Prostate massage

Last updated

Stimulation of the prostate via the rectum Digital rectal exam nci-vol-7136-300.jpg
Stimulation of the prostate via the rectum

Prostate massage is the massage or stimulation of the male prostate gland for medical purposes or sexual stimulation.

Contents

The prostate takes part in the sexual response cycle, and is essential for the production of semen. Due to its proximity to the anterior rectal wall, it can be stimulated from the anterior wall of the rectum or externally via the perineum.

Medical uses

Digital rectal examination

Prostate massage is part of the digital rectal examination (DRE) routinely given to men by urologists in order to look for nodules of prostate cancer and to obtain an expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) specimen for microscopy and microbiological culture to screen for prostatitis.

Therapy for prostatitis

In the late 1990s, a small number of doctors tried prostate massage in conjunction with antibiotics for the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis with uncertain results. [1] [2] In recent trials, however, prostate massage was not shown to improve outcomes compared to antibiotics alone. [3] As a consequence of these findings, prostate massage is not officially sanctioned in medicine for the treatment of any medical disorder today. Prostatic massage should never be performed on patients with acute prostatitis, because the infection can spread elsewhere in the body if massage is performed. [4]

History

Once the most popular therapeutic maneuver used to treat prostatitis, it was abandoned as primary therapy in the 1960s. [5]

In the late 1990s, the ineffectiveness of drug treatments for chronic prostatitis led to a brief resurgence of interest in prostate massage. [1] [2] In a recent trial, however, prostate massage was not shown to improve outcomes compared to antibiotics alone. [3]

The practice is still used in some parts of China. [6]

Risks

Vigorous prostate massage has been documented to have injurious consequences: periprostatic hemorrhage, [7] cellulitis, septicaemia, possible disturbance and metastasis of prostate cancer to other parts of the body, and hemorrhoidal flare-up, and rectal fissures. [8] [9]

Electroejaculation

Electroejaculation is a procedure in which nerves are stimulated via an electric probe, which is inserted into the rectum adjacent to the prostate. The stimulus voltage stimulates nearby nerves, resulting in contraction of the pelvic muscles and ejaculation. It is most commonly encountered in animal husbandry for the purpose of collecting semen samples for testing or breeding. Some devices are used under general anesthesia on humans who have certain types of anejaculation. [10] Electroejaculation may also be used for posthumous sperm retrieval in humans. [11] Electroejaculation is a different procedure from manual prostate massage.

As a sexual practice

General

Stroking with pressure and gentle rhythmic squeezing on the perineum cause a transfer of pressure to the underlying tissues up to the prostate. Perineal massage can trigger sexual arousal or enhance it. Damm-Massage (Massage des Perineums).png
Stroking with pressure and gentle rhythmic squeezing on the perineum cause a transfer of pressure to the underlying tissues up to the prostate. Perineal massage can trigger sexual arousal or enhance it.
Insertion of a finger protected with a latex glove and coated with lubricant into the anus and lower rectum of a male in a lying position, where, after gently penetrating both sphincters the prostate as a small roundish organ can be massaged together with the penis Prostatamassage.png
Insertion of a finger protected with a latex glove and coated with lubricant into the anus and lower rectum of a male in a lying position, where, after gently penetrating both sphincters the prostate as a small roundish organ can be massaged together with the penis

Prostate massage is also used as an erotic massage for sexual stimulation, often in order to reach orgasm. The prostate is sometimes referred to as the "male G-spot" [12] or "P-spot". [13] Some men can achieve orgasm through stimulation of the prostate gland, such as prostate massage or receptive anal intercourse, and men who report the sensation of prostate stimulation often give descriptions similar to females' accounts of G-spot stimulation. [14] [15] Prostate stimulation can sometimes produce a strong, powerful orgasm. [14] However, all male orgasms, including those by penile stimulation, involve muscular contractions in the prostate gland. [16] It is possible for some men to achieve orgasms through prostate stimulation alone. [14] [17] Stimulation may be achieved by use of one or more fingers or by using sex toys designed to bring pressure to the anterior wall of the rectum at the location of the gland.

Prostate massage may be practiced between sexual partners, either as a discrete activity or during other sexual acts stimulating the penis for example. The increasing availability (online via the Internet) of purpose-designed, safe and hygienic sex toys and devices aimed at prostate stimulation may encourage sexual experimentation and incorporation into sex play. The use of a finger for anal penetration and prostate stimulation can enhance a male's orgasm or vary the sensations experienced during sexual arousal. The finger of the prostate massager is introduced into the rectum through the anus and the prostate gland is gently massaged via the anterior (front) wall of the rectum. In some individuals or for some massagers the correct location of the prostate may be slightly too deep or the finger too short to reach easily. Prostate massage can be performed individually or with the help of a partner.

