A prostate massage typically involves inserting a finger into the rectum to stimulate the prostate gland. While it can help relieve prostate problems, it can also make symptoms worse.

It can become inflamed, and while there are mainstream medical practices to treat prostate inflammation, or prostatitis, some alternative practitioners carry out a prostate massage.

In conventional medicine, a physician carries out a digital rectal examination (DRE) to diagnose prostatitis, growth, or inflammation of the prostate.

Some alternative practitioners maintain that “milking the prostate” in this way can relieve certain symptoms of an inflamed prostate, providing benefits that include improved urine flow and sexual function.

This article looks at the evidence behind those claims and advises on whether a prostate massage is the best solution.

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A prostate massage is said to clear the prostate and reduce inflammation. However, evidence for its benefits are thin on the ground.

A prostate massage is similar to a DRE. As opposed to just checking for lumps or irregularities with their fingers, a practitioner carrying out a DRE will also massage the prostate.

This prostate consists of two sections. It surrounds the urethra where it joins the bladder. The prostate produces the bulk of the fluid that surrounds sperm in semen and is, therefore, vital for male fertility.

People sometimes refer to a prostate massage as “drainage”, and it usually takes longer. It aims to “wring out” the prostate.

A doctor normally uses a DRE to check the overall size and condition of the prostate gland. During the procedure, a doctor will check for changes that may indicate health issues.

A doctor wearing a lubricated glove inserts a finger into the rectum and presses the sides of the prostate nearby.

If symptoms suggest the presence of an infection, the doctor may massage, or rub, the prostate to obtain fluid for later study. Prostate massage practitioners also claim that draining this fluid is useful for symptom relief.

The fluid released by the prostate is called expressed prostatic secretion. Doctors will analyze it for signs of inflammation or infection.

People with chronic prostatitis often return for prostate massages two to three times per week for the first month and reduce the frequency of sessions as symptoms improve.

Types

Some individuals use regular prostate massages to deal manage symptoms of prostate problems.

Practitioners might perform this using their hands or with a prostate massaging device.

Prostate massage can be slightly painful. Some people report an increased burning sensation after drainage, due to the content of the fluids.

External prostate massage may involve exerting pressure on the perineum, the area about halfway between the anus and the scrotum.

Practitioners can also perform prostate massage by gently rubbing the belly, between the pubic bone and the belly button.

Devices are also available to assist with external prostate massage.

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Speak to a doctor upon noticing the signs of prostatitis.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), prostatitis is a common urinary tract problem in men of all ages.

Each year, the condition prompts roughly 2 million visits to medical professionals in the United States.

The symptoms of prostatitis include:

  • frequent, painful, weak, blocked, or incomplete urination
  • blood in the urine
  • erectile dysfunction
  • painful ejaculation
  • fever
  • muscle pain
  • back pain
  • pain in the area between the anus and the scrotum.

Inflammation of the prostate gland has several causes, including:

  • bacteria
  • non-bacterial microorganisms
  • immune system response
  • nerve damage

The inflammation can last for a short while or be on-going.

Doctors usually treat prostatitis with medications, such as antibiotics and muscle relaxants, depending on the cause. These treatments are effective for many but not all people.

The procedure carries a number of risks, including:

  • making acute prostatitis worse and potentially causing blood poisoning, due to a risk of spreading infection
  • bleeding around the prostate
  • cellulitis, a serious skin infection
  • hemorrhoids flare-ups
  • spreading of prostate cancer, if it is already present
  • damage to the rectal lining

Individuals with epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube connecting the testicle to the vas deferens, should avoid prostate massage.

Due to the potential for rectal damage, the doctor must place minimal pressure on the prostate. The area is extremely sensitive, so any intervention must be cautious and hygienic.

As a general rule, doctors do not recommend prostate massage.

Physicians generally recommend that only trained healthcare professionals treat the prostate, and that they do so with great care and gentleness.

Below are some frequently asked questions about prostate massagers.

What is the use of a prostate stimulator?

A person may use a prostate stimulator or prostate massaging device for sexual or therapeutic stimulation.

A prostate stimulator can massage the prostate to encourage the secretion of fluid. This may offer relief from the symptoms of an infection. However, doctors typically do not recommend using a prostate stimulator.

Is it safe to use a prostate stimulator?

Some people may experience pain when using a prostate stimulator to massage the prostate. Other risks include:

  • rectal lining damage
  • hemorrhoids flare-ups
  • bleeding around the prostate
  • infection

Doctors typically do not recommend using a prostate stimulator.