Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced in the
prostate gland that acts as an enzyme and helps in keeping seminal
fluid in liquid form. While most PSA remains in the prostate, trace
amounts leak into the bloodstream. This allows doctors to use PSA as a
marker in detecting prostate diseases such as prostate cancer. Men,
especially those who are over the age of 50, are recommended to go for
annual PSA tests. Having a high PSA level is usually associated with the
presence of prostate cancer but this is not always the case. Sometimes,
a high PSA is caused by non-cancerous conditions such as Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. As men age, both BPH,
prostatitis, and prostate cancer become more common. While those two
non-benign conditions do not lead to prostate cancer, it is possible for
a man to have either BPH or prostatitis and develop prostate cancer as
well.
The PSA test is important because it is able to detect the presence of three main prostate conditions: BPH (an enlarged prostate), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), and prostate cancer. Since it was first introduced in the 80s, deaths caused by prostate cancer have significantly dropped. The earlier the cancer is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Of course, the PSA test is not without its limitations (a high PSA score does not necessarily mean cancer nor does a low score mean there is no cancer). PSA tests have been criticized to be inaccurate and-- to a certain extent-- bogus quackery. PSA levels also tend to fluctuate up and down due to factors that are not directly related to prostate cancer.
Here are some causes for a high PSA test result:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. Some symptoms are: frequent urination, having to urinate multiple times at night, difficulty starting the urine stream.
Prostatitis or inflammation or infection of the prostate. A usual symptom is pain during urination.
Age. PSA levels increase naturally as men age.
Rigorous physical activity such as bike riding. The increase in PSA levels is only temporary so avoid riding a bike a couple of days before your PSA test.
Recent sexual activity or ejaculation. Like bike riding, it is best to avoid any sexual activity prior to your PSA test.
Urologic procedures such as cystoscopy and urinary catheterization.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Alcohol and coffee both can irritate the prostate gland so it should also be avoided before having your PSA levels tested.
Often, people with high PSA levels are recommended to undergo a biopsy. This should not be a first resort, as it is very invasive and damaging. Instead, it is best to look into natural ways to bring down one's PSA levels.
The PSA test is important because it is able to detect the presence of three main prostate conditions: BPH (an enlarged prostate), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), and prostate cancer. Since it was first introduced in the 80s, deaths caused by prostate cancer have significantly dropped. The earlier the cancer is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Of course, the PSA test is not without its limitations (a high PSA score does not necessarily mean cancer nor does a low score mean there is no cancer). PSA tests have been criticized to be inaccurate and-- to a certain extent-- bogus quackery. PSA levels also tend to fluctuate up and down due to factors that are not directly related to prostate cancer.
Here are some causes for a high PSA test result:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. Some symptoms are: frequent urination, having to urinate multiple times at night, difficulty starting the urine stream.
Prostatitis or inflammation or infection of the prostate. A usual symptom is pain during urination.
Age. PSA levels increase naturally as men age.
Rigorous physical activity such as bike riding. The increase in PSA levels is only temporary so avoid riding a bike a couple of days before your PSA test.
Recent sexual activity or ejaculation. Like bike riding, it is best to avoid any sexual activity prior to your PSA test.
Urologic procedures such as cystoscopy and urinary catheterization.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Alcohol and coffee both can irritate the prostate gland so it should also be avoided before having your PSA levels tested.
Often, people with high PSA levels are recommended to undergo a biopsy. This should not be a first resort, as it is very invasive and damaging. Instead, it is best to look into natural ways to bring down one's PSA levels.
No comments:
Post a Comment