Prostate Restored
Photo by Luan Nunes Pexels Logo Photo: Luan Nunes

Can PSA fluctuate daily?

PSA levels can fluctuate, and they can be influenced by a number of different factors. Your normal PSA levels might just be a little higher than most men in your demographic category. The important thing is that you're aware of what's going on with your body, and that you discuss the possible factors with your doctor.

What juice can reduce high blood pressure?
What juice can reduce high blood pressure?

Beet juice. Not only do these colorful, low-calorie vegetables contain a host of health-promoting vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, but they...

Read More »
Which medical website is the most accurate?
Which medical website is the most accurate?

Reliable Websites for Health Information Medline Plus | medlineplus.gov. PubMed Central | ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Center for Disease Control | cdc.gov....

Read More »

First, what does PSA mean?

So you’ve had your PSA test, and it came back high. Your doctor did a DRE and ran a few more tests, and assures you that prostate cancer is very unlikely. Still, you’re worried. What are some other causes of a high PSA?

PSA: prostate specific antigen is a protein made by prostate cells. A healthy prostate releases only small amounts of this protein into the bloodstream, but when some cancer has begun to develop, the affected cells pump out more. A simple blood test can detect PSA and is used as a screening test for prostate cancer. DRE: digital rectal exam. A prostate in which cancer has begun to grow may change in size and shape. In this exam, a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger about two inches into the rectum and assesses the prostate. Men may be uncomfortable with the idea of this test, but in reality, it takes less than a minute. The PSA test, and, if needed, the DRE, are your best defense against prostate cancer—which is highly treatable when caught at an early stage. High PSA? Here are 7 common things that can affect your PSA level

1. Age

Older men’s normal PSA levels run a little higher than those of younger men. Normal levels also tend to vary a little between different ethnic groups. Your doctor will evaluate your test results, factor in your age, ethnicity, and any other relevant factors, and let you know whether your results suggest more testing.

2. Prostate size

Because PSA is naturally produced at a very low level by the healthy prostate, a man with a larger-than-usual prostate may have a higher-than-usual PSA level. Your doctor will be able to detect this with a DRE, and will take this into consideration when looking at your PSA test results.

3. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a painful condition in which the prostate is inflamed, swollen, and tender. It is often caused by a bacterial infection, though sometimes the cause is unknown. In some cases, an elevated PSA level may be another effect of this condition.

4. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

How much dark chocolate should you eat a day to lower cholesterol?
How much dark chocolate should you eat a day to lower cholesterol?

Eating nearly one-third a cup of almonds a day — either alone or combined with almost one-quarter cup of dark chocolate and 2 1/3 tablespoons of...

Read More »
At what age is prostate cancer a risk?
At what age is prostate cancer a risk?

Age. Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of...

Read More »

Different from simply having a larger-than-usual prostate, BPH is an enlarged prostate. It’s common among men over 50, and it may make urination or ejaculation difficult, which could send you to the doctor to have it checked. Along with the swelling, a prostate with BPH may produce more PSA than usual. Your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm BPH.

5. Urinary tract infection or irritation

An infection of the urinary tract, as well as irritation caused by medical procedures involving the urethra or bladder, may irritate the prostate and cause it to produce more PSA. If you have experienced any of these, be sure to let your doctor know. You’ll need to give the area some time to heal and calm down before running a PSA test.

6. Prostate stimulation

Any prostate stimulation can trigger the release of extra PSA. This can include ejaculation and vigorous exercise, especially bike riding – but even having a DRE can raise PSA levels. For this reason, doctors usually draw blood before performing the DRE to avoid affecting the PSA test results.

7. Medications

Some medications can artificially lower the PSA, such as finasteride (Proscar or Propecia) or dutasteride (Avodart). Be sure to remind your doctor of any and all medications you may be taking, so they can factor them in when assessing your PSA test results. PSA levels can fluctuate, and they can be influenced by a number of different factors. Your normal PSA levels might just be a little higher than most men in your demographic category. The important thing is that you’re aware of what’s going on with your body, and that you discuss the possible factors with your doctor. This will help both of you to realistically assess your test results and monitor them over time.

Are eggs high in zinc?
Are eggs high in zinc?

Eggs contain a moderate amount of zinc and can help you meet your daily target. For example, one large egg contains 4.8% of the DV for men and 6.6%...

Read More »
Does turmeric act like estrogen?
Does turmeric act like estrogen?

However, curcumin and other turmeric diarylheptanoids are only weakly estrogenic and do not produce significant effects when turmeric is consumed...

Read More »
What are the final symptoms of stage 4 prostate cancer?
What are the final symptoms of stage 4 prostate cancer?

These include fatigue, pain and urinary problems. Whether you are at home, in a hospice or in hospital, you should have help to manage any symptoms...

Read More »
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »
How much turmeric should I take daily?
How much turmeric should I take daily?

“It's safe to take up to 8 grams per day, but my recommendation would be somewhere on the lighter side: 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day for the...

Read More »