Worried About Rising PSA Levels? Here’s What You Can Do
By Dr. David Samadi
The prostate is one of those organs that often doesn’t get much attention—until it starts causing problems. While you might not think about it much, the prostate is vital for male fertility. It produces seminal fluid, which helps nourish and transport sperm. Without it, the chances of reproduction would be slim.
For men over 50, getting a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is essential for monitoring prostate health and catching any early signs of trouble. However, many get this test once symptoms or concerns arise. When that happens, a PSA test can provide valuable information about what’s going on and what might need to be done next.
If your PSA levels are rising, it can be alarming. Let’s break down the PSA test, what might cause your levels to go up, and what steps you can take if they’re unusually high.
What Is a PSA Test?
A PSA test is necessary to measure the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. The prostate naturally produces this antigen, and the levels of it tend to increase as men age. For example, PSA levels might be around 2.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood when you’re 50, and they can rise to 5.5 by the time you’re 70.
Generally, it would help if you started getting PSA tests around age 40. If your PSA levels are higher than expected for your age, further tests and monitoring may be needed to determine what’s happening.
It should be noted that high PSA levels don’t always mean cancer, but they can indicate an increased risk. PSA levels between 4 and 10 suggest about a 25% chance of prostate cancer, while levels over 10 raise that chance to 50%. The higher your PSA level, the more necessary it becomes to investigate further.
What Else Can Cause High PSA Levels?
There are several non-cancerous reasons why PSA levels might rise. Here are a few:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): This is a common condition where the prostate becomes enlarged as men age. When the prostate grows, more PSA is produced, leading to higher levels.
- Prostatitis: This is inflammation of the prostate, which can cause a temporary spike in PSA levels.
- Urinary tract infections: A UTI can cause PSA levels to rise.
- Recent ejaculation: Ejaculation can slightly raise PSA levels for a short period.
- Prolonged biking: The pressure placed on the perineum (the area between the genitals and anus) during long bike rides can increase PSA levels temporarily.
What Happens If Your PSA Levels Are High?
If your PSA levels are elevated, your doctor will likely recommend additional tests to get a clearer picture of your prostate health. This might include a digital rectal exam, an ultrasound, an MRI, or even a biopsy. If prostate cancer is found, the Gleason score will help determine how aggressive the cancer is and what treatment options are best. Treatment could range from active surveillance for low-grade cancer to surgery or radiation for more advanced cases.
Can You Lower PSA Levels?
There isn’t a guaranteed way to lower PSA levels, but some research suggests that specific lifestyle changes might help. For example:
- Eating more lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables
- Adopting a plant-based diet
- Taking vitamin D supplements
- Getting regular exercise
While a high PSA level doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer, it does mean it’s time to take action and stay on top of your health. Working together with your doctor to monitor and manage your prostate health can help prevent more significant issues down the road.
If you are experiencing rising PSA levels or other prostate concerns, seek advice from a urologist. They can guide you through the following steps and provide the care you need.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two book, Prostate Cancer, Now What?, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.