12 Health Screenings Women Should Consider

What Is Prostate Milking?

"Prostate milking" typically refers to the massage of the prostate for sexual pleasure. Prostate milking may also have some health benefits, though more research is necessary.

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. One of its main functions is to produce prostate fluid, which mixes with other fluids and sperm to make semen.

Here, we describe what prostate milking is and how to do it. We also explore why people do it and look into some of the risks and potential benefits.

Milking the prostate involves massaging it until it produces a thin, milky fluid called prostate fluid.

Therapeutic prostate massage dates to at least the late 19th century, when doctors began performing it to treat inflammation of the prostate, called prostatitis.

Today, "prostate milking" usually refers to prostate stimulation for sexual pleasure, while "prostate massage" can refer to sexual or therapeutic stimulation.

Anyone with a prostate may be able to milk it.

However, some people find the massage painful or unpleasant to perform on themselves. In this case, depending on the goal of the stimulation, a person may ask a partner or a healthcare professional to perform the massage.

The prostate is a walnut-sized organ inside the rectum and just under the bladder. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder.

The prostate tends to get larger with age, making it easier to locate.

To find the prostate, a person can insert a lubricated finger into the rectum, then push slightly on its front wall. They may feel a slight bulge.

Because the prostate is so close to the bladder and urethra, intense prostate stimulation can cause the urge to urinate. Prostatitis and other prostate problems may also lead to more frequent urination.

Once a person locates their prostate, they can begin to massage it with a finger, massager, or sex toy.

Technique

First, an individual should apply plenty of lubricant to the finger or sex toy. Wearing gloves can make inserting digits smoother, and it may also be a good idea due to hygiene concerns.

A person can gently insert the lubricated finger or sex toy into the anus, slowly pushing on the front wall of the rectum.

For most people, finding the prostate requires inserting the finger or sex toy at least halfway up the rectum. Touching the prostate may produce an unusual or pleasurable sensation.

Begin by massaging the prostate in a consistent motion that feels pleasurable. Some people opt to masturbate or have other sexual contact during the massage.

The person receiving the message may have a very intense orgasm or feel an unusual sensation followed by fluid from the penis.

Positions

There are several different positions a person can take to make prostate milking easier.

Lying face down: When lying face down comfortably and their legs slightly apart, a person can reach behind their back to their anus or perineum. From this position, they, their partner, or partners can perform a prostate massage.

On all fours: A person can rest on their hands and knees and reach one hand back between their legs or around their lower back to their anus or perineum. In this position, a partner can also stand or kneel behind them and carry out a prostate massage.

Lying on the back: Some people may feel more comfortable milking their prostate when lying on their back. Once comfortable, a person can pull both their knees toward their chest and hold them with one arm. Using their free hand, they can reach their anus or perineum.

Lying on one side: When lying on one side, a person can bring their outer knee up toward their chest and reach over their hips to their anus or perineum. They can then massage their prostate with their free hand.

Practice

It is important for people to find techniques and positions they are comfortable with. Practicing safe methods of prostate milking can help a person find which methods suit them.

For example, if someone is uncomfortable with anal insertion, it is possible to stimulate the prostate less directly. They can do this by pushing upward on the perineum — the skin between the testicles and the rectum.

People may also wish to experiment with massagers and other sex toys to massage their prostate.

The prostate is one of the male erogenous zones. An erogenous zone is a highly sensitive area of the body that may generate a sexual response during stimulation.

Prostate milking may be very pleasurable. Because the prostate plays a role in producing semen, stimulating it may produce a more intense orgasm during ejaculation.

Some people also practice prostate milking for its purported health benefits rather than for sexual stimulation.

The primary benefit of prostate milking is that it can feel good. It may make sex more pleasurable and enhance closeness between partners.

There is also limited evidence that prostate massage may improve prostate health.

An older preliminary trial from 2009 of a home prostate massage device found that men with chronic prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia experienced a reduction in symptoms following this type of prostate massage.

However, a 2018 review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to claim that prostate massages affect symptoms.

Prostate milking is not usually dangerous. However, a very aggressive technique could, in theory, cause minor injury to the skin or rectum.

Also, prostate massage, especially when it is intense or forceful, could be painful.

Prostate massage also presents a small risk of prostate infection. If someone massages the prostate with unwashed hands, this could introduce bacteria into the area.