Prostate massage may also be used in long-term orgasm denial play, for the purpose of relieving immediate need for orgasm without impacting general feelings of arousal. For this purpose it is often referred to as milking.

There are safety matters relating to prostate stimulation and anal penetration. It is strongly recommended that plenty of lubricant be used with prostate massagers to prevent rectal lining damage. A smaller instrument or finger may be introduced gradually to minimize the discomfort that some may feel. Massagers may be used with or without a condom; however, because of the bacteria found in the rectum, if a condom is not used, it is very important to clean the tool with soap before use in another orifice or by a partner. Receiving anal stimulation may cause feelings of having to defecate. More often than not, this is just a sensation that the stimulation causes and may take some getting used to. [18]

Equipment

A prostate massager is a device for massaging the prostate gland. The shape of a prostate massager is similar to a finger, since prostate massages are traditionally given digitally (for example, via fingering). They usually have a slightly curved head to effectively massage the prostate. Lubricant is usually necessary before inserting anything into the anus and helps to avoid injury to the rectal mucosa (lining). Caution should be exercised when a prostate massager is used because of the sensitivity of the prostate. Correct use involves a medium to light repetitive massage, or circular motion—the device being used to administer the massage should not be used too vigorously or without care, since this may lead to injury.

Prostate massage equipment ranges from dildos to butt plugs. When used in sexual practice, prostate massagers are commonly referred to as "prostate toys", "prostate sex toys", and "anal toys". These prostate massagers are inserted into the rectum through the anus and are intended to stimulate the prostate by simple massaging or vibrating. They are used during foreplay by many couples.

Prostate dildos are similar to vaginal dildos, but they tend to be more curved, slimmer and with a softer texture. Some of the new prostate dildos on the market are driven by batteries and offer vibration at the tip; the speed or intensity of which may be changed depending on the subject's personal preference. Unlike vaginal dildos, the anal prostate massager has a flared end to prevent it from being fully inserted and 'lost' inside the rectum.

Some males prefer butt plugs, which are easy to use, can be inserted freely and left in place while the male's hands are free for other sexual activities such as masturbation. Anal plugs also come in various shapes, sizes and designs and are not commonly intended to stimulate the prostate. Newer, more angled models (second generation) of prostate massagers have been developed to provide a more direct and thorough massage of the prostate gland. These new devices feature a more curved shape and are slightly longer than the originals. They commonly have a narrow neck and a flared end to avoid losing them in the rectum. While many massagers rely upon the body's own natural muscular contractions of the anal sphincter and anal wall to stimulate the prostate, some of the newer models come with vibrators built into them to increase sexual pleasure.

See also

Related Research Articles

Anal sex or anal intercourse is generally the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person's anus, or anus and rectum, for sexual pleasure. Other forms of anal sex include anal fingering, the use of sex toys, anilingus, pegging, as well as electrostimulation and erotic torture such as figging. Although anal sex most commonly means penile–anal penetration, sources sometimes use anal intercourse to exclusively denote penile–anal penetration, and anal sex to denote any form of anal sexual activity, especially between pairings as opposed to anal masturbation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prostatitis</span> Medical condition

Prostatitis is an umbrella term for a variety of medical conditions that incorporate bacterial and non-bacterial origin illnesses in the pelvic region. In contrast with the plain meaning of the word, the diagnosis may not always include inflammation. Prostatitis is classified into acute, chronic, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prostate</span> Gland of the male reproductive system in most mammals

The prostate is both an accessory gland of the male reproductive system and a muscle-driven mechanical switch between urination and ejaculation. It is found in all male mammals. It differs between species anatomically, chemically, and physiologically. Anatomically, the prostate is found below the bladder, with the urethra passing through it. It is described in gross anatomy as consisting of lobes and in microanatomy by zone. It is surrounded by an elastic, fibromuscular capsule and contains glandular tissue, as well as connective tissue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-spot</span> Hypothesized anatomical detail

The G-spot, also called the Gräfenberg spot, is characterized as an erogenous area of the vagina that, when stimulated, may lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and potential female ejaculation. It is typically reported to be located 5–8 cm (2–3 in) up the front (anterior) vaginal wall between the vaginal opening and the urethra and is a sensitive area that may be part of the female prostate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sex toy</span> Sexual pleasure device

