I am 59 yrs old. In my annual exam I had a PSA of 4.1, 1st time over 4. Last year it was 3.9 and the 2 years previous it was 3.7. Ten years ago it was 3.3. My GP was not that concerned but I suggested I get another PSA test that day with free and total. She neglected to inform me about sex within 48 hrs or other causes of high PSA readings including high intensity exercise and a deep tissue massage which I had both within 24 hrs. The reading was 5.8. She referred me to a urologist who did a DRE and another PSA and it was 5.1. He said I had an enlarged prostate, which I was aware of and estimated it to be about 40 gms. He said the PSA was still high and wanted to schedule a biopsy. He said 14 days of antibiotics would probably show nothing and a biopsy was simple, performed in his office with little or no side effects. He spent all of 30 seconds describing the biopsy, side effects and risks. I also told him I was on Testosterone therapy and he said it wouldn't raise the PSA. The day prior to the 5.1, I spent 4 hrs sitting on a hard bench at a sporting event and had a bit of a sore rear end. The more I read the more I see unnecessary testing and treatment. I've decided to wait 90 days and get PSA tests every 30 to see where this is going. I stopped the TRT and started taking "Total Prostate", a vitamin formula prepared and sold by the Life Extension Foundation. NOT READY, but comments can be helpful.

Thnx

PSA is only an indicator. Biopsy is a "real" test of actual prostate tissue. And the result of the biopsy isn't influenced by sex, Testosterone, bike riding, hard benches, or anything else.

If you aren't opposed to having the biopsy (which I found to be mildly unpleasant, but not terrible), that would be the most definitive approach to knowing where you stand regarding PCa.

-Gedman

I also don't know why your uro wouldn't advise putting you on antibiotics and retesting after that. It's certainly the simplest thing. I would recommend that you do that, have another PSA test (including free PSA) and with that number in hand you can make a call about a biopsy.

I also like Mel's idea about the PCA-3 test. If you are understandably trying to avoid the biopsy, that would be less invasive although I don't believe its use is widespread yet.

Please keep us posted and good luck!

Michael

Lambana, I don't think sitting on a hard bench has anything to do with it. Nor do I think strenuous exercise does, unless it is on a bike or a professional massage. Sex and bike riding yes but even that, imo, plays more into ultra sensitive rises more than a rise from 5.1 to 5.8.
{5.1 already being too high }I am not a big believer in taking tests to see if you should take a test, to see if you should………. I'm going with the doc on this one and Gedman, even re antibiotics. I do not see a biopsy as treatment but a diagnostic test. Invasive yes, uncomfortable, I suppose, painful, no. everyones definition of pain , etc is different. In all of this, was a dre performed ? I'll make an editorial comment here. Nobody wants Pca, but its much easier to get the biopsy, with the facts you present, than grab on to this or that to bolster hope. If you get a decent biopsy, you can find out whats going on. I'll let you and Uro decide what a decent biopsy is. Get the biopsy! Logo

My DH was taking testosterone injections once a month for 6 months and his PSA went from 2.3 to To 4.7 during that time at age 57. He had a biopsy which did test positive for Pca. While testosterone won't cause cancer, it will feed cells if they are present. You may want to stop your testosterone therapy based on your rising PSA and consider getting a biopsy soon.

His URO said Pca would have shown up eventually but probably when he was in his mid to late sixties if he hadn't taken the T shots.

Tall Allan, do you mean that the results of the biopsies or the biopsies themselves are, in your opinion, the single largest cause of over treatment.? Dratted words and context again. Because with the same logic extended backwards. One could also say: Unnecessary psa tests are the single largest cause of Pca over treatment? I would say it is what the individual does with the results of same, that creates the over treatment? Whadda ya think? update PS, I promise I an not picking nits here…….

Lambaba,
Since no one has welcomed you to this forum yet, I would like to take this opportunity to say welcome but hope that your stay isn't permanent..First: I commend you for having periodic psa screening tests--in this country we have a Federal Task Force that recommends "no screening". Second: Your psa is abnormally high..the median psa for a 60-year old man is 1.06 while age adjusted normals top out at 3.5 and 4.5 for men in their 50's and 60's respectively.
You have received a lot of different information here that may be confusing to some to include me..My advice to you is to follow the recommendation of your URO and get a biopsy. I believe that Logo said it best, but why screw around with different tests when a biopsy is the only conclusive test. Although I normally appreciate Tall Alllen's scientific information and how it may apply to the general population, as an individual you must make your own decisions regarding your health.
I had best reiterate, don't take any information from a forum such as this as "gospel" not even mine.-lol..Please review my stats below and factor them in maybe when making your decision to biopsy or not; at age 68 my psa was 4.89..I wish you all the best!
Bill

Tall Allan and Johnt, I am totally with you on the over treatment syndrome and possibly I am picking nits. I just read the words and words do get in the way at times. The way the words are strung, in my view is much like saying. The single largest cause of airplane crashes is the invention of the airplane by the Wright Brothers. I think it is what is done with the primal cause that is the real issue and only there is the real solution. The rest are stopgap measures until our perfections can walk arm and arm with our imperfections. A dream perchance, only a dream, but still……….. Logo