Prostate MRI: A New Era in Prostate Cancer Detection
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Besides being a molecule to test for prostate cancer, the PSA molecule has a purpose. The PSA protein molecule breaks down other proteins, which essentially helps the sperm survive for up to 36 hours after ejaculation.
Understanding the causes of elevated PSA levels and their implications can be crucial in managing prostate health.
Although the debate about who and when men should be tested continues, one fact remains irrefutable: the PSA blood test is the only way to detect prostate cancer early. Men have many questions about the PSA blood test, what can affect it, elevated psa treatment and what to do before getting tested. Let’s explore this further.
When to get the PSA Blood Test
Because the prostate releases seminal fluid during ejaculation, the prostate simultaneously releases a small amount of the PSA molecule into the bloodstream. Sexual activity, particularly ejaculation, can potentially increase PSA levels, leading to a temporary rise.
Therefore, most physicians recommend patients abstain from sexual activity, including ejaculation, for 24-48 hours before a PSA test to ensure accurate readings and to reduce the potential for overestimated results. Interestingly, however, the digital rectal exam should not increase the PSA.
Numerous studies support this. The only exception is if the physician does a prostate massage immediately before obtaining the blood test. Fortunately, this is no longer a very common procedure for men.😅
My Prostate Is Stressing Me Out
The Moody Psa That Goes Up And Down
Prostatitis, inflammation, or a bacterial prostate infection can cause significant increases in PSA levels. In some cases, these conditions can increase PSA levels similar to those seen in prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of effectively evaluating prostatitis when an elevated PSA level is detected.
It is essential to discuss any Urologic symptoms you have with your Urologist or your provider before obtaining the PSA. Another interesting fact is that the PSA test can have a variability of up to 20% within a few days. This variability is why there’s no true cut-off, although most urologists (including me) use the PSA of 2.5 – 3 as the danger zone.
Many physicians will use a PSA of 4 as the upper limit of normal. Younger men under 55 could still be at risk with a PSA lower than 2.5. The higher the PSA, the higher the risk of prostate cancer. We know that patients with urinary symptoms such as burning with urination, pain with ejaculation, or lower pelvic pain should have that addressed before obtaining a PSA.
What causes high PSA levels?
- Prostate or urinary tract infection.
- Prostate inflammation.
- A larger prostate
- prostate cancer.
- Elevated PSA after prostate removal
- Rising PSA after prostatectomy and radiation
- Rising PSA levels after hormone treatment/ therapy
- Rising PSA levels after chemotherapy
- High PSA after prostate removal
- High PSA levels after prostate surgery
- Rising PSA after prostate cancer treatment
When Should I Worry About My PSA Level
Can I lower my PSA
If your PSA level is elevated, don’t think about how to lower the PSA; think about what are elevated PSA treatment As discussed above, it could be recent ejaculation, an inflammatory reaction in the prostate, or even a recent urinary tract infection.
I tell my patients to think about the PSA as a warning sign. Before discussing a prostate biopsy, I routinely consider other blood tests and a prostate MRI to evaluate that patient’s risk of having cancer. My medications for high PSA level suggest that, either you should go for natural or surgery treatment options.
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Know Your PSA And The Trends
PSA And Trends
