Understanding False PSA Levels: 5 Surprising Factors You Should Be Aware Of

The prostate, a small gland located between the base of the penis and the rectum, plays an essential role in reproduction by producing semen. This semen combines with sperm from the testes, helping the sperm to travel and survive. Therefore, the prostate is a crucial part of the male reproductive system. We’ll talk about understanding PSA levels in this article.

The prostate gland produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which serves as a marker for prostate cancer. Medical professionals routinely measure PSA levels in men in their 50s who experience prostate issues or undergo a thorough checkup. Surprisingly, certain factors can influence and skyrocket your PSA levels. Therefore, having elevated PSA levels doesn’t automatically mean prostate cancer. This article reveals some overlooked factors that could increase your PSA levels and and tips to boost the health of your prostate.

Why Is PSA Test Done, and What Is the Normal Range?

Both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland can produce PSA. As a result, both prostate cancer and benign conditions of the prostate can lead to an increase in PSA levels in the blood. Doctors use the PSA test to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who have already been diagnosed with the condition. They also use it to follow up on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to screen for prostate cancer.

Generally, healthcare professionals measure PSA levels to determine the amount of PSA that has leaked into the bloodstream from prostate epithelial cells. Most of the PSA that leaks into the bloodstream binds to other proteins. Therefore, they measure free-processed PSA and incompletely processed PSA to calculate the total PSA value.

PSA levels are categorized according to whether they are elevated or non-elevated rather than normal or abnormal. This is because the range that determines what is normal varies by age. For men 60 years and above, the range should be at or below 4.0 mg/mL. For people below 60 years (i.e., 59 years or younger), the range should be at or below 2.5 mg/mL.

5 Surprising Factors That Can Cause False PSA Levels

The following factors can cause a rise in PSA levels, which doesn’t always indicate prostate cancer:

·       Recent ejaculation: During ejaculation, contraction of the muscles at the base of the pelvis (pelvic muscles) occurs. This contraction also occurs in the fat depot surrounding the prostate gland, which causes some of the PSA to leak into the bloodstream.

·       Infection or chronic inflammation: Any infection that triggers a chronic inflammatory response, such as urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, etc., can raise PSA levels. This is because chronic inflammation can disrupt your normal prostate function and cause PSA to enter the bloodstream.

·       Cycling or horseback riding: Any activity that increases the pressure in the prostate gland can temporarily raise PSA levels.

·       Certain medications: Some drugs can either increase or decrease PSA levels. This can lead to a false reading of the PSA value. These drugs include some steroid-based medications, diuretics, etc.

·       Hormone therapy: Although testosterone is an essential hormone in men, testosterone replacement therapy can trigger false PSA levels. This is because testosterone promotes PSA production in the prostate.

How to Boost Your Prostate Health

The prostate is a vital gland that makes part of the semen and contains enzymes and zinc that help the sperm survive the journey through the urethra. Thus, it is paramount to boost the health of your prostate in the following ways:

·       Adopt healthy eating habits and reduce the consumption of processed foods and caffeinated beverages.

·       Use of prostate support supplement: You don’t have to wait till you develop prostate issues before boosting the health of your prostate. Incorporating NATURE’SFIELD PROSTATE DEFENCE reinforces the vitality and function of your prostate and prevents the development of an enlarged prostate.

If your PSA levels are higher than normal, don’t panic because some of the above factors could be responsible. Therefore, be informed, monitor the state of your prostate, and start using NATURE’SFIELD PROSTATE DEFENCE for optimal prostate health and reproductive wellness.