“Prostate milking” typically refers to the massage of the prostate for sexual pleasure. Prostate milking may also have some health benefits, though more research is necessary.

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. One of its main functions is to produce prostate fluid, which mixes with other fluids and sperm to make semen.

Here, we describe what prostate milking is and how to do it. We also explore why people do it and look into some of the risks and potential benefits.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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Milking the prostate involves massaging it until it produces a thin, milky fluid called prostate fluid.

Therapeutic prostate massage dates to at least the late 19th century, when doctors began performing it to treat inflammation of the prostate, called prostatitis.

Today, “prostate milking” usually refers to prostate stimulation for sexual pleasure, while “prostate massage” can refer to sexual or therapeutic stimulation.

Anyone with a prostate may be able to milk it.

However, some people find the massage painful or unpleasant to perform on themselves. In this case, depending on the goal of the stimulation, a person may ask a partner or a healthcare professional to perform the massage.

The prostate is a walnut-sized organ inside the rectum and just under the bladder. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder.

The prostate tends to get larger with age, making it easier to locate.

To find the prostate, a person can insert a lubricated finger into the rectum, then push slightly on its front wall. They may feel a slight bulge.

Because the prostate is so close to the bladder and urethra, intense prostate stimulation can cause the urge to urinate. Prostatitis and other prostate problems may also lead to more frequent urination.

Once a person locates their prostate, they can begin to massage it with a finger, massager, or sex toy.

Technique

First, an individual should apply plenty of lubricant to the finger or sex toy. Wearing gloves can make inserting digits smoother, and it may also be a good idea due to hygiene concerns.

A person can gently insert the lubricated finger or sex toy into the anus, slowly pushing on the front wall of the rectum.

For most people, finding the prostate requires inserting the finger or sex toy at least halfway up the rectum. Touching the prostate may produce an unusual or pleasurable sensation.

Begin by massaging the prostate in a consistent motion that feels pleasurable. Some people opt to masturbate or have other sexual contact during the massage.

The person receiving the message may have a very intense orgasm or feel an unusual sensation followed by fluid from the penis.

Positions

There are several different positions a person can take to make prostate milking easier.

  • Lying face down: When lying face down comfortably and their legs slightly apart, a person can reach behind their back to their anus or perineum. From this position, they, their partner, or partners can perform a prostate massage.
  • On all fours: A person can rest on their hands and knees and reach one hand back between their legs or around their lower back to their anus or perineum. In this position, a partner can also stand or kneel behind them and carry out a prostate massage.
  • Lying on the back: Some people may feel more comfortable milking their prostate when lying on their back. Once comfortable, a person can pull both their knees toward their chest and hold them with one arm. Using their free hand, they can reach their anus or perineum.
  • Lying on one side: When lying on one side, a person can bring their outer knee up toward their chest and reach over their hips to their anus or perineum. They can then massage their prostate with their free hand.

Practice

It is important for people to find techniques and positions they are comfortable with. Practicing safe methods of prostate milking can help a person find which methods suit them.

For example, if someone is uncomfortable with anal insertion, it is possible to stimulate the prostate less directly. They can do this by pushing upward on the perineum — the skin between the testicles and the rectum.

People may also wish to experiment with massagers and other sex toys to massage their prostate.

The prostate is one of the male erogenous zones. An erogenous zone is a highly sensitive area of the body that may generate a sexual response during stimulation.

Prostate milking may be very pleasurable. Because the prostate plays a role in producing semen, stimulating it may produce a more intense orgasm during ejaculation.

Some people also practice prostate milking for its purported health benefits rather than for sexual stimulation.

The primary benefit of prostate milking is that it can feel good. It may make sex more pleasurable and enhance closeness between partners.

There is also limited evidence that prostate massage may improve prostate health.

An older preliminary trial from 2009 of a home prostate massage device found that men with chronic prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia experienced a reduction in symptoms following this type of prostate massage.

However, a 2018 review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to claim that prostate massages affect symptoms.

Prostate milking is not usually dangerous. However, a very aggressive technique could, in theory, cause minor injury to the skin or rectum.

Also, prostate massage, especially when it is intense or forceful, could be painful.

Prostate massage also presents a small risk of prostate infection. If someone massages the prostate with unwashed hands, this could introduce bacteria into the area.

Similarly, bacteria from the rectum can travel elsewhere if a person does not wash their hands thoroughly after a prostate massage.

Additionally, some people do not enjoy the sensation of prostate milking or any other anal stimulation. This does not mean something is wrong — it is simply a personal preference.

It is important to note that individuals should take caution when experimenting with sex toys or devices while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The following are answers to commonly asked questions about prostate massage.

What is the difference between prostate and penile orgasm?

Many people experience an orgasm from prostate milking, especially if they masturbate during it.

A person may not be able to distinguish between prostate fluid and ejaculated semen. Prostate fluid is one component of semen. When a male has an orgasm and ejaculates, sperm, prostate fluid, and other fluids occur in the ejaculate.

Not all people ejaculate or have an orgasm during prostate milking. However, masturbation and other forms of sexual contact make ejaculation during the massage more likely.

Does prostate massage help erectile dysfunction?

In some cases, yes. Older research has shown that regular prostate massage improved sexual function, so it may be useful for people with erectile dysfunction. However, there is no consensus that prostate massage improves sexual function.

Can prostate milking prevent cancer?

No, it cannot directly prevent cancer. However, research has found that regular ejaculation is important for sexual health in males, and it is associated with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

How does a person find the prostate?

The prostate is inside the rectum and just under the bladder. To help locate the prostate, a person can insert a lubricated finger into the rectum and push slightly on its front wall.

What are the risks of prostate milking?

While prostate milking is generally safe, it is important to perform it safely. This includes being gentle and using lubrication to prevent injuries to the rectum. Additionally, a person should wash their hands before attempting prostate milking to reduce the risk of infection.

Prostate milking can be pleasurable. Some people perform it on themselves, while others seek the help of a partner.

Some preliminary research suggests that prostate milking may improve symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. However, confirming this requires further research.

Anyone with concerns about their sexual health or prostate health should consult a doctor.

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