While it was once considered somewhat taboo, prostate massage has become a hot topic in the sexual health community in recent years. Although the health benefits of prostate stimulation have yet to be proven, the orgasmic effects are known to be out-of-this-world among men who've experienced it.

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that's part of the male reproductive system. It's located between the bladder and the rectum and is responsible for producing the fluid that, along with sperm, makes up semen. This fluid is responsible for carrying sperm from the testicles into the urethra when a man ejaculates, and it also protects the sperm and keeps it alive during transport. When ejaculation occurs, the testes secrete sperm that's carried through the vas deferens to the seminal vesicle, where it meets with the fluid from the prostate to form semen.

How to Find and Stimulate the Prostate

There are several methods of accessing the prostate. While direct prostate stimulation is possible (we'll get into that shortly), the most common methods of prostate massage are indirect.

Perineum Massage

For many men, perineum massage is the method of prostate stimulation that they're most comfortable with, as it doesn't involve any penetration. The perineum is the small section of skin that sits between the testicles and the anus. The best way to stimulate the prostate through the perineum is by applying firm, consistent pressure to the area, usually using one or two fingers, and gently massaging in a circular motion. Men can easily perform this type of prostate massage themselves or enlist the help of a partner.

Anal Prostate Massage

Accessing the prostate through the anus requires delicate penetration. This can be done with one or two fingers or with sex toys called prostate massagers, which vibrate to stimulate the prostate from inside the anus. Most men find anal prostate massage a little awkward to perform on themselves, so for some, it's easier to try with the help of a partner.

When using the fingers to access the prostate via the anus, the prostate is found about two to three inches inside the rectum on the anterior side. It feels like a small bump and is best accessed with the index or middle finger. Once the prostate is located, it can be stimulated with gentle rubbing or tapping.

Urethral Sounding

Men who prefer to stimulate their prostate directly can do so using urethral sounding, which is a method that's typically reserved for those who are more sexually adventurous. This method involves inserting a toy called a sounding rod into the penis until it reaches the prostate. If not performed correctly, urethral sounding can be dangerous and lead to serious infection. Therefore, this method of prostate stimulation should only be used for those who are well-versed in the subject and completely comfortable with this method. Once a urethral sounding session is complete, it's important to clear the urethra of any lubricant or bacteria by urinating as soon as possible.

Most men find anal prostate massage a little awkward to perform on themselves, so for some, it's easier to try with the help of a partner.

Preparing for Prostate Stimulation

It's important to prevent the spread of germs and infection when practicing prostate massage therapy. First and foremost, that means thoroughly cleansing the area that will be used to access the prostate, whether that means the perineum, the anus or the urethra. Cleansing of the perineum and anus can be done with just soap and water. While the inside of the urethra can't be cleaned, necessarily, men should make sure to urinate prior to prostate stimulation and ensure the head of the penis is cleaned thoroughly.

Whether a man is performing prostate massage on himself or having a partner do it for him, the person providing the massage needs to ensure their hands are clean. While this is true for any type of prostate play, it's absolutely vital when accessing the prostate through the anus and rectum. The person performing the massage should ensure they have clean hands, no jewelry and trimmed nails. The rectum is sensitive and thin-skinned, which makes it prone to cuts and other injuries. Wearing rings on the finger while performing prostate massage anally also creates the risk of losing foreign objects inside the rectum, which can be devastating for both the giver and the receiver of the massage.

When searching for the prostate internally, whether via the rectum or the urethra, it's vital to use plenty of lube to prevent friction, rubbing and most of all, pain.

Benefits of Prostate Massage and Stimulation

There are several benefits of prostate massage that are related to both pleasure and men's health. While some of the health benefits are yet to be proven, most doctors agree that the potential for such benefits does exist, and at the very least when performed safely and correctly, it certainly can't hurt.

It Can Relieve Discomfort That's Associated With Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate which is often quite painful. It can be chronic and recurring or, in some cases, it can be the result of a bacterial infection in the male genitalia — all the more reason to maintain proper hygiene when practicing prostate stimulation techniques. Prostatitis can lead to numerous symptoms including prostate and scrotum pain, painful and frequent urination, pain during ejaculation, lower back pain and even nausea and vomiting. Although scientific studies haven't shown prostate massage to be an effective course of treatment for prostatitis, some doctors continue to prescribe it in conjunction with antibiotics to speed up recovery and relieve symptoms.

It's Been Known to Improve Erectile Dysfunction

Although the scientific studies behind this theory are limited, some urologists tout the benefits of prostate massage as an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction. In fact, this method of ED treatment was used long before some of today's modern treatments. The thought behind this is that the release of fluid from the prostate increases blood flow to the penis, and when erections occur, they're the result of increased blood flow and engorgement. Of course, most doctors continue to prescribe more mainstream methods of ED treatment, including prescription medications, penis pumps and lifestyle changes.

It Has the Potential to Reduce Prostate Enlargement

The prostate can become enlarged at any point in a man's life. It's a common ailment that can result in uncomfortable, or even painful, urination problems. When left untreated, prostate enlargement can lead to complications such as kidney problems, bladder problems and the inability to urinate. There are a variety of treatments that are typically prescribed for prostate enlargement, including prescription medications, needle ablation, surgery and laser treatment. However, some urologists recommend combining these treatments with regular prostate massage, which is thought to decrease prostate enlargement by secreting fluid that may be built up in the prostate.

It Can Alleviate Urination Issues

Many problems with urination stem from the prostate. In most cases, a weak urine stream or frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, can be the result of prostate issues such as enlargement. Men who regularly stimulate their prostate — or have a partner do it for them, tend to have a steadier, stronger urine stream and fewer nighttime toilet visits.

It Can Help to Relieve Painful Ejaculation

Painful ejaculation is also known as dysorgasmia. It can range in severity, and while for some men it's a temporary affliction, some others may experience this symptom chronically. It's usually the result of a more serious underlying issue such as pudendal neuropathy, cysts or stones in the ejaculatory duct, prostate cancer or trichomoniasis. As such, it's crucial that painful ejaculation is examined by a medical doctor in all cases.

Men who experience painful ejaculation may be able to find relief with prostate massage. While it's certainly not the cure for any serious underlying illnesses, it can relieve this particular symptom by reducing inflammation in areas such as the prostate, seminal vesicles and urethra.

It Promotes Sensations in Parts of the Penis That Can't Be Accessed Externally

Typically, men experience sexual pleasure in the head and the shaft of the penis; however, the portion of the penis that's located inside the body doesn't usually get much love. By massaging the prostate, whether directly or indirectly, nerves that are located in this internal portion of the penis are usually affected, which can lead to stronger erections and more intense orgasms.

The Prostate is Considered the Male G-Spot

While the health benefits of prostate massage are important, the mind-blowing, intense orgasms that are the result of prostate massage are quite possibly the best part. The prostate is known widely as the male g-spot (or sometimes the p-spot) thanks to the incredible sensations men feel after experiencing orgasms as a result of prostate massage.

When you're ready to reap the benefits of prostate stimulation and massage therapy, use the information above to ensure that your experience is safe and hygienic — but most of all, pleasurable.