Similarly, bacteria from the rectum can travel elsewhere if a person does not wash their hands thoroughly after a prostate massage.

Additionally, some people do not enjoy the sensation of prostate milking or any other anal stimulation. This does not mean something is wrong — it is simply a personal preference.

It is important to note that individuals should take caution when experimenting with sex toys or devices while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The following are answers to commonly asked questions about prostate massage.

What is the difference between prostate and penile orgasm?

Many people experience an orgasm from prostate milking, especially if they masturbate during it.

A person may not be able to distinguish between prostate fluid and ejaculated semen. Prostate fluid is one component of semen. When a male has an orgasm and ejaculates, sperm, prostate fluid, and other fluids occur in the ejaculate.

Not all people ejaculate or have an orgasm during prostate milking. However, masturbation and other forms of sexual contact make ejaculation during the massage more likely.

Does prostate massage help erectile dysfunction?

In some cases, yes. Older research has shown that regular prostate massage improved sexual function, so it may be useful for people with erectile dysfunction. However, there is no consensus that prostate massage improves sexual function.

Can prostate milking prevent cancer?

No, it cannot directly prevent cancer. However, research has found that regular ejaculation is important for sexual health in males, and it is associated with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

How does a person find the prostate?

The prostate is inside the rectum and just under the bladder. To help locate the prostate, a person can insert a lubricated finger into the rectum and push slightly on its front wall.

What are the risks of prostate milking?

While prostate milking is generally safe, it is important to perform it safely. This includes being gentle and using lubrication to prevent injuries to the rectum. Additionally, a person should wash their hands before attempting prostate milking to reduce the risk of infection.

Prostate milking can be pleasurable. Some people perform it on themselves, while others seek the help of a partner.

Some preliminary research suggests that prostate milking may improve symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. However, confirming this requires further research.

Anyone with concerns about their sexual health or prostate health should consult a doctor.

Read this article in Spanish.

What Do You Want To Know About Enlarged Prostate?

As you age, your prostate gland can become enlarged, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is typically treated with lifestyle changes or medication.

The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system.

Your prostate surrounds your urethra and makes most of the fluid in your semen. The muscular action of the prostate helps propel the fluid and semen through your penis during sexual climax.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply. These additional cells cause your prostate gland to swell, which squeezes the urethra and limits urine flow.

BPH isn't the same as prostate cancer and doesn't increase your risk for cancer. However, it can cause symptoms that can affect your quality of life. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.

BPH is common in people over 50, and it's considered an expected condition of aging. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones accompanying aging may be a factor.

Any family history of prostate problems or any abnormalities with your testicles may raise your risk for BPH. People who've had their testicles removed at a young age don't develop BPH.

The symptoms of BPH are often very mild at first, but they become more serious if they aren't treated. Common symptoms include:

incomplete bladder emptying

nocturia, which is the need to urinate two or more times per night

dribbling at the end of your urinary stream

incontinence, or leakage of urine

straining when urinating

a weak urinary stream

a sudden urge to urinate

a slowed or delayed urinary stream

painful urination

blood in the urine

When checking you for BPH, a healthcare professional will usually begin by doing a physical exam and asking you about your medical history.

The physical exam includes a rectal examination that allows the doctor to estimate the size and shape of your prostate. Other tests can include:

Urinalysis: Your urine is checked for blood and bacteria.

Urodynamic test: Your bladder is filled with liquid via a catheter to measure your bladder's pressure during urination.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test checks for prostate cancer.

Post-void residual: This tests the amount of urine left in your bladder after urination.

Cystoscopy: This is the examination of your urethra and bladder with a tiny lighted scope that's inserted into your urethra

They may also ask about medications you're taking that might be affecting your urinary system, such as:

antidepressants

diuretics

antihistamines

sedatives

Your healthcare professional can make any necessary medication adjustments. Don't attempt to adjust your medications or doses yourself.

Tell your clinician if you've taken self-care measures for your symptoms for at least 2 months without noticing any improvement.

