Benefits Of Prostate Massage Therapy
One of the vital parts of male reproductive system is prostate gland. It is located in the front of rectum and below the bladder. The gland resembles the shape of a walnut and comprises of 2 sections. A tube passes through it, also known as urethra which is then joined with the bladder. Prostate gland is responsible for the production of prostatic fluid which makes up the major component of semen formulation.
In order to diagnose inflamed prostate, also called prostatitis, usually the conventional approach is to perform DRE (Digital Rectal Exam). However, there is another approach known as prostate massage or drainage. It is like DRE but takes up more time. Some healthcare professionals consider ‘milking the prostate’ can alleviate symptoms associated to prostatitis.
Prostatitis
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) defines prostatitis to be a problem associated to urinary tract that men of any age may experience. Listed below are the symptoms of prostatitis:
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Back ache
- Pain in the region between scrotum and anus
- Pain in the muscles
- Fever
- Pain during ejaculating
- Erectile dysfunction
- Incomplete, blocked, weak, painful or frequent urination.
Many factors can cause temporary or persistent inflammation of prostate such as:
- Bacteria
- Immune response
- Nerve damage
- Non-bacterial microorganism
Treatment protocol often includes muscle relaxants and antibiotics; however, these treatment protocols may not benefit all.
Prostate Massage
DRE may be used for the overall inspection of prostate gland. The doctor or nurse performing the DRE also looks out for lumps or other changes that may be responsible for causing inflammation. The procedure is done by inserting a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum of the patient. If the patient experiences symptoms that may be due to certain infection then the doctor/nurse massages the prostate for obtaining a fluid that can help in the later study. This fluid is termed as expressed prostatic secretion.
Types Of Prostate Massage
The massage may be done either with a prostate massaging device or manually. It can be a bit painful and there may be slight burning after the drainage.
External prostate massage is done through exertion of pressure on the area that is between the scrotum and the anus; called perineum. Another way to do it is by gentle rubbing of the area between belly button and pubic bone. Devices that may help with external massage of the prostate can also be used.
Benefits Of Prostate Massage
Listed below are the benefits of prostate massage:
- Regulates normal functioning of prostate
- Improves sexual experience
- Enhances the effect of antibiotics used against prostatitis
- Prevents the accumulation of prostatic fluid
- Alleviates symptoms of prostatitis
- Improves erection
- Makes urination easier
Risks of Prostate Massage
Certain risks factors of prostate massage include:
- Cellulitis
- Aggravation of hemorrhoids
- Bleeding of the area surrounding prostate
- Disruption of rectal lining
- Progression of present prostate cancer
Due to these potential risks, the massage is done by trained medical professionals with a great degree of gentleness and care. Perhaps this is why, physicians are usually not in the favor of prostate massage.
References
- Park, S. C., Shin, Y. S., Zhang, L. T., Kim, D. S., Kim, S. Z., Park, N. C., … & Park, J. K. (2015). Prospective investigation of change in the prostate-specific antigens after various urologic procedures. Clinical interventions in aging, 10, 1213.
- Benelli, A., & Wagenlehner, F. M. (2016). The Diagnostic Approach to Patients with Prostatitis-Like Symptoms: What Do We Have to Do?. In Prostatitis and Its Management (pp. 11-16). Springer International Publishing.