The practice of prostate massage has always been controversial in the field of men's health. Some people believe that it is an effective means of maintaining the prostate gland and can prevent and treat prostate diseases; While others are concerned that improper massage may cause damage to the prostate. So, can prostate massage be done? Is it protecting or harming the prostate?
Definition and principle of prostate massage
Prostate massage, as the name suggests, refers to the method of massaging the prostate gland to achieve some kind of therapeutic or health effect. In medicine, prostate massage is often used as a means to obtain prostatic fluid for examination, through massaging the prostate, prostatic fluid can be squeezed out, so as to understand the specific situation of prostatic fluid, such as the number of white blood cells, lecithin bodies, etc., which helps to determine whether there are lesions in the prostate.
At the same time, prostate massage is also considered as an adjunct treatment for prostatitis. The principle is that massage can promote blood circulation in the prostate gland and accelerate the discharge of inflammatory substances, thereby relieving the symptoms of prostatitis.
Benefits of Prostate Massage
1. Assist in the diagnosis of prostate diseases
Prostate massage can obtain prostatic fluid, which can provide a diagnosis for doctors. By examining the components of the prostatic fluid, the doctor can preliminarily determine whether there are lesions in the prostate, such as prostatitis, prostate cancer, etc.
2. Promote recovery from prostatitis
For men with prostatitis, a moderate prostate massage can unclog the prostate duct and allow inflammatory secretions to be excreted, thereby relieving discomfort such as bloating pain. At the same time, massage can also promote blood circulation in the prostate, accelerate the absorption and resolution of inflammation.
3. Improve sexual tone
Prostate massage also helps to reduce prostate congestion and the feeling of suffocation caused by the accumulation of prostatic fluid, thus improving sexual tone in men to some extent.
Risks and contraindications of prostate massage
1. Risks
While there are some benefits to prostate massage, it is not suitable for all men. If the massage technique is not done properly or is excessively forced, it may cause damage to the prostate, causing symptoms such as perineal soreness, pain, hematuria, and hematospermia. In addition, if the patient has hemorrhoids or other anorectal conditions, the massage may also cause perianal bleeding.
2. Contraindications
Acute bacterial prostatitis: Massage at this time may cause the inflammation to spread, aggravating the condition.
Prostate cancer: Massage may stimulate the growth of cancer cells, which is not conducive to disease control.
Prostate atrophy or sclerosis: These patients have a hard prostate that is not well massaged and can cause injury.
Acute exacerbation of chronic prostatitis: there is also a risk of spreading inflammation.
The right way to do prostate massage
If a man does need a prostate massage, he should choose a regular medical institution and have it performed by a professional andrologist. During the massage, the patient should relax and cooperate with the doctor to complete the massage action. During the massage, the doctor will first put on gloves and apply lubricant, and then gently massage around the patient's anus to relax the anal sphincter. Next, the doctor slowly inserts into the rectum and palpates the prostate, giving repeated gentle compressions and massages. Immediately after the massage, the patient should urinate to expel the inflammatory discharge from the urethra.
Alternative and complementary therapies for prostate massage
For men who are not candidates for prostate massage, other alternative or complementary therapies can also be considered to improve prostate health. For example:
Medication: For diseases such as prostatitis, the doctor will prescribe appropriate drugs for treatment according to the condition.
Physical therapy: such as microwave therapy, short-wave therapy, etc., to promote blood circulation and inflammation of the prostate through physical means.
Lifestyle adjustment: Maintaining good lifestyle and eating habits, avoiding long-term sedentary, staying up late and other bad behaviors can help prevent the occurrence of prostate disease.
In summary, prostate massage is not an absolute means of protection or harm. It has certain benefits and risks, and whether it is suitable for massage needs to be judged on the specific situation of the patient. When choosing to perform a prostate massage, you should make sure that it is performed by a professional doctor and that the correct massage method and precautions are followed. At the same time, for men who are not suitable for massage, other alternative or complementary therapies can also be considered to improve prostate health. In conclusion, protecting prostate health requires a combination of factors and approaches.