Do Prostate Massagers Have Health Benefits? Here’s What To Know
For people with penises, the prostate can be a place of heightened pleasure – but for myself, it took me years to understand that there could be a utopia of arousal back there. Stigma and myths have prevented so many prostate-havers from really enjoying what prostate play can feel like when done mindfully and in connection with your entire body. Once you understand the main components of being able to stay relaxed (especially in the place it matters the most) you will find there is a world of exploration through toys, massagers, and even more intense orgasms.
What is the Prostate and Why Does it Matter?
Sometimes called the male G-spot, the prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra and plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and protects sperm during ejaculation. The prostate also contracts during orgasm to help expel semen, making it integral to both reproduction and sexual sensation.
It matters because it is a source of intense pleasure that a lot of us don’t know how to access.The prostate contains a high concentration of nerve endings, making it incredibly sensitive to stimulation. It’s not that the prostate is hard to find; it’s about finding a way to be relaxed and open enough for a finger, toy, or penis to penetrate without feeling discomfort. With the right mindset, preparation, and communication, prostate play can lead to deep, rhythmic waves of pleasure that some describe as more full-bodied or emotional than typical orgasms.
The goal of intense and even full-bodied sexual pleasure is enough incentive for many to start exploring how to enjoy prostate massage—and for some, it becomes a powerful part of their sexual and emotional wellness.
Potential Health Benefits of Prostate Play and Using Prostate Massagers
Is prostate play healthy? Besides wanting to massage your prostate for the obvious reason of better orgasms, there are some major health benefits. Have you ever asked the question: “Does ejaculation help with prostatitis?” In short, it might! Prostate milking, which is massaging the prostate to help release excess fluids, used to be done as a treatment for prostatitis, though now it’s more common to use antibiotics. The intense sexual pleasure that you may receive from it helps to relieve stress, improve the mind-body connection, and promote intimacy with partners. Men’s prostate massagers can help with having better sex and increasing confidence. The more comfortable you are with your body and all the pleasure you can receive from it, the more you can practice allowing yourself to feel good!
Prostate Massage and Erectile Function
Does a prostate massage help with erectile dysfunction (ED)? When you massage the prostate, you increase blood flow to the pelvic area, which can support healthy erections. Arousal can help relax the muscles that can interfere with erections. That said, prostate massage is not a cure-all, so always talk to a medical professional if you are having issues with erectile dysfunction. The good news is that you do not have to be hard to be able to enjoy a prostate massage! If you start to notice you are having issues with a soft penis, try shifting your awareness to the sensations you are feeling in your anus. You can even try just massaging the prostate and keeping your hands off your shaft completely - you might even find yourself cumming hands free! Either way, your prostate is fully capable of feeling pleasure without an erection.
How to Find the Prostate And Have a Prostate Orgasm
The prostate is a small gland located just beneath the bladder, wrapped around the urethra. Although it's not inside the anal canal itself, it's positioned just beyond the rectal wall, which is why it can be most easily stimulated through anal penetration. When you're aroused, your body naturally relaxes and the prostate swells with fluid, making it easier to locate the prostate and making insertion smoother and more enjoyable. So take things at your own pace, and focus on feeling both comfortable and curious as you explore. For a deeper dive into finding the prostate, check out Good Vibes’ Prostate 101 blog.
Feeling Prepared Before Prostate Play
If you want to make sure you are feeling prepared before play, sex educator and author Zachary Zane goes through some helpful tips here. So before any anal penetration, you need to feel relaxed. You are always in control when you have agency over your body. Sex is not a race to the finish line. Take as much time as you need to connect to your body and calm your nervous system. Try taking a few deep breaths, making an audible noise as you exhale, and bringing the awareness into the sensations in your body.
Solo play is great for exploring sensations. This can be a pressure-free space to get to know your body and find out what feels good for you. If you are with a partner or partners, let them know what they can do to help you feel more relaxed. If they are comfortable with it, they can use their tongue to gently open the muscles in your anus.
What does a prostate orgasm feel like?
Once you feel relaxed and ready, make sure to use lubricant on your anus and your toy or finger. There is a wide range of lubricants you can use, but if you’re using silicone toys, stick to a water-based lube, as silicone-based lubricants can damage silicone toys. If this is your first time exploring your prostate, try using your finger so you can actually feel where it is located. Using your middle or index finger, go only 2-3 inches in, gently curving your finger towards the front side of the body to find the prostate. The prostate will feel like a small, slightly firm bump. Go slow until you can feel it, and take your time with each movement. You’ve located your prostate!
Now, for the best part, you get to explore sensations. Whether it’s just your finger or you have a prostate toy inside you, make sure you feel relaxed. You can always slow down and take a deep breath if there is any discomfort. If you’re a beginner, you may feel some discomfort at first, but it’s important to be patient and give your body time to adjust. Prostate play can take practice to feel fully comfortable, and it’s essential to be compassionate with yourself throughout the process. It might take time to figure out what feels best for you. If it doesn’t feel good, it might just not be the day for anal play, and that's okay. The key is to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
There is no shame in doing what feels best for your body. If the sensations are pleasurable, you can start to rub the prostate with your finger, doing a gentle “come here” motion with your finger, making sure you are doing this towards the front side of the body. If you incorporate a prostate massage handjob, you might feel a heightened sensitivity in your penis as well. The added stimulation can lead to a more intense experience, potentially resulting in a very full-bodied orgasm. Experiment with different motions or types of prostate massagers to see what feels best. You might find that small changes, such as adjusting the angle or pressure, can make a huge difference in your overall pleasure.