A sex toy is an object or device that is primarily used to facilitate sexual pleasure, such as a dildo, artificial vagina or vibrator. Many popular sex toys are designed to resemble human genitals, and may be vibrating or non-vibrating. The term sex toy can also include BDSM apparatus and sex furniture such as sex swings; however, it is not applied to items such as birth control, pornography, or condoms. Alternative terms for sex toy include adult toy and the dated euphemism marital aid. Marital aid also has a broader meaning and is applied to drugs and herbs marketed to enhance or prolong sex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butt plug</span> Sex toy that is designed to be inserted into the rectum

A butt plug is a sex toy that is designed to be inserted into the rectum for sexual pleasure. They are similar to a dildo in some ways but tend to be shorter and have a flanged end to prevent the device from being lost inside the rectum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erogenous zone</span> Area of heightened sensitivity of the body, touching which may elicit a sexual response

An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity, the stimulation of which may generate a sexual response, such as relaxation, sexual fantasies, sexual arousal and orgasm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rectal examination</span> Medical assessment or diagnostic procedure

Digital rectal examination (DRE), also known as a prostate exam, is an internal examination of the rectum performed by a healthcare provider.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anal masturbation</span> Sexual stimulation of ones own anus

Anal masturbation is an autoerotic practice in which a person masturbates by sexually stimulating their own anus and rectum. Common methods of anal masturbation include manual stimulation of the anal opening and the insertion of an object or objects. Items inserted may be sex toys such as anal beads, butt plugs, dildos, vibrators, or specially designed prostate massagers or enemas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fingering (sexual act)</span> Use of fingers to sexually stimulate

Fingering is sexual stimulation of the vulva or vagina by using the fingers. Vaginal fingering is legally and medically called digital penetration or digital penetration of the vagina. The term "digital" takes its significance from the English word 'digit', which refers to a finger, thumb, or toe. Fingering may also include the use of fingers to stimulate the anus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strap-on dildo</span> Device used for sexual penetration or other sexual activity

A strap-on dildo is a dildo designed to be worn, usually with a harness, during sexual activity. Harnesses and dildos are made in a wide variety of styles, with variations in how the harness fits the wearer, how the dildo attaches to the harness, as well as various features intended to facilitate stimulation of the wearer or a sexual partner. Strap-on dildos are most frequently used by lesbian women, but can be used by people of any gender or sexuality.

Prostatic congestion is a medical condition of the prostate gland that happens when the prostate becomes swollen by excess fluid and can be caused by prostatosis. The condition often results in a person with prostatic congestion feeling the urge to urinate frequently. Prostatic congestion has been associated with prostate disease, which can progress due to age. Oftentimes, the prostate will grow in size which can lead to further problems, such as prostatitis, enlarged prostate, or prostate cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vibrator (sex toy)</span> Electric-powered sex toy

A vibrator, sometimes described as a massager, is a sex toy that is used on the body to produce pleasurable sexual stimulation. There are many different shapes and models of vibrators. Most modern vibrators contain an electric-powered device which pulsates or throbs. Vibrators can be used for both solo play and partnered play by one or more people. Devices exist to be used by couples to stimulate the genitals of both partners. They can be applied to erogenous zones, such as the vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum, or anus, for sexual stimulation, for the release of sexual frustration and to achieve orgasm. Vibrators may be recommended by sex therapists for women who have difficulty reaching orgasm through masturbation or intercourse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-spot vibrator</span> Sex toy

A G-spot vibrator is a sex toy with female and male varieties. The female version of the device is built to massage the G-spot, described as a bean-shaped area of the vagina. Some women report that it is an erogenous zone which, when stimulated, can lead to strong sexual arousal, powerful orgasms and female ejaculation. The male version of the G-spot vibrator is used for massaging the prostate for both sexual and health-related reasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anal vibrator</span> Electric-powered anal sex toy

An anal vibrator is a vibrator designed for sexual stimulation of the anus of both men and women. All anal vibrators have one common feature: they produce a vibrating effect in the rectum for pleasurable sensations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acute prostatitis</span> Serious bacterial infection of the prostate gland

Acute prostatitis is a serious bacterial infection of the prostate gland. This infection is a medical emergency. It should be distinguished from other forms of prostatitis such as chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chronic bacterial prostatitis</span> Bacterial infection of the prostate gland

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. It should be distinguished from other forms of prostatitis such as acute bacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome</span> Medical condition

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), previously known as chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, is long-term pelvic pain and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) without evidence of a bacterial infection. It affects about 2–6% of men. Together with IC/BPS, it makes up urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human anus</span> External opening of the rectum

In humans, the anus is the external opening of the rectum located inside the intergluteal cleft. Two sphincters control the exit of feces from the body during an act of defecation, which is the primary function of the anus. These are the internal anal sphincter and the external anal sphincter, which are circular muscles that normally maintain constriction of the orifice and which relax as required by normal physiological functioning. The inner sphincter is involuntary and the outer is voluntary. Above the anus is the perineum, which is also located beneath the vulva or scrotum.

