What are the common causes of high prostate antigen?

Prostate antigen, abbreviated as PSA, is a common prostate disease. When men age, the prostate fluid will increase, so the PSA value will also increase. In general, high PSA values ​​are more common in middle-aged men, especially men whose family members have suffered from prostate cancer are more likely to have high prostate antigen. So when this happens, it is best to go to the hospital for regular checkups and take precautions. If the PSA is confirmed to be elevated after the examination, you should also go to the urology department for examination. The doctor will make a judgment and evaluation based on some comprehensive factors, and then provide treatment. Now let’s talk about the common causes of high prostate antigen.

1. Prostatitis.

Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland. It is very common in men under 50 and is usually treatable with antibiotics.

2. Age.

As men age, their prostate glands naturally enlarge. This has nothing to do with the health of the prostate gland.

3. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

BPH is also accompanied by an enlarged prostate. This does not mean prostate cancer. Prostate hyperplasia is very common in men over 50 years old and can often cause urination problems, such as frequent urination or difficulty urinating.

4. Prostate cancer.

An elevated PSA may also be a sign of prostate cancer. If your PSA is elevated, your doctor will also do a digital rectal exam to check for suspicious masses in the prostate. If prostate cancer is suspected, a prostate biopsy may also be done.

It is also important to monitor changes in the PSA. If the PSA continues to rise, there is a high probability that you have prostate cancer. If this is the case for you and the biopsy is negative, your doctor will most likely recommend follow-up PSA testing and another biopsy in six months.

5. Urinary tract infection.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause prostate irritation and inflammation, which can cause your PSA to rise. If you have a UTI, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

After the symptoms of urinary tract infection disappear, PSA should have returned to normal. You should definitely do a PSA test at that time. Men with enlarged prostate have a higher risk of urinary tract infection.

6. Certain medical procedures.

Certain medical procedures or tests can sometimes disturb the prostate and cause an elevated PSA level, including a prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, and digital rectal exam, including the insertion of a urinary catheter. Once the prostate returns to normal, the PSA level should drop within a few days.

7. Sexual behavior.

PSA levels may also rise after sexual intercourse or ejaculation, but the increase is usually small and barely noticeable, and should return to normal within a few days.