Prostate-specific antigen is produced by your prostate gland cells and is considered a protein. An elevated PSA in Houston TX can indicate prostate cancer, but it’s not the only cause. Therefore, if you have recently been told that your levels are slightly higher than normal, it is not the time to panic. Higher levels can be caused by a UTI, enlarged prostate or a recent ejaculation.
In fact, PSA levels aren’t necessarily the best indicator of prostate health, especially on their own. Therefore, your doctor should look at those levels, as well as other risk factors, such as family history and age. They may also perform more exams, such as a digital rectal exam.
Age
PSA levels can increase as you age. The increase is normal and could be caused by benign tissue growth in the prostate. Some men might also find that their prostate gets larger as they age, which can also be the cause of higher PSA levels.
BPH
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, is common in men as they get older. If you have BPH, your PSA levels can rise higher and affect the urinary tract or bladder. You might have BPH if you have trouble urinating. Treating your BPH with appropriate medication and lifestyle changes is essential, as it could start affecting your kidneys. Plus, if you treat BPH symptoms, it is likely your PSA levels could lower back to normal.
UTI
While it may seem a little odd, a urinary tract infection could temporarily raise PSA levels and could make them spike higher than normal. Your doctor can diagnose a UTI with a urine test. If you do have a UTI, it is easily treated with antibiotics. The warning signs of a UTI can include abdominal pain, inability to relieve the bladder fully, and cloudy or bloody urine. Visit Gulf Coast Urology for more info.
