Doctors usually suggest a PSA test to men when they start nearing the fifties. For those who don’t know, PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen, which is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Healthy men’s blood normally contains small amounts of it but higher amounts of PSA can indicate certain conditions of the prostate gland.
It’s probably easy to understand it when many men hear they have high PSA levels, it may throw them into a state of panic. The tendency to think immediately of prostate cancer is normal, but there are plenty of reasons for PSA levels to be elevated. In this blog, Apex Hospital – trusted for surgery in Sirsa – will explain what is PSA, what it means for levels to be elevated, possible symptoms, causes, and treatments available.
What Exactly Is PSA?
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays an important role in the male reproductive system by producing the fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
PSA is a protein made by both normal and abnormal cells in the prostate. Most of it is found in semen, but a small amount naturally enters the bloodstream. The PSA test measures the amount of this protein in your blood.
What Does It Mean to Have High PSA Levels?
Having high PSA levels simply means that the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood is above the typical range for your age group. This can be caused by:
- Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate (BPH)
- Inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis)
- Prostate cancer
- Urinary tract infections
- Recent medical procedures involving the prostate
- Activities like cycling or ejaculation before the test
That’s why doctors don’t rely on PSA results alone. If your levels are high, they may recommend additional tests to understand the cause.
Which Symptoms Appear with Higher Levels of PSA?
PSA itself doesn’t cause symptoms—it’s simply a marker. However, the condition causing the PSA rise can have signs such as:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor, even if you haven’t had a PSA test yet.
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What Causes High PSA Levels?
Several conditions and factors can lead to high PSA levels in the blood. Understanding them is important because not all elevated results point to cancer. Here are the most common causes:
1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that tends to occur in older men. As the prostate enlarges, it produces more PSA, which translates into elevated blood levels of PSA. BPH is one of the most common conditions in men over 50 and can cause symptoms such as increased urgency to urinate, trouble starting and stopping urine, and weaker urine flow.
2. Prostatitis (Prostate inflammation or infection)
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection which causes the prostate to release more PSA into the blood. Men with prostatitis can experience pelvic pain, painful urination, fever and painful ejaculation. If prostatitis is attributed to bacteria, antibiotics may help restore PSA levels back to normal.
3. Prostate Cancer
One of the most serious causes of very high PSA levels is prostate cancer. Cancerous cells in the prostate can produce more PSA, or cause disruption to normal prostate tissue, releasing PSA into the blood. However, PSA testing alone cannot confirm cancer—many men with elevated PSA do not have cancer, and some men with cancer may have normal PSA levels. This is why doctors usually recommend further tests such as MRI scans, biopsies, or other imaging methods.
4. Recent Ejaculation or Prostate Stimulation
Sexual activity, particularly ejaculation, in the 24–48 hours before a PSA test can temporarily raise PSA levels. Similarly, medical procedures such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) or vigorous cycling (which can put pressure on the prostate) may cause a temporary spike. It’s often advised to avoid these activities before your test to get an accurate reading.
5. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection can irritate or inflame the prostate, causing PSA levels to rise. Symptoms may include burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and an urgent need to urinate. Treating the infection usually helps lower PSA levels again.
6. Prostate Injury or Recent Surgery
Any direct trauma or medical procedure involving the prostate—such as catheter insertion, cystoscopy, or a prostate biopsy—can lead to short-term increases in PSA. This is because the physical handling of the gland causes PSA to leak into the bloodstream. In these cases, doctors may recommend waiting a few weeks after the procedure before testing PSA levels.
Which Treatments are Recommended for High PSA Levels?
It’s important to understand that treatment for high PSA levels is not about directly lowering the PSA number—it’s about treating the underlying condition that is causing the increase. The approach will vary depending on whether the cause is prostate cancer, prostatitis, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
1. If prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatment varies depending upon the disease stage, patient’s age, general health, and whether the tumor is aggressive or slow growing. The common forms of treatment for prostate cancer include:
Active Surveillance: Associated with regular PSA checks and imaging for slow growing cancer.
Surgery (prostatectomy): Surgical removal of the prostate gland.
Radiation Therapy: Destroys cancer cells with directed rays of energy.
Hormone Therapy: Reduces male hormones reducing the cancer cell growth.
2. If it’s Prostatitis
Prostatitis means there is inflammation of the prostate gland, and the treatment of this condition depends on whether there is any bacterial cause or not:
Antibiotics: in the case of bacterial infection.
Pain management & lifestyle modifications: Bathing in warm water, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding irritants such as caffeine.
If It’s Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a common condition in older men where the prostate enlarges but is not cancerous. Treatment focuses on relieving urinary symptoms:
- Medications: To shrink the prostate or relax surrounding muscles for better urine flow.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Laser therapy or other methods to remove excess tissue.
Can You Lower PSA Levels Naturally?
While medical care is the most important step, some lifestyle habits can support prostate health:
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Include foods with healthy fats like fish, nuts, and olive oil.
- Limit red meat and processed foods.
- Stay active with regular exercise.
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol.
- Quit smoking to improve overall health.
High PSA Levels: Final Thoughts
Hearing that you have high PSA levels can be worrying, but it’s not always bad news. The important thing is to find out why the levels are high.
If you’ve had a PSA test and the results show higher than normal levels, talk to your doctor or consult Dr. RK Mehta at Apex Hospital or online about the next steps. Don’t ignore symptoms, and remember that taking care of your prostate health is an important part of overall well-being.
Visit Apex Hospital in Sirsa where compassionate experts will listen, support, and empower you on your healing journey. Take charge of your health because you deserve the very best, and your future self will thank you!
Get in touch with us through WhatsApp or call us at 91680 39000 to ask your queries related to higher PSA levels.
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