Prostate massages are known from the diagnosis of diseases of the male genital organs. Sometimes they are also used for therapeutic purposes – for example for erectile dysfunction or problems with urination. But does that make sense? FITBOOK has informed itself.
Prostate massage describes a targeted manipulation of the prostate. The measure is usually carried out as part of a medical examination for diseases of the male genital organs. In addition, prostate massages are also used for various therapeutic purposes. However, urologists view the treatment critically.
Prostate massage or palpation for diagnostics
The prostate (also: prostate gland) is a male reproductive organ. A secretion formed in it is significantly involved in sperm production. In some cases, a prostate massage is intended to cause sperm to escape, e.g. B. to be able to examine bacteria. This is how doctors investigate the suspicion of chronic prostate inflammation (technical term: prostatitis).
The examination can also aim for palpable anomalies. Because changes in the size or shape of the prostate can possibly indicate a disease (e.g. a tumour).
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How does a prostate massage work?
A prostate massage is usually done by inserting a finger into the anus and applying pressure. Ideally, a disposable glove should be used for this, e.g. B. made of plastic.
In the erotic context, there are also special tools (including vibrators) for the purpose of prostate stimulation. But manual massages are also quite common here.
What complaints are prostate massages used for?
Sometimes prostate massage should also fulfill therapeutic purposes. However, there is no sufficient study that clearly proves the health benefits. These are mostly case reports or small investigations. Below is an overview of the symptoms a prostate massage could possibly help with.
For easier urination
The prostate lies below the bladder. Therefore, swelling of the prostate can make urination difficult. Especially in the field of alternative healing methods, it is believed that prostate massage can promote the reduction of any swelling and thus improve the flow of urine.
pain on ejaculation
A prostate massage is said to help dissolve fluid retention that causes pain during ejaculation. These can result, for example, from a benign enlargement of the prostate or inflammation in the bladder area.
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
In the past – before there were medical aids for this – men were supposed to try to treat themselves with erectile dysfunction by means of a prostate massage.1 And so even today there is still the possibility of obtaining short-term pleasure through manual stimulation via the rectum, which leads to an erection can lead.
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Note: If you are affected by one or more of the above complaints, please do not try to perform a prostate massage yourself! A thorough examination by a urologist is strongly recommended for any kind of changes or if a disease is suspected.
Does massage therapy really make sense? That’s what the urologist says
Doctors are rather critical of prostate massages for health therapy purposes. There are no scientifically proven benefits. This is what the urologist Dr. medical Christoph Pies, who has published a specialist book on the subject of the prostate (“Focus Prostate”, Herbig Verlag).
Pies refers to analyzes by the renowned Cochrane organization. They have examined the effectiveness of prostate massages in chronic prostatitis, among other things – and have not come to any clear conclusions. To put it in the words of the study authors: it cannot finally be judged with certainty whether prostate massages have reduced the symptoms of prostatitis or possibly even increased them compared to the control group.2
In any case, Pies is clear: «On this basis, we urologists cannot recommend prostate massages as a standard therapy.»
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Warning of injuries – and worse
Basically, a treatment in the sense of a prostate massage should be viewed critically, because without basic medical knowledge, prostate massages run the risk of aggravating any symptoms and injuring oneself. Consequently, caution is also required when using prostate massagers from the sex toy trade.
Even urologists distance themselves from the examination method under certain circumstances. If, for example, an acute prostate inflammation could be present, manipulation carries the risk of pushing bacteria into the surrounding tissue.
Alternative to the prostate massage: a perineal massage
A less likely to cause injury stimulation method is massaging the perineum (technical term: perineum), the region between the anus and the scrotum.