Why should I check my PSA level?
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein which is produced by normal cells in the prostate and therefore it is normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood. As a man gets older, their prostate will get bigger and in turn the PSA level will raise slightly.
PSA is also produced by prostate cancer cells and therefore men who have prostate cancer can have a higher level of PSA in the blood. A raised PSA does not always indicate prostate cancer but may suggest there is another problem with the prostate.
What can affect the level of PSA in your blood?
Prostate cancer
Enlarged prostate
Prostatitis
Urine infection
Vigorous exercise
Ejaculation
Anal sex and prostate stimulation
A prostate biopsy
Medications given for enlarged prostate will lower PSA
Tests on bladder or prostate in last 6 weeks
Urinary catheters
A GP will review the results and if they think the PSA level is higher than it should be for you they may refer you to a specialist at a hospital. You may also be referred to a specialist if your PSA is normal for your age, but you have risk factors for prostate cancer such as family history or current symptoms.
What are the symptoms or prostate problems?
Pain in and around penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen, lower back
Pain on urination
Sudden urge to urinate/ urine incontinence
More frequent urination especially at night time
Blood in urine/ semen
‘Stop start’ urination/ urine retention/ straining/ difficulty passing urine
Feeling that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
Erectile dysfunction
Pain on ejaculation
Pelvic pain after sex
Unexplained weight loss
Start the new year by being proactive and looking after your health.
It’s important to discuss any of these symptoms with a GP to find out what is causing them.
Book a home visit for a Prostate Profile Blood Test for a time and date that suits you! Results will be sent to your email within 48 hours of the blood test which you can take to your GP.
