What Elevates PSA?

For men aged 50 and older, a medical test that must be completed on a regular basis is the Prostate-Specific Antigen Test, known as the PSA test. As men age, they are more likely to experience health difficulties related to their prostates. The prostate gland is found behind the bladder and is responsible for the production of semen.

The purpose of the PSA test is to detect blood markers that indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The hope is that prostate cancer will be diagnosed as early as possible so it can be treated in the initial stages. If prostate cancer is diagnosed, PSA tests are given periodically to monitor the presence of the cancer cells as you undergo treatment.

How is the PSA Test Conducted and What's Normal for PSA?

The PSA test is conducted by going to a lab and having blood taken for the test. It can be ordered as part of your routine blood work. Most doctors consider a PSA level of 4 nonograms or less as normal (National Cancer Institute website). However, because research has shown that some men who have a PSA less than 4 still have prostate cancer, doctors are now coming to the conclusion that the PSA doesn't tell them everything. There's growing disagreement among physicians about how to interpret PSA levels as men age.

Mental Aspects of PSA

The stress and anxiety that men experience regarding PSA tests is often not shared with their loved ones. The lack of knowledge about PSA tests and the prostate in general can feed into their very real fears about high PSA levels. Spouses can take steps to discuss the test and even share information gained from reputable sources about the prostate. Encouraging open communication will help to make a troubling situation less intense and anxiety-provoking for both of you.

Alternative Causes of High PSA

Although up to 1/3 of men who score PSAs between 4 and 10 do have prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute website, the fact is that the remaining men, at least 66%, do not have prostate cancer. These results thus indicate that other elements come into play that trigger high PSA levels. What are these mystery elements?

---Prostatitis occurs when the prostate gland becomes inflamed. There may be swelling, painful urination, and even pain in the testicles or groin regions. What's interesting about prostatitis is that some men have virtually no symptoms of prostatitis and it is thusly discovered serendipitously through elevated PSA levels from routine testing (Mayo Clinic website).

Some, but not all cases of prostatitis are due to bacterial infections. Another fascinating tidbit about prostatitis is that it can develop slowly over time or suddenly appear without warning or symptoms.

---Inflammation can be present in the prostate or urinary tract areas. The source of the inflammation is difficult to identify yet it can still trigger high PSA measures on the test.

---Enlarged Prostate that is not cancerous. As men age, they are more likely to have an enlarged prostate, which doesn't necessarily indicate the presence of cancer.

---Urinary Tract Infection can cause PSA levels to increase. Because of the close proximity of the urinary tract with the prostate, it's possible that PSA tests conducted when you have a UTI can be higher than usual. Symptoms can, although do not always include painful and/or frequent urination.

What You Can Do if You Have an Elevated PSA

Educate yourself about the prostate gland before reaching the age of 50. The more you understand about the prostate, the PSA, and the PSA test, the better you'll feel about having your PSA level checked.

In the event you have a PSA test showing more than 4 nanograms, write down your questions for your doctor. He'll most likely either ask you to re-take the test or refer you on to a specialist for more specific testing and treatment, if needed.

Sources

Mayo Clinic website

National Cancer Institute website