What are the conditions that cause an increase in PSA levels?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 52-year-old male. I took blood tests a few months back. My cholesterol level was high, and the PSA was 1.0 ng/ml. I am taking a tablet of Rosuvastatin for the last five months for high cholesterol. Recently, I took blood tests, and my cholesterol levels were normal, but my PSA was 7.1 ng/ml. I have a girlfriend, and I have sex with her at weekends. I also started taking the tablet Tadanafil 10 mg. A few days back I had frequent urination and an urge to pee. Also, when I ejaculate it is clear and water and not white. Do I have any prostate infection? Why is my PSA high? Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. An increase in the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level can be due to various reasons including, urinary tract infection, excess long-distance cycling, recent instrumentation of your urethra, prostatic infection, prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement, or a laboratory error. The PSA value is organ-specific and not cancer-specific. No medication is known to elevate the PSA levels. I suggest you answer the following questions to assist you further: Do you have any difficulties while passing urine like urgency, increased frequency, weak stream, or feeling of incomplete emptying? Have you ever had visible blood in your urine? Have you lost significant weight recently? Is your appetite normal? I also suggest you consult a urologist to perform a digital rectal examination, a urine routine, and a culture test. Based on the findings of the urine test and rectal examination, imaging tests, and PSA tests may be required. I hope this helps you

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Sex does not elevate the PSA, but a prostate infection can increase it. However, a sudden rise in PSA should be evaluated to determine the cause. I suggest you do a urine routine and a culture test. If that shows any signs of infection, it should be treated with antibiotics, and the PSA should be repeated after four weeks. If the tests are normal, an imaging test and a biopsy may be required based on the rectal examination. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.