Why is psa elevated

Your primary care doctor may be able to tell the difference between BPH and prostate cancer by doing a digital rectal exam , but commonly this will require evaluation by a urologist and further testing, such as a biopsy or imaging studies.

In men, most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria and respond well to antibiotics. PSA should return to normal in two to three days. To avoid this type of elevation, doctors will usually draw blood for a person's PSA level before doing a rectal exam. Ask your doctor if you should avoid ejaculation for a few days before a PSA test. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung and colon cancer , according to the American Cancer Society.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Prostate-specific antigen PSA is a protein produced by prostate gland cells.

Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer, but PSA levels can also be affected by other things, such as enlarged prostate, a urinary tract infection, or recent ejaculation. Instead, your doctor will look at your PSA levels alongside other risk factors, like age, digital rectal exam results, and family history. Keep reading to learn more about why your PSA levels may be high. PSA levels may increase as you get older. This normal rise may be caused by the growth of benign, prostatic tissue.

Some men also experience an enlarging of their prostate as they age, which may also elevate PSA levels. BPH, also known as enlarged prostate , is common in older men. Men with BPH may have difficulty urinating. If left untreated, it may also interfere with kidney function. The prostate enlarges in many men as they age, possibly as a result of shifting hormonal levels. BPH only requires treatment if symptoms are affecting quality of life or health.

Treatments include medications, such as alpha blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. If your symptoms are severe or do not respond to medication, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure or laser therapy may help to alleviate the problem. Learn more: Traditional treatment methods for enlarged prostate ». They are commonly diagnosed through a urine test and treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms of a UTI include:. UTIs become more common as you age. Some men are also at greater risk for UTIs. Risk factors include having:. Talk to your doctor if you think you have a UTI. They are often treated with antibiotics. A common condition in men under 50, prostatitis is often the result of a bacterial infection. It causes swelling, inflammation, and irritation of the prostate gland. Symptoms are similar to those of a UTI, and may include:. If bacterial infection is causing your prostatitis, you may also experience flu-like symptoms and be treated with antibiotics.

Nerve damage in the urinary tract may also cause prostatitis. Discussing these issues beforehand may make it easier for you to learn the results of your test and make appropriate decisions afterward.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Prostate gland Open pop-up dialog box Close. Prostate gland The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men and surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder urethra.

More Information Prostate cancer screening Prostate cancer. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Hoffman RM. Screening for prostate cancer. Accessed March 14, PSA screening adult. Mayo Clinic; Prostate-specific antigen PSA test. National Cancer Institute. Ferri FF. Prostate cancer. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Elsevier; Goldman L, et al. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Partin AW, et al.