PSA Guide
What is PSA?
PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen, a protein produced primarily within the prostate gland. Small amounts of PSA normally enter the bloodstream, where they can be measured with a simple blood test.
The PSA test is one of the most commonly used tools for evaluating prostate health. While PSA testing can help detect prostate cancer, it is important to understand that many conditions besides cancer can also cause PSA levels to rise.
What does PSA do?
PSA helps keep semen in a liquid state, allowing sperm to move more freely. Although most PSA remains within the prostate and semen, a small amount naturally leaks into the bloodstream. This is the PSA measured during a blood test.
What Does the Prostate Do?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
The prostate's primary function is to produce fluid that becomes part of semen. As men age, the prostate often enlarges, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can affect urination and may influence PSA levels.
Why Is PSA Measured?
PSA testing is used to gather information about a man's prostate health. Doctors may recommend PSA testing for several reasons, including:
- Prostate cancer screening
- Evaluation of an elevated PSA discovered on routine blood work
- Investigation of urinary symptoms
- Monitoring men on active surveillance for prostate cancer
- Monitoring after prostate cancer treatment
The PSA test is only one piece of the overall evaluation.
What is a normal PSA?
There is no single PSA value that perfectly separates men with prostate cancer from men without prostate cancer.
In general, lower PSA levels are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, while higher PSA levels may warrant additional evaluation. However, some men with low PSA levels are found to have prostate cancer, and many men with elevated PSA levels do not have cancer.
Because PSA values must be interpreted in the context of a patient's age, prostate size, symptoms, and medical history, it is best to discuss any abnormal PSA result with a qualified healthcare professional.
Elevated PSA Guide
What Is a Normal PSA?
Age Typical PSA Range
40-49 0-2.5
50-59 0-3.5
60-69 0-4.5
70-79 0-6.5
What Causes PSA To Rise?
- Prostate cancer
- Benign enlargement (BPH)
- Prostatitis
- Urinary retention
- Ejaculation
- Cycling and other exercise
- Recent procedures
- Catheterization
What does my PSA mean?
- No PSA cutoff perfectly distinguishes cancer from non-cancer.
- Some men with PSA 2.5 have cancer.
- Some men with PSA 10 do not.
After using the calculator, consider discussing the result with a urologist, especially if your PSA is elevated, rising, or associated with an abnormal prostate exam.