A Guide to Prostate Massagers: How to Use
Prostate massages are unexplored sexual territory for most men, thanks in large part to stigma that can make it feel wrong to learn more about (or how to use) a prostate massager in the first place. We’re here to fix that in an informative and judgment-free zone. Welcome.
Below, you’ll find the answers to important questions about prostate massager tools, safety, techniques and other helpful tips. But first, let’s address an important basic question: what is a prostate massager?
What Is a Prostate Massager?
Prostate massagers are tools used to achieve pleasure sexually. They’re often electronic, curved to naturally point at the prostate gland to deliver sensations by stroking, thrusting or vibrating, and are made from body-safe materials.
The popularly referred “male G-spot,” or “the P-spot” isn’t a scientifically agreed upon fact, but anyone who’s experienced pleasure from a prostate massager will agree that you don’t need science here — you really just need a prostate massager.
The prostate is a gland whose duties include producing fluids for semen and pushing semen through your urethra during ejaculation.
A prostate stimulator, vibrator wand or massager is different from other toys (like “butt plugs”) which may also be enjoyable as a sexual experience, but aren’t primarily intended to interact with your prostate. All of these devices might take time to insert safely and comfortably.
Each person’s stimulation needs can differ, but like masturbation, you’ll get the hang of it with some time, proper lubrication and the right-sized device (more on that later).
Do Prostate Massagers Actually Work?
There has been little in the way of data gathered about so-called “prostate-induced orgasms,” even though some people claim to have experienced one. Actually, there’s so little information that even expert medical texts and reviews point to the anecdotal evidence from less medically sound sources — the stuff you don’t normally see us quoting.
These popular blogs and websites are also the best available resources for product reviews and advice on prostate massage “best practices,” and so it’s here that we’re mostly forced to turn for our own information.
How to Use Prostate Massager Toys
Prostate massagers are inserted into the anus and used to apply pressure in the direction of the prostate gland for pleasure. Doing so safely and without injury is about going slow and gentle — at least at first.
Whether you're wondering how to prostate massage yourself or how to give a prostate massage to a partner, the following guidelines cover the important things to keep in mind for a safe and fun experience:
The first time you try anal penetration with a new sex toy should always be approached with care. Be sure to use a body-safe product designed for prostate play. And if it’s a shared toy, use a condom and wash it between uses.
Start slow and use lubrication. Trying to force your body to acclimate to the massager quicker than it wants to could cause pain and tearing.
Once it’s inside, find the right places to stimulate yourself. The prostate gland is a fleshy bulb inside the anal canal on the other side of the anal wall, sort of under your bladder. Finding that spot is your goal.
Enjoy. These tools are designed to stimulate prostate glands in one of several ways. They may have several vibration modes or they may manually create internal stimulation by being moved around. A water-based lube will help with entry and movement. Just remember: prostate milking and massaging are different from anal sex. Continue to engage in stimulation until you’ve achieved the pleasure you’re looking for.
When you’re done with your session, remember to wash, sterilize and store your massager in a safe place. If it ever gets damaged or begins to show signs of wear, replace it.
Are Prostate Massagers Safe to Use?
The science of the safety and efficacy of male prostate massage for medical purposes isn’t well-explored, and unfortunately the same is true for their safety. What is safe to say, though, is that while there isn’t medical data on the long-term dangers of using anal toys for male prostate stimulation, plenty of men do so safely and without apparent side effects.
Some of the discussion is still evolving on the health benefits and risks of prostate massage. Twenty years ago, scientific reviews pointed to a relatively small amount of anecdotal evidence, biased opinions and small-sized studies to suggest that prostate massage may be useful in treating conditions like chronic prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate.
As for the health risks, there are reports of some silicone and other toys being able to transmit diseases like HPV, but generally, there are three major risks you need to know about:
Getting it stuck. We’ll spare you the anatomical details and just say that nothing should ever go in too far to remove safely. If you’re using a hands-free or remote control device, make sure it has a flared base so that it won’t get lost.
Not keeping it clean. A dirty toy can spread bacteria and viruses between people, but even if you're the only user, be sure to keep your massager clean and free of bacteria and debris.
Damaged toys causing damage. A crack in silicone or jelly — even a small one —can create sharp edges and crevices that can pinch, tear and cut your rectal wall. Avoiding that experience should be your number one priority.
Should You Try Prostate Toys?
Should you try a prostate massager? Well, that’s up to you. Your personal preference and your relative comfort level with your own body are all valid reasons to make choices.
It’s your prostate, so if you’re on the fence, it may help to ask yourself a few questions before probing elsewhere, namely:
Are You Doing it for You?
If you’ve been curious, intrigued or otherwise open to the idea, this is your signal: go safely explore and enjoy. If you’re on the fence or not terribly thrilled about the idea, consider asking yourself why you’re considering something that doesn’t sound up your alley. If it’s pressure from a partner, there’s a different problem you may want to address.
Are You Trying to Recreate the Magic?
Why do you want to try prostate massagers now? Is it to spice things up? To bring some excitement back to the bedroom? If you’re missing that spark, consider talking to a mental health professional about those concerns before buying new toys.
Things in the bedroom might feel a little off if you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction and other forms of sexual dysfunction, including psychological causes of ED (or physical ones, for that matter). This is a normal and common issue for men, but avoiding the problem won’t solve it.
Are You Having Performance Problems?
If you’re dealing with ED, consider talking to a healthcare provider about medications like Cialis® (tadalafil) and Viagra® (sildenafil). These phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors can prevent you from going soft when it’s really inopportune.
You might also want to look at lifestyle factors like alcohol, tobacco and drug use, as well as your diet and exercise. Sexual dysfunction doesn’t have to be the result of any one thing, but these are the common sources of problems.
Further reading: can a prostate massage work for impotence?
Prostate Massagers: The Final Word
Using a prostate massager isn’t dangerous when done carefully and gently, with time for muscles to relax. Over time, it may even provide some of the most exciting sexual experiences of your life. But bringing one into your bedroom is your own choice.
Stimulation aimed around your prostate can be great. Though the medical community doesn’t have much to say about it, people who use prostate massager wands and vibrators say they are enjoyable.
A prostate massager is safe to use as long as you follow the rules. Use devices designed for the task and go easy.
A prostate massager probably won’t fix sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction and prostate massages are an intriguing but underexplored area of medicine, but not a path to an ED cure.
If you’re ready to try something new, consider our selection of toys — Hims offers plenty of ways to spice up your intimacy with safe and fun-to-use products. Happy exploring!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.