Prostate Restored
Photo by Kübra Yıldız Pexels Logo Photo: Kübra Yıldız

Can caffeine raise PSA levels?

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks are not established risk factors for prostate cancer and will not affect PSA levels.

What does low magnesium feel like?
What does low magnesium feel like?

Twitches, tremors, and muscle cramps are signs of magnesium deficiency. In worst-case scenarios, deficiency may even cause seizures or convulsions...

Read More »
Can too much zinc cause hair loss?
Can too much zinc cause hair loss?

Are you having problems with thinning hair or hair loss? If so, it could be because you have too much zinc in your diet. There have been many...

Read More »

Getting tested for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) can give anyone a little anxiety. It’s perfectly natural to have a lot of questions before you take a PSA blood test. How do you prepare for a PSA test? Is there anything I can do to make sure my results are accurate? What do the results mean?

What is a PSA Blood Test?

The PSA blood test is one of the methods that physicians use to detect prostate cancer. The test is considered an effective start to the prostate cancer screening process, and a useful test to be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment used for those being treated with prostate cancer.

Who Should Get a PSA Test?

The current US Preventive Services Task Force states that men of an average risk of prostate cancer between the ages of 55-69 should consider being screened using a PSA test. However, other individuals at a higher risk might want to be considered for earlier screening including:

Those who might be overweight

Older men - those over 65 - as PSA rises over time, starting at age 50

Those with a family history of prostate cancer

African American men

Smokers

Those living a sedentary lifestyle, or those who eat an unhealthy diet

To learn more about screening for prostate cancer, visit Prostate Conditions Education Council.

How Do You Prepare For a PSA Test?

You do not need to fast from food or drink before taking a PSA test. There are currently no foods or beverages to avoid before taking a PSA test. While some foods might be linked to prostate conditions, no scientific evidence links the consumption of one food to elevated PSA levels. There is no need to avoid certain foods, coffee or alcohol before taking a PSA test.

What Should I Avoid Before a PSA Test?

Can I work out before I take a PSA test?

While physical activity in general might help maintain a normal prostate, avoid heavy exercise directly before your PSA. Avoid exercise for a few days before your PSA test. Even bicycling, riding motorcycles or ATVs, or riding horses have been shown to elevate PSA slightly for a short period of time..

What is a fat burning food?
What is a fat burning food?

Such fat-burning foods include eggs, nuts, and oily fish. The term “fat-burning foods” may apply to those that produce fat loss by stimulating...

Read More »
What lack of intimacy does to a woman?
What lack of intimacy does to a woman?

Self-Esteem Issues Where physical intimacy is lacking, this can cause self-esteem problems. If your partner shows no interest in you physically,...

Read More »

Can I have sex before I take a PSA test?

No. You should abstain from sexual activity - anything that includes ejaculation - for at least 48 hours before the test. A recent ejaculation might cause a slight rise in PSA levels.

What about supplements and medications?

The following supplements or medications may have an affect on your PSA levels and should be discussed with your doctor. They may raise or lower your PSA and might not create a reliable test result:

Chemotherapy drugs

Statins

NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti inflammatories)

Urinary health medications

Carninte, fenugreek, pomegranate, saw palmetto, the herb PC-SPES, lycopene, and phytoestrogens.

Can alcohol or coffee consumption skew results?

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks are not established risk factors for prostate cancer and will not affect PSA levels. However, it is understood that heavy alcohol drinking could cause a small risk of more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The bottom line here is that alcohol, caffeine and smoking do not cause false-positive elevations of PSA levels.

I have a urinary infection, is that a problem?

‍Please consult your doctor if you have a urinary tract infection or if you are taking antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. Please also consult a physician before taking a PSA test if you have recently suffered a pelvic injury or have had prostate or urinary tract surgery.

What Can Cause Elevated PSA Levels?

The most common causes of elevated PSA in men

What Makes the imaware™ PSA Test Unique?

While we use the same total PSA biomarker that other tests use, our at-home imaware™ PSA test is unique as it can be done in the comfort of your own home. It can also be ordered without a physician’s note, as imaware™ has a team of physicians that approve all orders and results for patients. Your PSA test results are delivered to a secure patient portal and are easy to download for your next doctor appointment. Getting a PSA test is easy with imaware™.

Is Peanut Butter good for testosterone?
Is Peanut Butter good for testosterone?

Peanut butter contains high levels of zinc which is known to play a role in hormones and has been found to increase testosterone levels naturally...

Read More »
How does a man sleep with a catheter?
How does a man sleep with a catheter?

At night, you'll need to attach a larger bag. Your night bag should either be attached to your leg bag or to the catheter valve. It should be...

Read More »

Results of a PSA Blood Test

With imaware™, you’ll receive your results within 7 days of shipping the sample off to our labs. You’ll receive an email prompting you to log into your secure patient portal to view your results. Your results will give you a detailed look at your total PSA biomarker. Not only will the results give you a numerical value, but also a qualitative look into your data, taking into account any provided risk factors.

What if my PSA levels are considered high?

If your test shows an increased PSA level, please consult your physician for further diagnosis. To help give you an idea of what your physician may do next to help you, here's a quote from Dr Jeffery Herz, MD of Halo Diagnostics:

"Typically, an abnormal PSA level will result in a consultation with us which often involves obtaining a family history of prostate cancer, a complete medical/surgical history including current medications, a discussion regarding voiding status, evaluation of previous PSA levels (PSA history), consideration of further evaluation including possible repeat PSA tests and the need for possible prostate biopsy"

Jeffery Herz, MD | Board Certified Urologist, HALO Dx

If you’re interested in learning more about the innovative diagnosis and treatment techniques for prostate cancer, visit our partners at Halo Diagnostics to learn more about multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) and laser focal therapy.

What veggies make you sleepy?
What veggies make you sleepy?

While romaine lettuce is a powerful sleep aid, so is its healthful companion, kale. Kale and other dark green vegetables are packed to the gills...

Read More »
What food gives you high testosterone?
What food gives you high testosterone?

Additionally, you may consider adopting a dietary pattern rich in foods that contain nutrients important for maintaining healthy testosterone...

Read More »
How long can you leave diaper on?
How long can you leave diaper on?

However, in simple terms, it should be changed every two to three hours if your child is a newborn, and then much less frequently as they grow...

Read More »
What blocks testosterone?
What blocks testosterone?

Excess weight, hair-loss treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the factors that can lower testosterone levels. If you're concerned about...

Read More »