Understanding PSA Levels: What They Mean for Prostate Health

Prostate-specific antigens (PSA) are proteins the prostate gland creates. A PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of these proteins. PSA levels do not diagnose cancer; rather, doctors use PSA tests to determine if further testing is necessary.

Levels

• PSA levels are notated as nanograms of PSA per ml of blood. Although doctors previously understood levels below four nanograms/ml to be normal, recent evidence suggests that there is no conclusive normal or abnormal PSA level.

Biopsy

• Prostate biopsies or resections are likely to elevate PSA levels.

Physical Activity

• Physical activity, such as riding a bicycle or motorcycle, can also temporarily increase PSA levels.

Infection

• In addition, prostate infection can increase PSA levels.

Medications

• Some medications, including cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, can affect PSA levels.

Considerations

• Most elevated PSA levels represent false positive results; just 25 to 35 percent of men who undergo a biopsy because of a PSA test have prostate cancer.