Urology Cancers: All about bladder, kidney, prostate, and Cancers

The normal PSA levels for men, who do not have prostate cancer or any other prostate-related conditions, vary with age — generally, the older the age, the higher the normal range of PSA. This normal PSA range is not a single value but rather spans from a lower to an upper limit. Additionally, these ranges are not specific to an individual age but are grouped by decade. For example, the normal PSA range for men aged 40-49 years is 0 to 2.5 ng/mL, for those 50-59 years old it is 0 to 3.5 ng/mL, for 60-69 years old the range is 0 to 4.5 ng/mL, and for men aged 70-79 years, it's 0 to 6.5 ng/mL. The term 'ng/mL' in the context of normal PSA levels refers to 'nanograms per milliliter' in serum or plasma, with serum being the more commonly used medium. A nanogram is one thousand-millionth of a gram. An increase in PSA levels above the upper limit of the normal range for one's age group does not automatically indicate prostate cancer. Rather, it signals that there may b...

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a substance that breaks down the gel-like consistency of semen, allowing sperm to swim towards the egg. PSA, an essential component of semen, is produced by specialized epithelial cells in the prostate gland. Normally, men with a healthy prostate have a small amount of PSA in their blood, and the normal range can vary by age . An increase in PSA levels does not necessarily indicate prostate cancer; it suggests that something is amiss with the prostate gland and requires evaluation. PSA levels can be influenced by various factors, such as prostate inflammation, enlargement, or cancer. However, PSA levels can also remain elevated for up to 48 hours after sexual activity. Moreover, vigorous exercise, particularly cycling, can affect PSA levels. Therefore, it is advised that men avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise 48 hours before undergoing a PSA test. PSA in the blood exists in two forms: free PSA (the inactive form) and bound PSA (the active ...

The internet offers numerous tips on how to reduce PSA ( prostate-specific antigen ) levels. However, attempting to reduce PSA based on such information can be more harmful than beneficial. If you have a high PSA level, it is crucial to follow your doctor's advice rather than trying to reduce it independently. Actions like consuming certain foods or drinks before a PSA test can lead to misleading results, either false positives or negatives.  This can impede your doctor's ability to make an accurate clinical judgment. For instance, if you have prostate cancer and attempt to artificially lower your PSA before a test, the cancer might remain undetected. Therefore, always seek guidance from a qualified medical practitioner before trying to reduce your PSA levels on your own.

Various factors can lead to high PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. Prostate cancer is one known cause of elevated PSA levels. Additionally, any issue with the prostate gland, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) or inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), can also result in high PSA levels. Age is another contributing factor to high PSA levels in men. Typically, as men get older, their PSA levels tend to increase. Beyond medical conditions and age, lifestyle factors can also influence PSA levels. Activities such as sexual activity and strenuous exercise, especially cycling, have been known to raise PSA levels. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from these activities at least 48 hours prior to undergoing a PSA test. It is crucial to understand that a high PSA level does not automatically indicate a medical problem. Elevated PSA levels can be caused by a variety of factors, and further investigations are often needed to identify the specific caus...