Elevated PSA: what is PSA? What are the factors responsible for
an elevated PSA? What tests can be done to screen elevated PSA? What
are the effects of an elevated PSA?
PSA, a protein produced by the epithelial cells in the prostate
gland is responsible to keep the male semen in liquid form. Some PSA
might also escape into the blood of the men. Hence the PSA levels in
a man can be detected by a blood test. In case the PSA levels in a
man are high, it is an alarming indication of prostate cancer or
some kind of abnormal prostate condition.
The production of male hormones also affects the production of PSA
in men. Hence the medications taken for affecting the hormones might
also be responsible for elevated PSA levels in men. Several men each
year are reported to have an elevated PSA after going through a
routine PSA screening test. The most significant and most critical
reason behind an elevated PSA is
prostate cancer. Although prostate cancer is considered as one
among the several potential causes leading to an elevated PSA.
Virtually speaking, any condition that results in irritating the
prostate gland will cause the PSA levels to rise.
Potential factors and causes for an elevated PSA
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - This benign
condition is most of the times referred to as “enlarged
prostate”. Mostly arising in men in their older years, this
condition postulates no risk of sprawling throughout the system.
Prostatitis- is a disorder when you experience
inflammation in the prostate gland due to some infection. This
condition might also lead to an elevated PSA.
Prostate biopsy- men who have undergone biopsy of
the prostate gland will usually get elevated PSA levels. Due to
this reason, most surgeons will take blood samples for PSA
diagnosis before performing the prostate biopsy.
Recent ejaculation- the ejection of semen from a
man’s penis can also be a reason behind an elevated PSA level.
Hence due to this reason, most of the doctors recommend to avoid
any sort of sexual activity before you are going to take the PSA
test.
Digital rectal examination (DRE) - digital rectal
examination may also be a factor in causing an elevated PSA
level. Therefore, for the PSA diagnosis, blood samples are
usually drawn before this exam.
Bicycle riding- Some studies suggests that
strenuous riding of bicycles can mildly increase the PSA levels
temporarily. Avoidance of this activity for a couple of days is
suggested before undergoing the PSA blood test.
Test performed to keep a check
on your PSA levels
Prostate specific antigen, in short called PSA, is a protein enzyme
produced by epithelial cells belonging to the prostate gland. The
PSA blood test determines the amount of PSA in a man’s blood sample.
For this diagnosis, a blood sample is taken from the patient and
given to a laboratory for proper analysis. The reports of the test
contain nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of the blood which
determines if you have an elevated PSA or not.
No matter what your age or PSA level is, your physician will conduct
a DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) so that he can detect any sorts
of abnormalities in the prostate. The PSA and DRE tests are
complimentary to each other and are always performed together. If
you have an elevated PSA, then your physician will likely proceed
with a diagnostic test to determine the reason and cause behind your
elevated PSA. The only diagnostic test which portrays a definite
diagnosis is prostate biopsy as explained in the article above.
In case your PSA is moderately elevated and you are in your healthy
and younger ages, as well as you don’t have a genetic history of
prostate problems, then your physician will probably as you to wait
and undergo a rechecking of your PSA level. On a retest of the PSA
levels, the PSA should be returning to normal stage in case it was
elevated temporarily due to other conditions.
Prevention
Prevention of such disorders, rather than reaching up to a stage
when such kind of conditions become intolerable, is easier. It is
better to incorporate a healthy lifestyle and Managing of elevated
PSA is possible with medicines that are either alpha blockers or 5
alpha reductase inhibitors. Herbs like Beta sitosterol and saw
palmetto along with other herbs can be highly beneficial in
maintaining a balance of hormones in your body and providing you a
healthy life. A supplement such as
Endosterol which contains the above stated extracts is
recommended to provide you an easy going and happy life!