References

  1. 1 2 Nickel JC, Downey J, Feliciano AE, Hennenfent B (1999). "Repetitive prostatic massage therapy for chronic refractory prostatitis: the Philippine experience". Techniques in Urology. 5 (3): 146–51. PMID   10527258.
  2. 1 2 Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI (1999). "Use of prostatic massage in combination with antibiotics in the treatment of chronic prostatitis". Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases. 2 (3): 159–162. doi: 10.1038/sj.pcan.4500308 . PMID   12496826.
  3. 1 2 Ateya A, Fayez A, Hani R, Zohdy W, Gabbar MA, Shamloul R (2006). "Evaluation of prostatic massage in treatment of chronic prostatitis". Urology. 67 (4): 674–8. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2005.10.021. PMID   16566972.
  4. Nickel JC (November 1999). "Prostatitis: evolving management strategies". The Urologic Clinics of North America. 26 (4): 737–51. doi:10.1016/S0094-0143(05)70215-9. PMID   10584615.
  5. Nickel JC, Alexander R, Anderson R, Krieger J, Moon T, Neal D, Schaeffer A, Shoskes D (1999). "[Prostatitis unplugged? Prostatic massage revisited.]". Tech Urol. 5 (1): 1–7. PMID   10374787.
  6. Yang J, Liu L, Xie HW, Ginsberg DA (2008). "Chinese urologists' practice patterns of diagnosing and treating chronic prostatitis: a questionnaire survey". Urology. 72 (3): 548–51. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2008.03.061. PMID   18597833.
  7. Buse S, Warzinek T, Hobi C, Ackerman D (2003). "[Prostate massage with unwanted consequences. Case report]". Der Urologe. Ausg. A (in German and English). 42 (1): 78–9. doi:10.1007/s00120-002-0189-z. PMID   14655640. S2CID   13104100.
  8. "Prostatitis Prostate Massage or Drainage". Prostatitis Network. Retrieved 1 October 2009.
  9. "Medical Tests for Prostate Problems". NKUDIC. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  10. "Electroejaculation". Cornell Urology. Archived from the original on 10 May 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  11. Shefi, Shai; Raviv, Gil; Eisenberg, Michael L.; Weissenberg, Ruth; Jalalian, Liza; Levron, Jacob; Band, Gili; Turek, Paul J.; Madgar, Igael (1 November 2006). "Posthumous sperm retrieval: analysis of time interval to harvest sperm". Human Reproduction. 21 (11): 2890–2893. doi: 10.1093/humrep/del232 . ISSN   0268-1161. PMID   16959804.
  12. Levin, R. J. (2018). "Prostate-induced orgasms: A concise review illustrated with a highly relevant case study". Clinical Anatomy. 31 (1): 81–85. doi: 10.1002/ca.23006 . PMID   29265651.
  13. Saleh, Naveed (3 October 2014). "Hitting the P-Spot". The Red-Light District. Psychology Today.
  14. 1 2 3 Rosenthal, Martha (2012). Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society. Cengage Learning. pp. 133–135. ISBN   978-0-618-75571-4.
  15. Ladas, Alice Kahn; Whipple, Beverly; Perry, John D. (1982). The G spot and other recent discoveries about human sexuality (1st ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. p. 55. ISBN   978-0-03-061831-4. Men report that the orgasm they experience as a result of stimulation of the prostate gland is more like the pushing-down feeling reported by women in connection with the stimulation of the G spot.
  16. Blesi, Michelle (15 June 2021). Medical Assisting: Administrative & Clinical Competencies. Cengage Learning. p. 390. ISBN   978-0-357-50294-5 . Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  17. Wibowo, Erik; Wassersug, Richard J. (2016). "Multiple Orgasms in Men—What We Know So Far". Sexual Medicine Reviews. 4 (2): 136–148. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.12.004. PMID   27872023 via ResearchGate.
  18. "The male hot spot: Massaging the prostate". Go Ask Alice!. Columbia University. Retrieved 11 September 2021.