The prostate is a walnut-sized organ in the male body that plays an important role in producing sperm. The easiest way to access this organ is to slowly insert the index finger into the rectum. The process for accessing the prostate in a series of medical examinations (which only doctors can do) and sexual activity is the same. The safety procedures are the same. You should always be on the lookout for signs of a potential prostate problem and contact your doctor immediately if necessary.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Touching the Prostate with a Finger
Step 1. Find a trained medical professional to perform a medical examination in the prostate area
Medical personnel do not recommend self-testing of the prostate. “Untrained fingers” are usually unable to recognize a problem. It also carries the risk of nonfatal damage to your rectum or prostate.
- Check with your regular doctor to find out if you need to do a DRE (digital rectal exam) to check the prostate.
- Check your prostate if you are over 40, are at high risk for prostate cancer, or have symptoms of an enlarged prostate or prostate infection.
- If you want to access the prostate for sexual pleasure, take the safety measures listed in this article and go through the process gently and slowly.
Step 2. Take a shower and clean the anal area thoroughly
Use soap, water, and a soft cloth to clean the area as best you can, then rinse with clean water in the shower. The cleaner your rectum, the easier it will be for you to insert your finger when needed.
Do not use a rag or brush that is abrasive, scrubbing too hard, or trying to clean the rectum too deeply. You can injure the sensitive tissue around the area. Just accept that you won't be able to clean it 100%
Step 3. Trim nails and put on sterile medical gloves
Use nail clippers and a file to make sure your fingernails are not sharp or jagged – especially the nail on the index finger that was used for the examination. After that, wash and dry your hands, then put on sterile medical gloves.
- Even if you want to access your rectum yourself, it's best to "play it safe" and wear gloves.
- If you are wearing a ring, take it off first.
Step 4. Apply as much petrolatum or lubricant as possible on the index finger
Doctors usually use petrolatum (such as Vaseline) to perform this procedure. However, body lubricants (such as the KY Gel brand) can also be used. Either way, apply as much lubricant to your index finger as possible!
The entire index finger must be greased, starting from the tip to at least the middle of the knuckles
Step 5. Find a comfortable position to access your rectum and prostate
At the clinic, a medical professional usually asks you to lie on your side with your knees raised up to your chest. However, you will have a hard time accessing your own prostate in this position. Alternatively, stand up and lean forward so that your buttocks protrude back.
Step 6. Relax the rectal area as much as possible
Stay calm and relaxed as the rectum will naturally stiffen when the finger is inserted, especially if you are doing it for the first time. You will have more difficulty accessing the prostate and feel more uncomfortable when the rectum contracts.
If you're at home, try playing some relaxing music or doing some breathing exercises before doing it
Step 7. Insert the glove and lubricated fingertips into the rectum
Work slowly and gently, and try to stay calm and relaxed. Stop once the first knuckle - the one closest to your fingertip - goes into the rectum.
Even if there are sexual devices specifically designed to stimulate the prostate, use your fingers a few times at first until you get used to the process
Step 8. Point your finger (without bending it) to the area between the navel and the penis
Instead of sticking your finger straight in, you should tilt it slightly forward to access the prostate. Don't bend your finger, but just adjust the position of all the fingers so they are pointing in the right place.
Step 9. Insert the finger deeper until it touches the prostate
The middle knuckle may enter the rectum before the fingertips touch the prostate. The prostate will feel tender and soft to the touch and you will feel a brief sensation of wanting to urinate.
- During a DRE exam, a trained medical professional will gently feel your prostate for 5 to 10 seconds to look for lumps, growths, or other abnormal elements.
- For sexual pleasure, try to gently massage the prostate with your fingertips. This can be done for a few seconds, a few minutes, or even longer until you are sexually satisfied – you'll know when you try!
- Sometimes, your finger may not be long enough to access the prostate – this happens in about 6% of doctors who perform prostate exams.
Step 10. Gently remove the finger and throw away the gloves you are wearing
When you have finished accessing the prostate, gently remove your finger from the rectum. Once out, grasp the base of the glove and pull it off so that the outside is now inside. Throw the gloves in the trash and wash your hands.
Method 2 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms of Prostate Problems
Step 1. Be aware of symptoms that arise when urinating or symptoms of an enlarged prostate
There are many men, especially those over the age of 50, who have an enlarged prostate (this condition is known as BPH or BPE). In most cases, the cause is not cancer and there are many people who do not feel any symptoms when they have this condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:
- Weak urine flow when urinating.
- A sensation like wanting to urinate that won't go away.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Urine continues to drip after you finish urinating.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- A sudden urge to urinate that can cause you to pee before you reach the toilet.
- Take a screening test to check for these symptoms here:
Warning:
Seek medical help if you have difficulty urinating or are unable to urinate at all because you need prompt treatment to treat the disorder.
Step 2. Watch for other symptoms that indicate problems with the prostate
Sometimes, symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate can indicate other problems with the organ, such as infection, chronic prostatitis (prostate pain), or cancer. This condition is much more serious than BPH/BPE. So, watch out for the following symptoms (in addition to the BPH/BFE symptoms above):
- The appearance of blood in the urine or sperm.
- Pain or burning when urinating.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Pain or stiffness in the lower body, hips, groin, anal area, or upper thighs.
Step 3. Perform examination and treatment according to the results of consultation with the medical team
If you have prostate problems and have symptoms of cancer, your doctor or urologist will usually order a digital rectal exam (DRE), a PSA blood test, or both. After that, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound examination, CT scan, and/or a prostate biopsy to get a diagnosis. Even if you have full power to make decisions, don't underestimate the advice of a healthcare professional.
- Some studies show that DRE is not the best test for detecting prostate cancer because reaching the front area of the prostate is not easy, but many experts think that this test is still worth doing.
- Sometimes, even if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the medical team will suggest a “wait and watch” approach. This is because some types of prostate cancer spread very slowly so that the risk of side effects of treatment (such as impaired sexual function and difficulty urinating) is quite large.