Choosing the Right Prostate Massager for You
When choosing the best prostate massager for you, there are a few different options to fit whatever type of pleasure you are looking for. Manual massagers are great for beginners who don’t want to spend too much and might find the vibration too intense to start with. Aneros has plenty of great prostate massagers that are considered some of the best on the market. To play with the sensations from temperature, you could try a glass or stainless steel massager. For those who want to incorporate their penis, they can find prostate massagers with a cock ring that can help with staying erect or just creating more sensation. The Renegade Slingshot features a built-in cock ring for added intensity, while the Renegade Handyman takes things further with powerful vibrations for an even more thrilling experience.
Vibrating Prostate Toys
If you want to choose a vibrating prostate massager, this can create more intense sensations, or you could find a remote-controlled massager to have more fun with your partner. Letting them control the intensity of your pleasure. We-Vibe makes one called the We-Vibe Vector, which is perfect for a hands-free prostate orgasm. A thrusting prostate massager has a rotating head that mimics a massaging sensation. Some from brands like b-Vibe even have beads that create a rimming sensation for people who want a more life-like sensation.
There are even dual-stimulation prostate massagers that have an external arm that presses and/or vibrates against the perineum, the space between your scrotum and anus. The Aneros Progasm Jr. is the perfect choice for beginners, expertly crafted for regular use and long-lasting pleasure.
How to Use a Prostate Massager Safely and Hygienically
So before you begin your anal pleasure session, one of the most essential prostate massager tips for hygiene is to wash your prostate massager with warm water and mild soap. For your own bodily hygiene, try making sure you have gone to the bathroom and showered so there are no messes during play. It’s up to you to decide if you need to douche or not. Over-douching is a thing! This is why having a deeper connection to your pelvic area, literally and figuratively, can help you be more self aware of how many times you should douche.
Apply a generous amount of anal-safe lubricant to both the anus and anything that will be inserted to reduce discomfort and friction, as well as to prevent injury like tearing. Go slowly, listen to your body, and reapply as needed to maintain comfort - if this is your first time putting anything in your butt, try warming up with a well-lubed finger first, warming up to a bigger size over time. Once the prostate massager starts to slide inside you, make sure to listen to your body. If you feel tense or uncomfortable, begin to slow it down. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with stopping and taking a break – in fact, we encourage it!
Once you are finished, remove the massager slowly and wash your toy thoroughly - you can check out Good Vibes’ guide to cleaning toys here for more info. You should store your toys in a clean, dry place.
Prostate Massage Tips, Techniques, and Positions for Beginners
When you are new to anal play, it’s a good tip to try self prostate massage. This gives you the chance to explore your body and figure out what feels best for you. This takes the pressure off and leaves you in control to make sure you aren’t experiencing unnecessary discomfort. Try finding positions that feel comfortable for you, where you can relax and open up your hips. You might try lying on your back and bending your knees into your chest, or doing this on your front, which would be like “child’s pose” for a yoga reference. Finding a position that naturally opens your hips, or using a tool like a positioning pillow, can help you to focus on your pleasure.
You might have a partner who is penetrating you with their finger or a prostate stimulation toy, and if you are a beginner, remember you are in control. Make sure to communicate if you are feeling pain. There’s no shame in taking your time and going slow. The goal is pleasure for all parties involved!
Can Prostate Play Really Improve Your Health?
Prostate play can contribute to health and well-being in several ways when practiced safely. Regular stimulation may improve blood flow to the pelvic region, which can support prostate health and reduce the risk of conditions like prostatitis. Some research suggests that prostate massage may help relieve tension, ease pelvic discomfort, and even improve urinary function in some people. Additionally, because the prostate plays a key role in ejaculation, regular stimulation can support healthy sexual function and increase awareness of one’s body.
Beyond physical benefits, prostate play can also have positive effects on mental and emotional health. Engaging in this kind of exploration can promote a deeper understanding of one's sexual pleasure, reduce stress, and enhance intimacy between partners. For many, it offers a powerful form of pleasure that can lead to more fulfilling sexual experiences. Feeling empowered to explore this part of the body can also break down stigmas around masculinity and vulnerability, helping to build confidence and emotional openness.
For queer people, prostate play can carry particular importance. It not only affirms sexual pleasure outside of heteronormative expectations but also allows for a type of exploration that celebrates self-acceptance. It can also encourage deeper communication between partners and affirm a variety of intimate expressions, making it a valuable aspect of both sexual and overall well-being.
Vance Hedman is a certified somatic practitioner based in Toronto, Canada. With a deep passion for connection and intimacy, he supports queer individuals socialized as men in working through shame and embracing their authentic selves. Vance's work in somatic intimacy coaching helps others reclaim their sexuality and erotic energy through the body.