Other Conditions That Can Affect the PSA Levels
The most common cause of an elevated PSA is an enlarged prostate that occurs in most men as they age. This has prompted some prostate cancer experts to recommend using higher PSA thresholds for abnormal with increasing age. An inflammation of the prostate, called prostatitis, can also cause a borderline high PSA level.
Several other conditions can cause a temporary increase in PSA. These include urinary retention, or having a prostate biopsy, a cystoscopy procedure, or a urethral catheterization. Having a digital rectal exam or sexual activity with ejaculation cause minor elevations of PSA. Some doctors suggest that men abstain from sexual activity for two days before having the test.
Some medications and herbal preparations can lower blood PSA levels. Finasteride (Proscar® or Propecia® -- a drug used for treating an enlarged prostate) can cause a 50% reduction in blood PSA. Saw palmetto (an herb used by some men to treat benign prostate enlargement), and PC-SPES (an herbal mixture that contains saw palmetto) can also cause lower PSA levels. A doctor should know if a man is taking any of these when a PSA test is done.
