Does Prostate Massage Help BPH?

Does prostate massage help relieve symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)? The answer is complex. While a prostate massage may help the enlarged gland release fluid, the relief will likely be temporary. As such, this post explores the risks and benefits of prostate massage for BPH, along with more lasting treatment options.  

BPH Treatment Options

The severity of your BPH symptoms will often determine your best treatment option. Men with mild symptoms can make lifestyle changes to manage BPH: try reducing your intake of caffeine or alcohol; follow a special diet; or even consider prostate massage for BPH symptoms’ temporary relief.

However, if you continue to experience discomfort, further intervention many be necessary. Some men will find relief from medication, while others may explore Prostate Artery Embolization. (Explore what’s involved with the PAE procedure here.) But if you want to get temporary help from prostate massage for BPH, here’s what you should know.  

BPH Massage Benefits

Getting a prostate massage for BPH could temporarily relieve swelling and pressure. In turn, your urinary flow could improve, and stopping and starting urination could be easier as well. But, according to science, does prostate massage help BPH? The results are few, but interesting.

BHP Massage Studies

One 2023 study followed a 55-year old man who received BPH prostate massage to relieve mild symptoms. His prostate volume was reduced by 30%, but due to the limited study size, researchers could not draw larger conclusions about the technique’s benefits.

A 2007, study followed 43 who got therapeutic BPH massages, and each one said his symptoms improved afterward. As such, Cleveland Clinic urologist Dr. Petar Bajic says “There’s no evidence that a prostate massage provides any medical benefit.” Moreover, he cautions men that you could experience pain, worsening hemorrhoids or even a rectal injury if you get a BPH massage.

Do you want safe and effective relief from your enlarged prostate symptoms? PAE treatment research has proved to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) more effectively than medication, and with fewer side effects than many other treatments.  Connect with us to request a consultation and discover whether you’re a candidate for PAE at the Texas Prostate Institute.