Your Guide to Prostate Massage (2024)

Prostate massage, or prostate milking, is the stimulation of the prostate gland for either medical or sexual purposes. Although it has some potential benefits, it does carry some risks.These risks mean that doctors are unlikely to recommend prostate massage as a treatment. However, it is important that anyone interested in trying this practice speak with a doctor about the proper technique. Taking certain steps to prepare can minimize the risks to health.

This article defines prostate massage and considers its benefits and risks. It also explains what conditions prostate massage can help and how to prepare for one.

A prostate massage is when you, your partner, or a medical professional stimulates the prostate gland for either medical purposes or sexual pleasure. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system, and it is located Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is typically the size of a walnut.

The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder, and produces the fluid that makes up part of the sem*n. As males age, their prostate can increase in size. When this happens, it causes the urethra to narrow and decreases the flow of urine.

This is sometimes an early sign of prostate cancer. However, there are other noncancerous causes of prostate enlargement and inflammation, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

If you notice any changes to your urine outflow or find that you are urinating more often, especially at night, contact a doctor. You can also speak with a doctor if you have any other concerns about your prostate.

Learn about prostate cancer.

Before antibiotics were widely in use, prostate massage was a common treatment for prostate conditions such as prostatitis. However, a small, older study from 2006 Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source showed that there might not be any added benefit from using prostate massage alongside antibiotics to treat prostatitis. The authors conclude that antibiotics on their own appeared to be just as effective in treating the condition.

Currently, prostate massage is most commonly used during a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check on overall prostate health. During a DRE, your doctor will gently insert a lubricated finger into your rectum. The exam is typically brief. It may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.

There have been documented cases of in-office prostate massage as a treatment for certain symptoms of conditions such as BPH and chronic prostatitis. It is possible that prostate massage — either from a medical professional or yourself — can help relieve symptoms of these conditions. However, the reported results vary among cases.

Some people may also use prostate massage for sexual pleasure, but there are risks involved, so it is important to take these into account.

Prostate massage has some associated risks. As a result, doctors will often not recommend prostate massage as a treatment.

However, if you are interested in prostate massage as a treatment or for sexual pleasure, speak with a medical professional or certified therapist first. They will be able to teach you the proper and safest way to perform a prostate massage on yourself.

The risks of prostate massage include:

• making prostatitis worse
• causing sepsis or blood poisoning due to spreading infection
• causing cellulitis
• causing a flare-up of hemorrhoids
• spreading prostate cancer that may already be present
• damaging your rectal lining

One condition for which people have used prostate massage as a treatment is prostatitis. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate and, occasionally, the surrounding areas. This condition is often painful. However, certain types of prostatitis may not produce any symptoms at all.

Other conditions that prostate massage may help treat include:

• BPH: This condition is an enlargement of the prostate, and it is typically not cancerous. One of the main symptoms of BPH is a frequent need to pass urine, which may happen every 1–2 hours and be more frequent at night. Many cases of BPH do not require any treatment. If treatment is necessary, the options may include surgery.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED): ED is a condition in which males have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. It is the most common sexual issue that males report to their doctors. There is a lack of research and evidence to confirm that prostate massage can help with ED. A doctor or sexual health professional can offer advice about prostate massage and ED.

Learn about erectile dysfunction.

Although doctors do not typically recommend prostate massage as a treatment, there are many people who choose to experiment with it for sexual purposes.

If you would like to try prostate massage for sexual purposes, you can take steps to prepare beforehand. These include:

• having a bowel movement and urinating before the massage
• cleaning your anal area gently with soap and water
• ensuring that your or your partner’s nails are trimmed and smooth
• communicating your expectations with your partner ahead of time, if they are performing the massage
• using plenty of lubricant
• starting slowly with external stimulation

Some people choose to douche or use an enema before experimenting in this capacity. However, be aware that this can cause inflammation and tearing that can leave you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Although doctors do not typically recommend prostate massage as a medical treatment, you may choose to experiment with it at home. Follow these steps to perform a prostate massage safely and correctly:

• Be sure to empty your bowels beforehand.
• Empty your bladder.
• Wash your hands and make sure that your nails are trimmed and smooth.
• Consider wearing medical gloves or putting a condom on your finger.
• Apply a generous amount of a water- or silicone-based lubricant to your finger.
• Spread the lubricant around your anus, adding more as necessary to keep a smooth motion.
• Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
• Insert your finger to the second or third knuckle until you feel the prostate, which is about 2–4 inches inside the rectum at the base of the penis. It typically feels about the size of a walnut.
• Gently massage the prostate in a circular or back-and-forth motion with your finger.

Prostate massage is the stimulation of the prostate for medical or sexual purposes. Previously, this was a common treatment for conditions such as prostatitis.

Doctors do not typically recommend prostate massage as a treatment. However, many people still choose to experiment with it for sexual purposes.

If you are considering trying prostate massage, keep in mind the risks and speak with a doctor or sexual health professional beforehand about the proper technique and ways to minimize the risks.