Prostate massage is the massage or stimulation of the male prostate gland for sexual stimulation or medical purposes. The prostate takes part in the sexual response cycle, and is essential for ejaculation. Normally, in mammals found to be most active during the time of ejaculation, this organ also faces many threats from disease. Due to its close proximity to the anterior rectal wall, it can be stimulated manually via the anus. Manual massage may lead to an urge to urinate, excretion of prostatic fluids without orgasm, and pain.