Prostate massage is a beneficial technique that many men don't know much about. This gentle stimulation of the prostate gland, an organ located between the rectum and bladder, can help relieve the symptoms of several ailments and improve sexual health. Massaging the prostate is relatively easy, but it's important to do it properly to avoid injury and other complications. Here are a few things you should know about the prostate and the process of massage.

What the Prostate Does
This gland is responsible for regulating much of male sexual function. It produces prostatic fluid, an important component of semen and a contributor to higher fertility. It also contains muscles that help push semen out of the body during ejaculation. The prostate helps men experience more satisfying sexual experiences and can be an important component in sexual dysfunctions such as loss of erection or ejaculatory problems. It is affected strongly by the testosterone levels produced in the testes.

Massage and Prostatitis
Like many other parts of the body, the prostate can become infected with bacteria. Because this organ is made up of many tiny sacs filled with fluid, it can swell and become closed off as the infection progresses. This can make it hard to urinate, cause pain in the pelvis and result in a build-up of prostatic fluid. Prostatitis can be extremely uncomfortable. Doctors usually give you antibiotics to treat it, but they don't always work. That's because your body can close off the infected prostate, keeping away the helpful effects of the drugs.

In cases like these, doctors sometimes recommend massaging the gland, either internally via the rectum, or externally via the perineum. By applying gentle pressure to the prostate gland, you can relieve swelling, cut down on blockages, and reduce discomfort. A massage can be performed either by a doctor or other medical professional, or at home by yourself.

No matter who does the massage, it's important to use this technique only for chronic prostatitis, a recurring problem that may not be affected by medication. Using massage techniques for acute prostatitis can actually make the condition worse. It might even spread the infection beyond the prostate, causing more serious problems elsewhere in the body.

Massage and Prostate Cancer

Regular prostate massage can also help reduce a man's risk of getting prostate cancer. This is because a healthier prostate leads to easier and healthier ejaculations. Studies have shown that ejaculating regularly can help men avoid cancer, especially as they get older. Men who experienced ejaculation just 21 times per month in their 40s had only about 60 percent as much cancer risk as less active men. By the time this group was 50 years old, their chances of getting cancer were less than half of those experienced by men who ejaculated less frequently.

Massage techniques are also used by doctors attempting to determine whether their patients will require prostate cancer treatment. The standard digital rectal examination, or DRE, that detects cancer involves carefully manipulating this gland. Gentle massage may even help men who are suffering from the discomfort associated with prostate tumors. If you're undergoing prostate cancer treatment, however, you should always ask your doctor before choosing massage. Excessively vigorous massage of the prostate can actually make the situation worse. It can spread cancerous cells elsewhere in the body and increase the risk of metastasis.

Taking Precautions

While getting a prostate massage is usually beneficial, that doesn't mean that you can't suffer from problems if it's done incorrectly. If you're performing your own prostate massages, it's important to go very slowly and to use only tools that are made for the purpose. These include medical prostate massagers and aids advertised for “P-spot” stimulation. They don't include cheap toys with no base or handle, household items, or any other makeshift devices. Administering a prostate massage poorly could result in a trip to the emergency room.

If you're receiving prostate massage from someone else, make sure you choose a medical professional or someone else you can trust. People without experience may massage too vigorously. Rough massages can lead to bruising, bleeding and other health problems. They can aggravate hemorrhoids and even cause some infections. When in doubt, go gently; gentle massage produces the best results. 

It's also a good idea to make sure you have a bowel movement before receiving prostate massage. You may also wish to have an enema if you are extremely worried about cleanliness. Use plenty of lubricant to ensure comfort and reduce the risk of damage to the delicate membranes of the anus and rectum. If you use your fingers for stimulation, cut your nails carefully before you begin. You may find the sensations produced by prostate massage to be very intense; if you experience discomfort, discontinue the massage or use a more gentle technique.

External Massage

Internal massage isn't the only option for men who want to avoid future prostatitis or prostate cancer treatments. Some men can also experience the benefits of prostate stimulation through the perineum, or the area between the testes and anus. It may be necessary to use an electric massager or more pressure to produce sensations in this area. Some men do not receive any benefit from external massage. It does, however, help people who experience excessively intense sensations from internal massage, who are uncomfortable with the idea, or who find internal massage painful. It can also be a good option for beginners who aren't comfortable with internal massage initially.

No matter who you are, if you have a prostate, you could probably benefit from regular massage. Stimulating this gland is an excellent way for all men to improve their sexual health, feel better on a day to day basis, and avoid serious problems later on in life. Research shows that gentle prostate massage can benefit people with enlarged prostates, men who want to reduce their risk of cancer, patients who suffer from pelvic discomfort and men who are suffering from sexual difficulties. Just take the time to learn about the correct technique or talk to a medical professional before you start.

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