What should you know about raised PSA levels?

PSA can increase when prostate cells are more active or irritated. Benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, urinary infection, recent ejaculation, cycling, catheterisation, and prostate procedures can all affect a result. Prostate cancer is another possible cause, but a raised PSA does not establish that diagnosis.

Clinicians consider the actual result, change from earlier tests, age, prostate size, symptoms, family history, and medicines. Some medicines alter PSA readings, so provide a complete medication list.

Your clinician may check for infection, review recent activities and procedures, and recommend a repeat PSA under suitable conditions. Depending on the pattern, they may arrange an MRI Scan or refer you for a Biopsy. A biopsy examines small tissue samples and is considered only after discussing its purpose, possible discomfort, and alternatives.

Keep the result and its date with your health records. Ask which symptoms or changes should be reported while assessment is continuing.

Seek urgent medical advice if you cannot pass urine, develop fever or chills with urinary symptoms, notice blood in your urine, or have severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. These signs can indicate infection or blockage and should not wait for a routine PSA appointment.

What possible causes fit my result? Could infection, inflammation, recent activity, or medication have influenced it? Do I need a repeat PSA or urine test? When would an MRI Scan or Biopsy be considered? How quickly should I report urinary changes?