Introduction:
The prostate constitutes a part of the male reproductive system and is located just below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. Like any other organ, it can also get inflamed or infected.
Inflammed prostate can be managed either medically or using prostate massage therapy. Prostate massage therapy is a procedure where the male prostate is given a massage either for medical or therapeutic benefits. The most commonly encountered conditions that are considered for massage therapy are erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis. It is also called “milking the prostate.”
What Are the Uses of Prostate Massage Therapy?
Prostatic massage is believed to help in clearing the prostatic duct. The prostatic duct is located between the prostate, and some portion lies in the rest of the reproductive and urinary systems. When the massage is given, spontaneous secretion of fluid occurs. This secretion can help in clearing this duct from any unwanted fluids. Also, this will help in eliminating the symptoms that the patient might be facing due to blockage of the prostate duct.
Although it is believed that prostate massage can give benefits to the patient, but literature does not support it much as the evidence available is very less and more studies are required to establish its benefits.
What Are the Indications for Prostate Therapy?
Prostate massage therapy is controversial management as many doctors do not support it. But, a little evidence has shown that a few men get benefits from it. Hence, men suffering from the following conditions can benefit from the massage:
1. Painful Ejaculation:
Painful ejaculation can occur due to blockage of prostate ducts by fluids. As mentioned above, massage helps in clearing the duct by excreting any blocked fluids within the duct or anywhere in the male reproductive system. Thus, the pain during ejaculation is eliminated.
2. Erectile Dysfunction:
In earlier days, before having all these modern medical treatments, prostate massage was the commonly practiced therapy to manage erectile dysfunction. Even today, along with other treatments for ED, men prefer using prostate massage for ED.
3. Urine Flow Obstruction:
The urethra, which is one of the major parts of the excretory system, is surrounded by the prostate. Any swelling or inflammation of the prostate can affect the urination flow. Due to any compression by the prostate, the urination can decrease or completely get cut off. Prostate massage can indirectly improve urination by removing the obstruction caused by swollen inflamed prostate.
4. Prostatitis:
Massage therapy was believed to be one of the promising treatments for prostatitis before antibiotics and specialized therapy came into the picture. Hence, it can aid in managing the symptoms caused due to prostatitis.
Can Prostate Massage Cause Any Risk?
Although it is not a very risky procedure, there are some risks associated with prostate massage as follows:
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Too vigorous massage can increase the symptoms rather than relieving them.
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It is advisable not to use electronic devices to massage the prostate without formal training.
Since there is not much evidence scientifically available to support the benefits of massage therapy, the medical fraternity does not prefer this as a single-line treatment in most cases. Although, it might be used along with other proven treatments. Some men do follow it with their regular antibiotics as it provides some relief to them.
It is important to have formal training before doing the massage therapy by yourself. Doing the massage very vigorously can harm the prostate more and may cause some other condition.
Also, electronic prostate massagers should never be used without formal training or supervision. Most of them are available over the counter and are promised to be used as sex toys because some men get pleasure with the massage and may also help in masturbation.
How Can I Be Prepared For Prostate Massage?
As most medical practitioners do not support this therapy, it is difficult to find a prostate massage specialist. You can take the help of your physician to find a specialist. You can also talk to your physician or specialist about what to expect and how it will feel.
Have You Experienced a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)?
DREs are used regularly by urologists to examine the prostate for the presence of any lumps, swelling or changes, or any other signs of possible cancer or any other pathology. Apart from the physical examination, your physician may prefer doing a DRE to get excreted prostatic secretion, which can be further examined for the presence of any signs of prostatitis, infection, or other disorders.
How Is the Massage Done?
During a prostate massage, gloves are worn by the person performing the massage. The gloved hand is then lubricated, after which the lubricated finger is inserted into the rectum. Then the prostate is pressed or massaged for several minutes. Sometimes, it can be a little painful. You can inform the person performing the procedure when you develop pain. The massage can feel uncomfortable, especially during the first few minutes. It should not be painful later on.
The frequency of prostate massage is not defined scientifically. It depends on the patient and the doctor. More commonly, it can be performed for a week or a month with several sessions. After which, when the symptoms are minimizing, you can choose to reduce the appointments.
Conclusion:
Prostate massage is one of the therapeutically performed massages to relieve the prostate from any of the pathological signs and symptoms. Although it is not a medically accepted treatment modality, it does provide some amount of relief to the patient in a few cases. It is important to get it done by a trained person or do it under supervision.
You can get more details about it from a physician or a specialist online using online medical platforms, which are markedly increasing the contact between you and your physician at the ease of your home.
