Is it okay to rub your prostate?

If you’re dealing with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), you may be looking for new ways to find symptom relief. Some people believe that rubbing or massaging the prostate can help relieve BPH symptoms. But is it okay to rub your prostate? Are there risks involved, and will this action actually help relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate? Here’s what you need to know.

Is it ok to rub your prostate?

Whether or not you have BPH, prostate massage can be safe and even enjoyable. Some men derive sexual pleasure from this action. Others may find temporary relief from BPH symptoms such as discomfort due to pressure or swelling of the prostate. However, this relief will be temporary. And there may be risks associated with rubbing your prostate.

When to avoid prostate massage

If you have any kind of prostate infection, it is not ok to rub your prostate as you could spread bacteria to surrounding areas. Even when you are free from infection, it is crucial to use caution and gentle pressure when massaging the prostate since the use of excessive pressure could lead to nerve damage, rectal tearing, or even hemorrhoids. When engaging in prostate massage, you should follow hygienic practices and always use lubrication. However, you should avoid using any foreign substances, especially ones like Vicks VapoRub, that can cause irritation or further complications.  Also, if there’s any chance that your BPH symptoms are actually a sign of prostate cancer, avoid prostate massage entirely. Evidence suggests that aggressively rubbing the prostate when cancer cells are present can cause disease to spread.

Alternatives to consider

While it’s technically ok to rub your prostate, doing so can only provide temporary relief from BPH symptoms. More importantly, there can be several risks associated with this practice. As such, if you are researching prostate massage as a form of BPH treatment, we encourage you to explore alternative treatment options. Reach out to our team and Schedule an Appointment at one of our seven Texas Endovascular locations. When we see you in the office, we can determine your candidacy for PAE, a minimally-invasive BPH treatment with al low risk for sexual side effects.