Natural treatment can include specific actions or lifestyle changes that you can make to help relieve your symptoms of BPH. These include:

urinating as soon as you feel the urge

going to the bathroom to urinate, even when you don't feel the urge

avoiding over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamine medications, which can make it harder for the bladder to empty

avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially in the hours after dinner

reducing your stress level, as nervousness can increase the frequency of urination

exercising regularly, as a lack of exercise can aggravate your symptoms

learning and practicing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles

keeping warm since being cold can make symptoms worse

Some people also include natural remedies in their treatment of BPH. However, there isn't evidence that they're effective.

Learn more about BPH natural remedies.

When lifestyle changes aren't enough to relieve your symptoms, your healthcare professional may recommend medication.

Several medications can help treat the symptoms of BPH and BPH itself. These medications include:

alpha-1 blockers

hormone reduction medications

antibiotics

Learn more about BPH medications.

Alpha-1 blockers

Alpha-1 blockers are medications that relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate. Alpha-1 blockers relax the neck of the bladder and make it easier for urine to flow. Examples of alpha-1 blockers include:

Hormone reduction medications

Medications that reduce the levels of hormones produced by the prostate gland, such as dutasteride and finasteride, are commonly prescribed.

These two medications lower the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent variation of testosterone that affects hair and prostate growth, among other functions.

Sometimes, lowering the hormone levels will make the prostate smaller and improve urine flow. However, in rare cases, these medications may also lead to side effects such as impotence and a decreased sex drive.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be used if your prostate becomes chronically inflamed from bacterial prostatitis related to BPH.

Treating bacterial prostatitis with antibiotics may improve your symptoms of BPH by reducing the inflammation. However, antibiotics won't help prostatitis or inflammation not caused by bacteria.

Learn more about BPH treatment.

Different types of surgical procedures can help treat BPH when medications aren't effective.

Some procedures are noninvasive or minimally invasive and can often be done in your doctor's office or clinic (outpatient procedures). Others are more invasive and must be done in a hospital (inpatient procedures).

Outpatient procedures

Outpatient procedures involve inserting an instrument into your urethra and the prostate gland. They include:

Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): Radio waves are used to scar and shrink prostate tissue.

Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT): Microwave energy eliminates prostate tissue.

Transurethral water vapor therapy (Rezūm): Water vapor destroys excess prostate tissue.

Water-induced thermotherapy (WIT): Heated water destroys excess prostate tissue.

High-intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU): Sonic energy eliminates excess prostate tissue.

Urolift: The enlarged prostate is surgically lifted with the help of implants so that it doesn't block the urethra.

Urolift and Rezūm have both been shown to be nearly as effective as inpatient surgical treatments like TURP, with the added benefits of being less invasive, less costly, and more likely to preserve sexual functionality.

Inpatient procedures

Inpatient procedures might be recommended if you have any of the following symptoms:

kidney failure

bladder stones

recurrent urinary tract infections

incontinence

a complete inability to empty the bladder

recurrent episodes of blood in the urine

Inpatient procedures include:

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This is the most commonly used surgical treatment for BPH and remains the gold standard surgical treatment. Your doctor inserts a small instrument through your urethra into the prostate. The prostate is then removed piece by piece.

Simple prostatectomy: Your doctor makes an incision in your abdomen or perineum, which is the area behind your scrotum. The inner part of your prostate is removed, leaving the outer part. After this procedure, you may have to stay in the hospital for up to 10 days.

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): This is similar to TURP, but your prostate isn't removed. Instead, a small incision is made in your prostate that will enlarge your bladder outlet and urethra. The incision allows urine to flow more freely. You aren't always required to stay in a hospital with this procedure.

The symptoms of BPH can be easy to ignore. However, early treatment can help you avoid potentially dangerous complications.

People with a long-standing history of BPH may develop:

urinary tract infections

urinary stones

kidney damage

bleeding in the urinary tract

a sudden inability to urinate

Sometimes, urinary obstruction from BPH is so severe that no urine can leave the bladder at all. This is called bladder outlet obstruction. It can be dangerous because urine trapped in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections and damage your kidneys.

What's the purpose of the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in males. Its primary function is to produce fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. The prostate gland also plays a role in controlling the flow of urine.

How do you find your prostate to perform a self-exam?

After washing your hands, apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to your gloved index finger and get comfortable. You should only insert your finger about 2 inches (5 centimeters) or up to your second knuckle.

The prostate gland is located a few inches inside your rectum, toward your belly button. It should feel like a small, smooth, rounded lump about the size of a walnut.

