This article was medically authored by Dr. Kevin Lie and last reviewed for accuracy on 06/30/2026.

Are you interested in exploring prostate massage to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

While there is some evidence to suggest massaging the prostate may help release excess seminal fluid from the prostate gland ducts, temporarily relieving urinary symptoms, BPH massage is not considered a lasting treatment for any medical condition.

Keep reading to learn about BPH, available enlarged prostate treatment options, and the benefits of prostate massage for temporary relief.

Key Takeaways

• Prostate artery embolization is a non-surgical BPH treatment option that delivers long-lasting results
• Prostate enlargement due to BPH can cause disruptive lower urinary tract symptoms
• Small studies suggest that prostate massage for BPH can offer temporary symptom relief

Understanding BPH

BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition. It is used to describe the type of prostate gland enlargement that occurs in men as they age.

An enlarged prostate gland can press against your bladder and urethra, causing BPH symptoms like:

• Difficulty emptying your bladder.
• Reduced or weakened urine flow.
• Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
• Urinary urgency or a sudden need to urinate, with little to no warning.
• Waking up at night to pee (nocturia).

BPH symptoms are not life-threatening, but they can be very unpleasant, making it difficult to get through your daily activities. As a result, many men struggling with symptoms of an enlarged prostate seek out effective treatment options.

Treatment Options for BPH

There are several BPH treatment options, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Some men with mild symptoms can successfully manage BPH through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Limiting or avoiding caffeine or alcohol.
• Limiting or avoiding spicy foods.
• Following a healthy enlarged prostate diet.
• Staying hydrated and physically active.

Unfortunately, lifestyle modifications will not provide sufficient symptoms relief for everyone. Some men may need further interventions, including medications, BPH massage, or prostate artery embolization (PAE) treatment.

Does Prostate Massage Help BPH?

Some men seek out prostate massage for relief of BPH symptoms. But is this a safe and effective way to manage your condition?

Benefits of BPH Massage

While studies on prostate massage for BPH symptoms are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests the following potential benefits:

• Temporary relief of pressure and swelling in the prostate gland and urethra.
• Temporary improvement in strength of urinary flow.
• Temporary improvement in the ability to stop and start urinating.

Next, we share scientific studies and findings regarding the benefits of prostate massage for BPH.

Studies and Findings on BPH Massage

The data on BPH prostate massage therapy is still emerging. However,  there are a few promising case and research studies that suggest it may be beneficial:

• The Use of Therapeutic Massage in Benign Hyperplasia: A Case Study
  This 2023 case study followed a 55-year-old man who received a 20-minute prostate massage two times a week, for three weeks in a clinical setting, to address mild BPH symptoms. After the treatment, researchers noted the gland was reduced in volume by 30%, also resulting in a reduced symptom burden. However, since the study only looked at one patient’s experience with BPH massage, researchers were hesitant to generalize how other men might benefit from the same approach.
• Medical Massage as a Physiotherapeutic Method in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men
  This 2007 clinical study included 43 men receiving a therapeutic BPH massage. Again, after the study, each participant reported an improvement in their symptom burdens and overall quality of life. However, researchers were careful to note that these reported benefits of prostate massage for BPH were subjective and could not be supported with measurable evidence.

These small studies suggest that BPH massage may be beneficial. However, it is important to note that experts like Cleveland Clinic urologist Dr. Petar Bajic say, “There’s no evidence that a prostate massage provides any medical benefit.” He also warns that this type of massage could cause pain, worsen any existing hemorrhoids, or even leave you with a rectal injury.

If you’re looking for a safer, more effective, evidence-based, non-surgical, and long-term treatment for an enlarged prostate, we encourage you to consider PAE treatment at one of our three Georgia Endovascular locations. 

Safe, Effective PAE Treatment for BPH

PAE is a game-changing intervention for those seeking non-surgical relief from the disruptive symptoms of BPH.

There is a large body of evidence detailing the efficacy of the procedure. Review these studies and PAE research to learn how it causes fewer adverse effects than other treatment options, especially when it comes to sexual side effects.

PAE can help relieve your uncomfortable urinary symptoms and help you get back to doing what you love—without the constant interruptions to your day, or emergency trips to the bathroom.

Request a consultation with our experts today to explore your candidacy for PAE.