Two tests have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the detection of prostate cancer in men who are 50 years of age or older. One of the tests is a digital rectal exam, during which a physician uses a gloved hand to feel for abnormalities. The other is a blood test that checks the level of a certain protein, that is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA). An elevated level of PSA in the bloodstream can be an indication of prostate cancer; although, there are other reasons why the PSA level may be higher than normal, including some prostate conditions that are benign. There are also factors that can cause PSA levels to be lower than normal, too.
Hormone Therapy
A man who is getting hormone therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer can have lower PSA levels during and immediately after treatments. It may take a few months after hormone therapy for PSA levels to rebalance and give true readings.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Benign prostatic hypertrophy in also called an enlarged prostate. This condition can cause levels of PSA in the bloodstream to become elevated. Most men have prostates that enlarge as they grow older.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a condition characterized by the sudden onset of irritation and swelling of the prostate. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection; bacteria thatcause urinary tract infections can also cause prostate infections. Prostatitis can elevate PSA levels in the bloodstream.
Urinary Tract Factors
Factors related to the urinary tract that can cause an elevated PSA level in the bloodstream include a urinary tract infection and recent operations on the urinary tract. There are medications used in the treatment of urinary symptoms that can lower PSA levels. A recent urinary tract catheterization can elevate the PSA level, too.
Other Factors
Obesity and herbal mixtures that contain saw palmetto can lower PSA levels in the bloodstream. Ejaculation can cause PSA levels to go up for a short period of time in the bloodstream.
