causing pain and problems with urination. This includes an enlarged prostate, lower urinary tract symptoms, inflammation of the prostate, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and prostate cancer.

What is prostate massage therapy?

Prostate massage therapy involves applying pressure to the prostate, usually by inserting a finger into the rectum or massaging the perineum. The prostate lies about 2 inches into the rectum and can easily be felt by inserting a well-lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum and pressing forward, toward the base of the penis. The prostate can also be massaged by applying pressure to the perineum, the area between the anus and the scrotum.

Massaging the prostate can help express fluid from the prostate; this fluid can then be tested for signs of inflammation or infection as well as the presence of cancer cells. Prostate massage has also been used as a treatment for prostatitis and chronic prostatitis.

Prostate massage and prostatitis

Prostatitis can be either acute or chronic. Bacterial infection can cause both acute and chronic prostatitis. Chronic prostatitis can also occur without infection and is sometimes associated with chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Chronic prostatitis can be very difficult to treat. The standard treatment for bacterial prostatitis—either acute or chronic—is oral antibiotics. Sometimes other medications are also used, including anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha-blockers, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as Viagra (sildenafil). Research into the use of prostate massage to treat chronic prostatitis has produced mixed results.

In some studies, men with chronic prostatitis—and chronic pelvic pain—have been helped by adding prostate massage to their treatment. However, because of the lack of evidence, prostate massage is not recommended as a standard treatment for any prostate condition. It is still recommended as part of a digital rectal exam for men with prostate problems to collect fluid from the prostate.

Prostatitis symptoms

Symptoms of prostatitis include pain and difficulty urinating or changes in urinary habits. Pain can occur in the groin, abdomen, or back. This includes pain in the penis, testicles, perineum, or rectum as well as pain with ejaculation. Urinary problems can include painful urination, difficulty starting urination, dribbling urine, urinary urgency, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. Bacterial prostatitis can also cause fever, chills, and muscle aches.

Benefits of prostate massage

Prostate massage was once widely used to treat prostate conditions before the availability of antibiotics. Prostate massage can help drain fluid from the prostate and may help antibiotics work better. Research on prostate massage therapy to treat prostate problems has shown that, in some cases, it can improve symptoms and help recovery. In one study, men received prostate massage three times a week in addition to antibiotics and saw significant improvement in symptoms. Long-term improvement of CP/CPPS was seen in 40% of men in this study. Research has also shown that prostate massage may decrease the need for invasive prostate procedures such as surgery. However, the research is far from sufficient to draw any definite conclusions about whether prostate massage is helpful or which individuals can benefit from it.

Prostate massage for sexual stimulation

The prostate has been called the male G-spot. Similar to the female G-spot located in the anterior (front) wall of the vagina, the prostate is sensitive. Stimulating the prostate during sex can increase sexual pleasure and may make orgasm and ejaculation more intense. If you plan on trying prostate massage yourself, be warned that the rectum is easily injured. Be sure to use lots of lubrication, especially if using a sex toy, and use a condom or glove for anything you insert into your anus. Some people enjoy prostate stimulation, but it can be painful, especially if the prostate is inflamed.

Prostate massage therapy is a controversial treatment for chronic prostate problems, including BPH and chronic prostatitis. If you have a prostate condition that is difficult to treat and standard treatment with medication isn’t providing relief, then you may want to consider prostate massage therapy. As with any treatment, you should talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of prostate massage. If you want to try prostate massage for sexual stimulation, be sure to do it safely using lubrication and a glove or condom. Prostate massage can be beneficial for some men, but it is not without risk.

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