Prostate massage can be fun and pleasurable, but it can also have some health benefits. In this article we’ll first go over the technique, then we will discuss some of the medical applications.

DISCLAIMER:

We are not doctors nor indeed any kind of medical professionals. Please do not use prostate massage as a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. If you feel there may be something wrong, please make an appointment with your doctor. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular prostate cancer screening for all men/prostate owners between the ages of 55 and 69.

First things first – the prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the root of the penis. The prostate gland is vital to the sexual/reproductive response cycle and responsible for the production of seminal fluid. This fluid keeps sperm functioning and protected. In addition, the prostate is extremely sensitive and stimulation can lead to very intense orgasms

Prostate massage how to

Prostate massage is considered a pleasurable sexual practice by some. If you try it, to prevent injury or discomfort you should:

• Trim and file fingernails to prevent scratches, cuts, or tears to the rectum or prostate. Make sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly and consider wearing gloves or finger cots for added protection
• Alternatively, use a prostate massager, a toy specifically designed for this activity
• Apply generous amounts of silicone or water-based lubricant (find out the best lube to use here) to help prevent rectal damage or discomfort.
• Before receiving a prostate massage, perform a light douching to remove fecal matter from the rectum.
• Never engage in a prostate massage if you or your partner has fissures or hemorrhoids. Doing so can cause bleeding and may increase the risk of infection. 

If you are performing prostate massage for sexual purposes, it helps to achieve a state of arousal first. This will move the gland into a slightly upward and backward position as the penis becomes erect.

1. Apply lube liberally around the anus. Also consider using a lube shooter 
2. Insert an index finger (or toy a short distance) slowly to the first knuckle and start masturbating.
3. Pull the finger or toy out and re-apply lube, or reuse the shooter as needed (especially if this is your first time.)
4. As you continue to masturbate, replace your finger back into the anus, this time to the second knuckle. Or move the toy further in.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach the third knuckle.
6. Once the finger is fully inserted, search for a rounded lump roughly 4 inches inside the rectum and up towards the root of the penis. This is the prostate. A prostate massager (when used as per instructions) will automatically stimulate this spot.
7. Gently massage the prostate in a circular or back-and-forth motion using the pad of a finger. You can also apply gentle pressure for seven to 10 seconds, again with the pad of a finger, rather than the tip.

WARNING: The area around the prostate is sensitive and if treated too vigorously can become sore or damage some nerve endings so be careful and go slowly.

Medical Applications 

The prostate is roughly the size of a walnut, but can become larger with age or various medical issues. At the age of 60 to 70 it can be as large as a plum. This enlargement is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and can restrict the urethra and cause various issues such as

• Increased need to urinate, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Inability to completely empty the bladder

There are other issues that can affect the prostate or change its size and cause medical issues such as

• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• Prostate cancer
• Bacterial infections

 If you notice any issues, please contact your doctor.

Diagnostic tests

In some cases, a doctor may need expressed prostatic fluid (EPF) for diagnostic purposes. In that case a doctor will perform a prostate massage with a lubricated, gloved finger and press on the prostate. The procedure doesn’t take long, but can be uncomfortable. The fluids that then leak out of the penis are collected and sent for analysis. EPF can be used to identify prostate cancer (a test called PCA-3) or to identify bacteria for an infection

Chronic Prostatitis (non bacterial)

Chronic prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms can include: groin, rectal or abdominal pain, painful urination or ejaculation, blood in the urine, as well as a generally "ill" feeling throughout the body. For some patients with chronic prostatitis that is not due to bacterial infection undergoing periodic prostate massage can mean relief from pressure or symptoms. For Bacterial prostatitis this is not recommended. As it could cause a spread of the bacteria

Cancer

Some people believe that prostate massage has cancer-fighting benefits. While prostate massage can reduce inflammation, it has not been proven to directly prevent cancer. Reduction of prostate inflammation may decrease the risk of cancer in some patients with chronic prostatitis. Also, the EPF may be collected for determine if an individual is at risk of having prostate cancer. Patients suspected of having prostate cancer should not be treated with (or engage in) prostate massage, as this may cause tumor cells to break off and spread to nearby tissues (other than for diagnostic purposes). 

Summary

Prostate massage can be a great sexual experience and has certain medical applications. However, contrary to popular belief, there is little evidence to support the claims that prostate massage is an effective therapy for prostatitis, enlarged prostate, or other conditions that affect the prostate. It is clear, however, that prostatic massage comes with risks for men who have bacterial prostatitis, prostate cancer, fissures, or hemorrhoids. For them, prostate massage should be avoided, as it can worsen their condition.