A high PSA level can be the first sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be a sign of a less serious condition. Find out why you might have an abnormal PSA level.
The PSA test measures a protein in your blood called prostate specific antigen. Prostate cancer raises PSA levels, but a high PSA test result doesn’t always mean a man has prostate cancer. Sometimes PSA test results are elevated due to a mild abnormality, such as ejaculation within 24 hours before the test , or a condition that requires treatment, such as a urinary tract infection, but is not cancer. Because the test cannot distinguish serious causes of an elevated PSA level from other causes, it is recommended that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing not be performed in healthy men. That is, men who have no family history, known risk factors, or symptoms of prostate cancer.
Seven Reasons Besides Cancer of the prostate, so that your PSA level is higher than normal.
1. Aging affects PSA levels
Even without a prostate problem, your PSA levels may gradually increase with age. At 40 years, a PSA level of 2.5 is the normal limit. At 60 years, the limit is 4.5, at 70 years, a PSA of 6.5 could be considered normal.
2. Prostatitis: A common problem in men under 40 years of age
The PSA test is a good screening tool for prostate cancer. But it is not very specific. Common causes of inflammation of the gland, called prostatitis, can lead to high PSA levels. Prostatitis is the most common prostate problem in men under 40 years. Prostatitis caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. Another, more common type of prostatitis, called nonbacterial prostatitis, can be more difficult to treat and can last a long time.
3. Medical procedures can cause PSA levels to rise
Anything that traumatically interferes with the architecture around the prostate can cause PSA levels to rise. One of the most common causes of a significantly elevated PSA level in this type of trauma is bladder catheterization. Another cause is the examination of the prostate or the bladder which involves passing a scope or taking a biopsy. »As it takes about two to three days for the PSA to decrease by half, you should wait two to three weeks after this type of trauma to do a PSA test.
4. In men over 40 years old: BPH may be the cause of an elevated PSA level
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate. But it’s not prostate cancer. BPH means more cells, so more cells that make PSA. BPH is the most common prostate problem in men over 40 years. It is not necessarily necessary to treat it, unless it causes frequent or difficult urination. Your GP may be able to tell the difference between BPH and prostate cancer by performing a digital rectal exam. But this usually requires an evaluation by a urologist and additional tests, such as a biopsy or imaging tests.
5. High PSA levels due to urinary tract infection
Any infection near the prostate, including a UTI, can irritate and inflame prostate cells and cause an increased PSA level. If you have been diagnosed with a UTI, wait until the infection clears up before doing a PSA test. In men, most UTIs are caused by bacteria and respond well to antibiotics. Having BPH increases your risk of UTIs.
6. Ejaculation is a potential cause of a slightly elevated PSA level
Ejaculation can cause your PSA level to rise slightly. The same goes for a digital rectal examination. These types of PSA elevations are usually not enough to make a significant difference unless your PSA is borderline. The PSA level should return to normal in two to three days.
7. Can bicycling increase PSA levels?
Studies have sometimes linked prolonged cycling to increased PSA levels, but others have not. not found this link. You would probably have to be a Lance Armstrong-type cyclist to worry about cycling and a significant rise in your PSA
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