A recent ejaculation or digital exam can cause the PSA to elevate. Conceivably, even a forced, hard bowel movement could elevate the PSA. Men should consider these things if they are having their blood drawn for a screen.
Additionally, if the bowel becomes packed with stool, this can put pressure on the prostate gland and may result in the typical obstructive symptoms of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), including weaker urine flow and dribbling at the end of urination. It can also make it difficult to fully empty the bladder.
Any prostate stimulation can trigger the release of extra PSA. This can include ejaculation and vigorous exercise, especially bike riding – but even having a DRE can raise PSA levels. For this reason, doctors usually draw blood before performing the DRE to avoid affecting the PSA test results.
Other drugs may lower PSA levels in patients, which may indicate a false-negative result. These include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Cholesterol-lowering statins, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin)
You do not need to fast from food or drink before taking a PSA test. There are currently no foods or beverages to avoid before taking a PSA test. While some foods might be linked to prostate conditions, no scientific evidence links the consumption of one food to elevated PSA levels.
Physical activity like walking and riding a bicycle has been found to increase PSA levels. Because of this, men should avoid physical exercise, especially cycling for at least 24 hours before having a PSA level drawn.
While no research has proven that stress or anxiety causes cancer to start, scientists have known for years that anxiety's lingering cascade of neurotransmitters, hormones and other biological molecules can lead to a rise in PSA and even inflame existing PCa.
The PSA level in the blood, like many lab tests, has a rhythm based on the time of the day i.e., a diurnal rhythm. Therefore, obtain your PSA blood tests in either the morning or the afternoon, but not both.
According to previous studies carried out in clinical trials [9], 10–12% of men undergoing regular PSA testing will experience a false-positive result.
PSA levels under 4 ng/ml are generally considered normal, while levels over 4 ng/ml are considered abnormal. PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml indicate a risk of prostate cancer higher than normal. When the PSA level is above 10 ng/ml, risk of prostate cancer is much higher.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level above 4 ng/mL has historically been recognized as an appropriate threshold to recommend biopsy; however the risk of high-grade disease observed among men with lower PSA levels in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial has led to calls to change the criteria for biopsy referral.
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis to the outside of the body. The prostate is also close to the rectum and bowel.
We advise patients to drink water prior to testing as it will keep you hydrated and help raise the veins when the phlebotomist needs to take a sample. You must bring with you on appointment your blood test form.
One hundred forty (87.5%) and 26 (86.6%) patients had a decrease in the PSA levels when measured in the afternoon. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test determined a statistically significant difference between the PSA levels measured in the morning and in the afternoon in each group.
Kevin Loughlin, M.D., M.B.A., director of Urologic Research at Brigham and Women's Hospital, responds: Variations in PSA like yours aren't particularly remarkable. In fact, fluctuations in PSA of up to 36% from one day to the next may have nothing to do with cancer.
Some of the first symptoms of patients who have an elevated PSA level is difficult or painful urination, pain in the abdomen or pelvic area, and a frequent urge to urinate. These symptoms can be signs of BPH, prostatitis, prostate cancer, and kidney stones—all of which require different treatment.
3.5-4.5: Normal for a man 60-70 yrs. 4.5-5.5: Normal for a man 70-80 yrs.
Vigorous exercise can cause a “bump” in PSA, with bicycle riding being the biggest culprit. Do tell your doctor if: You are taking Proscar or Avodart for BPH (benign prostate enlargement), or Propecia for hair loss.
The researchers measured the participants' physical activity levels, and found that men with an extra hour of sedentary time in their day had a 16 percent greater chance of having elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Fasting is not required for serum PSA testing; however, serum PSA tests are often performed in combination with other diagnostic tests that do require fasting.
Diet changes: A healthy diet that includes more fruits and vegetables with fewer amounts of meats may result in lower PSA levels. Excessive dairy products may contribute to poor prostate health.