What are the early signs of an underlying prostate condition?

Early symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition, but they often include changes in urinary habits and sexual function.

Is BPH the same as prostate cancer?

BPH and prostate cancer don't share symptoms.

Prostate cancer is almost always asymptomatic and identified by either an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level or prostate nodule. It's also a more serious condition than BPH.

Your healthcare professional can test to make sure that your symptoms aren't related to prostate cancer.

BPH doesn't always require medical treatment. Sometimes, your healthcare professional will want you to have regular checkups to monitor your symptoms and the size of your prostate.

Lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery are all treatment options for symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.

Your healthcare professional will work with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you manage your symptoms and live a healthy life.

King Charles, The Prostate, And Your Health

King Charles III does not have prostate cancer. That is about the only thing we know about the royal cancer patient's condition right now.

But the news has gone worldwide this week, and that may be a boon for health, doctors say.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution talked to a couple of cancer doctors at Emory's Winship Center and at Piedmont Healthcare. Both emphasized they have no connection to King Charles' care and any guesses would be pure speculation. But for patients in general, the case brought to mind some facts and tips.

For men who have signs of prostate trouble, the doctors said their top advice is to stop trying to power through the irritation and go get a checkup.

"Some men will not bring the problem forward to their doctor," said Dr. Martin Sanda, chair of the Department of Urology at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute. "The key is getting on top of the problem early on."

Some questions and answers about prostate health:

Q: What's a prostate?

A: The prostate is a male organ in the pelvis that helps with the creation of semen. The tube that carries fluid from the bladder to the penis, the urethra, also runs through the prostate.

Q: Buckingham Palace reported that King Charles III had an enlarged prostate, but that he did not have prostate cancer. What's the difference?

A: The prostate in men often grows bigger normally as men age. This benign enlarged prostate generally has an orderly growth, unlike cancer. Simply because it's expanding, the enlarged prostate may start to press the urethra and make it difficult to urinate.

In contrast, when the prostate gets cancer, those growing cells can grow in ways that disrupt the natural organization of the organ, and may hurt or stop its function.

Whether a man has an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, difficulty with urination may be a symptom of either.

Q: Urine trouble? Why not tough it out?

A: Enlarged prostate is common and can be successfully treated.

"When (enlarged prostate) becomes problematic there are two types of medications and several surgical procedures that can assist them," said Dr. Walter Curran, chief of Piedmont Oncology at Piedmont Healthcare. "And it sounds like at a certain point, King Charles opted for a surgical procedure," Curran speculated. "And most of those are quite effective."

The most important reason to get any difficulty with urination checked, is that it could be a sign of prostate cancer. If it is, catching it early is a big help. In either case—whether benign or cancerous—a trip to the doctor can set a patient on the path to sort that out and make their life better.

Q: How is a guy supposed to know which expert to see?

A: When confronting urinary problems, start with the basics, Sanda said. "It's really the primary care doctor who is the first point of contact." They'll assess the situation and may start with a medication or testing. If that doesn't work, they may recommend the patient see a urologist.

Q: Wait. King Charles has cancer. But he doesn't have prostate cancer. But he went in because of his prostate. Huh?

A: Buckingham Palace said Monday that "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted." It was diagnosed in "subsequent tests" as some form of cancer.

But that doesn't mean it was noted by the pathologists dicing sifting through his prostate tissue in the lab. Maybe it noted because King Charles mentioned that some completely different part of his body hurt. Nobody's saying.

However, there are cancers that accidentally get noticed in the lab following surgery on an enlarged prostate, after the patient has already gone home and scientists are examining cells in the specimen. Such cancers may include different forms of bladder cancer, which may be quite fixable.

Q: Why is prostate cancer such a common cancer?

A: Sanda likened the phenomenon to breast cancer. "One could ask the question more broadly: You know, "Why is it that these secondary reproductive organs are so prone to cancer?'" Sanda said. "We don't really know the answer to that."

Q: Any other advice to lower the odds of prostate cancer?

A: Don't smoke tobacco. Do eat a healthy diet.

2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Citation: King Charles, the prostate, and your health (2024, February 12) retrieved 27 February 2024 from https://medicalxpress.Com/news/2024-02-king-charles-prostate-health.Html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

---