PSA in BPH and prostate cancer

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, adds tissue around the urine channel and can release more PSA into the blood. Prostate cancer can also raise PSA, but a PSA result by itself cannot confirm or exclude cancer. Doctors consider your age, urinary symptoms, examination findings, medicines, previous results, and whether the level is changing over time. Infection, inflammation, recent procedures, and ejaculation may also affect interpretation.

Share the complete report and any urinary or pelvic symptoms with the clinician who ordered it. They may repeat the blood test under suitable conditions, examine the prostate, check for infection, or arrange further assessment. Do not start or stop prostate medicines without advice, because some medicines can change PSA readings. If cancer remains a concern, an MRI or biopsy may be discussed. Read more about Prostate Cancer and Difficulty Passing Urine.

Arrange medical review for a new or persistently abnormal PSA, blood in the urine or semen, worsening difficulty passing urine, pelvic or back pain, or unexplained weight loss. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have fever with severe urinary symptoms, or feel acutely unwell; these features can need prompt treatment rather than routine PSA monitoring.

Ask what factors may have influenced your result, whether it should be repeated, how it compares with earlier tests, and which examination or imaging would clarify the cause. Ask how your medicines and any recent infection or procedure affect the plan.