What Is a Perineum Massage for Men?
While some people may assume only women can have both internal and external orgasms, men can too. Aside from the penis, stimulating the prostate through the perineum can bring pleasurable experiences for men and their partners.
A perineum massage is a sexual activity that can help discover the "male G spot," leading to sexual arousal in the prostate.
What and where is a perineum?
The perineum is the sensitive skin between a man’s scrotum and anus, according to Cleveland Clinic. Women also have a perineum between the vaginal opening and the anus.
"It is a diamond-shaped area that encompasses several structures, including muscles, blood vessels, nerves and various anatomical features," said Holly Wood, L.M.F.T., a board-certified clinical sexologist and Ph.D. candidate based in San Clemente, California.
The perineum is often called the "taint" or "gooch" and is located inside and outside the body. The skin covering the perineum has nerves that transfer sensations of arousal to the penis and scrotum, according to StatPearls. To stimulate the nerves within the perineum, men can try perineum massages.
How do you massage a perineum?
Perineum massages are often associated with mothers preparing for childbirth, as they can prevent vaginal tearing. But perineum massages can be used for sexual pleasure and orgasm, and they can be self-administered or given by a partner, according to Lyndsey Murray, L.P.C., a licensed professional counselor and AASECT-certified sex therapist with Relationship Matters Therapy in Hurst, Texas.
Wood provided a step-by-step tutorial on self-massaging the perineum for pleasure:
- Wash your hands and trim your nails to prevent discomfort or injuries.
- Lie on your bed or in a comfortable sitting position that allows you to reach your perineum.
- Apply lube or body-safe massage oil to your fingers or the perineum for a friction-free experience.
- Using your thumbs or fingers, lightly touch the perineum and gradually apply pressure to your comfort level.
- Use your thumbs or fingers to make circular motions in the perineal area.
- Adjust your circles' speed, direction and pressure to discover what stimulates you.
You can spruce up perineum massages by trying different positions.
"Some other fun variations include lying next to your partner and kissing while using the pads of your index and middle fingers to massage the perineum," Wood said. "You can also switch back and forth between using that hand to stimulate the perineum and moving around to massage other areas of the genitals, like the penis, testicles and anus."
What can men expect during a perineum massage?
Perineum massages for men do have benefits.
"During a perineum massage, men can expect various sensations and potential benefits," Wood said. "In addition to the physiological benefits of blood circulation and relaxation, some individuals may experience heightened sensitivity, arousal and even orgasmic sensations through perineum stimulation."
Aside from pleasure, perineum massages may be beneficial to prostate health and erectile function. Such thinking comes from the fact that massaging the perineum increases blood flow to the prostate and genital region and stimulates the nerves. This is all based on the potential upsides of improved blood flow, keep in mind, not vast research.
How can men find the best perineum spot?
If you’re new to perineum massages, finding the most stimulating part of the perineum requires some trial and error. To find the P-spot—what some call the male G-spot—gently place the fingers (or a toy) on the perineal area and confirm with the recipient if the placement feels good, Wood said.
It could require moving around the area for a while.
Are there sex toys for the perineum?
For the most part, male sex toys are designed for internal stimulation, but a massager that is waterproof, ultra-quiet and made of body-safe silicone can externally stimulate the perineum. Wood mentioned the Butter Personal Massager.
You and your partner(s) can get creative by using other sex toys to pleasure the perineum, too.
"One can also simply use a dildo, wand or vibrator to stimulate the perineum," Wood said.
What to keep in mind when touching the perineum
Before giving or receiving a perineum massage, consider a few tips to ensure everyone involved has a safe and pleasurable experience.
Always ask for consent and respect boundaries
Being positive that a person is comfortable with what's happening before engaging in any sexual activity is crucial to sexual well-being.
"It is important to obtain proper consent and respect personal boundaries when engaging in any sexual contact," Wood said. "Ensure that the person receiving the massage feels comfortable and safe throughout the process. If at any point they express discomfort or ask you to stop, respect their wishes."
Seek help from professionals
If you want to ensure you’re giving perineum massages properly, don’t hesitate to consult a professional in the sexual wellness space.
"If you're interested in exploring perineum massages, I recommend consulting with a qualified sexologist or healthcare professional who can provide guidance on proper techniques and safety precautions," said Martha Tara Lee, D.H.S., an AASECT-certified sex educator and clinical sexologist with Eros Coaching in Singapore.
Ensure all partners are STI-free and have clean hands
The perineum is within the perineal area, which can be susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, donovanosis and lymphogranuloma venereum, according to a 2019 study from Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery.
Be sure to have an honest conversation about STIs and STDs with your partner(s) before engaging in sexual activity.
"Avoid perineum massage if there are any untreated STDs or infections or if the partner providing the message has any cuts on their hands or if they have not cleaned their hands and nails," Murray said.
As long as you take the proper precautions and keep open communication, perineum massages can be an exciting sexual experience for everyone involved.
