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What Raises PSA Levels?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. Doctors use PSA tests to measure PSA in a man, which could detect prostate cancer. There are a few different causes for PSA levels to rise.

  1. Prostate Cancer

    • A rise in PSA levels could be caused by the presence of prostate cancer. While normal for men to have a little bit of PSA in their bloodstream, an increased amount could lead to the eventual diagnosis of prostate cancer.

    Benign Prostate Enlargement

    • Benign prostate enlargement, which is not cancerous, can cause a rise in PSA levels. The prostate grows, which causes more-frequent urination.

    Inflammation

    • Inflammation of the prostate, also referred to as prostatitis, can cause a rise in PSA levels. Prostatitis is not cancerous and is one of the more frequent causes for an increase in PSA levels.

    Age

    • As a man gets older, his PSA levels will also rise. Levels that may be considered dangerous for a younger person could be normal for an older man.

    Race

    • According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the normal levels for a white man from age 50 to 80 is 0-3.5 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). The average levels for African American males from age 40 to 70 ranges from 0-2 ng/mL in their 40s all the way up to 5.5 in their 70s.

    Ejaculation Effect

    • Ejaculation within the last 48 hours may cause a spike in PSA levels.

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