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The prostate is a walnut-sized organ in the male body, playing a key role in semen production. The best way to access the prostate is by gently inserting your index finger into the rectum. Prostate examination is part of a medical checkup (performed by a doctor) or can also be done for pleasure, both requiring care. Be mindful of any signs that indicate prostate issues and consult a doctor if necessary.
Steps
Palpating the Prostate with Your Finger
See a doctor if you wish to have a prostate checkup. Healthcare professionals do not recommend self-examination of the prostate. Those without medical expertise may not be able to accurately identify abnormal signs, and although the risk of damaging the rectum or prostate is small, it is still possible.
- Ask your primary healthcare provider whether you should undergo a digital rectal exam for prostate examination.
- Consider a prostate checkup if you're over 40, at high risk of prostate cancer, or experiencing symptoms of prostate enlargement or prostatitis.
- If you wish to palpate the prostate for pleasure, ensure to follow the safety measures outlined in this article and proceed slowly and gently.
Clean the area between the buttocks thoroughly. Use soap, water, and a soft washcloth to gently scrub, then rinse well with a shower. The cleaner the area feels, the less hesitation you'll have when inserting your finger into the rectum.
- Avoid using rough towels or brushes, and refrain from scrubbing too harshly or trying to clean deep inside the rectum to prevent injury to sensitive tissue. Accept that it's impossible to achieve 100% cleanliness in this area.
Trim your fingernails and wear sterile medical gloves. Cut and file your nails to ensure they are smooth, especially the index finger you’ll use to palpate the prostate. Wash and dry your hands after clipping your nails, then put on sterile medical gloves for the hand that will reach the prostate.
- Even if you're only touching your own rectum, it's safest to wear gloves.
- If you have a ring on the finger you'll use, remove it beforehand.
Apply plenty of petroleum jelly or personal lubricant to your index finger. Doctors often use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline), but personal lubricants (like KY Gel) are also effective. Whichever product you use, don't hesitate to generously coat your index finger!
- The lubricant should cover the entire index finger, from the tip to at least the middle joint of the finger.
Position yourself comfortably to access the rectum and prostate easily. In a medical setting, the doctor will have you lie on your side with your knees pulled toward your chest. However, this position may be difficult for you when performing a self-exam. You can stand and lean forward so your hips protrude.
Relax your rectum as much as possible. Try to stay calm and relax, as the rectum will naturally tense up when the finger is inserted, especially if you're not used to doing this. It will be harder to reach the prostate, and you may feel discomfort if the rectum clenches.
- If you're at home, consider playing soft music or practicing deep breathing a few times before starting.
Insert a gloved and lubricated index finger into the rectum. Perform the action slowly and gently, remaining calm and relaxed. Pause once the finger has reached the first joint – the joint nearest the fingertip.
- Although there are specialized tools designed to stimulate the prostate for pleasure, it's advisable to use your finger a few times first until you feel comfortable with the procedure.
Point the finger (keeping it straight) towards the area between the navel and the penis. Instead of directing the finger straight to the rectum, angle it slightly forward to reach the prostate. Do not bend your finger, just adjust the entire finger's angle to point in the correct direction.
Insert the finger deeper until it contacts the prostate. The middle joint of the finger may go into the rectum before the fingertip touches the prostate. Upon contact, the prostate will feel soft and smooth, and you may experience a sensation resembling the urge to urinate.
- During a rectal exam, a doctor gently palpates the prostate for about 5-10 seconds to check for lumps, irregularities, or abnormalities.
- For pleasure, you can try gently massaging the prostate with your fingertip. This may last for a few seconds, minutes, or even longer until satisfaction is achieved – and you'll know when it happens!
- In some cases, your finger may not be long enough to reach the prostate – this occurs in approximately 6% of cases during a medical examination.
Slowly withdraw the finger and dispose of the glove. Once the examination is complete, gently remove the finger from the rectum. Use this hand to grasp the edge of the glove and turn it inside out. Dispose of the glove in the trash and wash your hands.
Identifying prostate issues
Be aware of symptoms related to urination in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Many men, particularly those over 50, experience prostate enlargement. In most cases, this condition isn't caused by cancer, and many men don't show symptoms. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:
- Weak urine stream
- Feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied
- Difficulty starting urination
- Dribbling after urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Urgency to urinate, possibly leading to incontinence before reaching the bathroom
- Consider taking a screening test to assess symptoms here: https://www.bostonscientific.com/content/dam/bostonscientific-anz/patients/downloads/Enlarged_Prostate_Symptom_Score_Questionnaire.pdf.
Warning: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty urinating or urinary retention, as urgent intervention is needed to address the obstruction.
Be vigilant for other symptoms related to prostate issues. In some cases, symptoms associated with prostate enlargement may point to other conditions, such as infections, chronic prostatitis, or cancer. These conditions are typically more serious than simple prostate enlargement, so it's important to be mindful of the following symptoms (in addition to those related to BPH):
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Burning or painful urination
- Pain during ejaculation
- Persistent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, rectal area, or upper thighs
Undergo tests and treatment as recommended by your doctor. If you experience prostate issues, especially symptoms that suggest prostate cancer, your doctor will typically perform a rectal exam or a PSA blood test, or both. Further diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, CT scans, or prostate biopsies may be recommended. While you should actively participate in your medical decisions, don't disregard expert advice.
- Some studies suggest that rectal exams are not very effective in diagnosing cancer due to difficulty accessing the front of the prostate, but many experts still consider it valuable.
- In some instances, even if prostate cancer is diagnosed, your doctor may recommend “watchful waiting.” This is because some types of prostate cancer progress very slowly, and the risk of treatment side effects (such as urinary and sexual function problems) can be significant.
