Factors That Increase PSA

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. Some studies have shown a relationship between higher levels of PSA and prostate cancer or benign growth. While the PSA test does not directly correlate with the presence of prostate cancer, it is used as one screening method for detection. There are some factors that increase PSA, both natural causes and factors related to the presence of cancer or benign growth.

Age

• PSA levels increase with age.

  PSA naturally increases with age. This is largely due to the natural growth of the prostate gland over a man's lifetime. Prostate cancer, which is more prevalent in older men, also produces a higher level of PSA.

Race

• Caucasian males have a higher level of PSA than Asian or African-American males. However, African-American males have a higher rate of prostate cancer and mortality due to prostate cancer, possibly due to lack of prevention screening.

Stopping Medication

• Certain medications can decrease the level of PSA. Physicians adjust this variable by multiplying the detected level of PSA by a standard number. Stopping taking a medication can have the reverse effect of causing PSA levels to rise. Talk to your doctor about PSA levels if you stop taking Proscar, Avodart or other medications that affect male hormones.

Infection

• Infection of the prostate or urinary tract can increase levels of PSA.

  Infections of the prostate gland or urinary organs can cause an increase in PSA. Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, causes an increase in PSA. This infection is sometimes caused by the presence of bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also cause an increase in PSA. This infection is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. A blood test may not provide a useful PSA reading for more than six months after a UTI.

Benign Growth

• The benign growth of tissue in the prostate gland can cause an increase in PSA. Known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the growth of the prostate gland can occur naturally as men age. Elevated levels of PSA due to BPH may also detect a malignant cancer.

Sexual Activity

• Sexual activity, including intercourse or ejaculation, can cause an increase in the PSA level. Men who will be tested for PSA level should abstain from sexual activity for several days prior to the test to obtain an accurate reading.

Prostate Cancer

• The presence of prostate cancer can cause the PSA level to rise. A high level of PSA, however, is not necessarily an indication of prostate cancer. Scientists continue to study and debate the use of the PSA test. The PSA test still produces false-positives and false-negatives. The PSA test is used in conjunction with other tests to determine the presence of cancer.