53 years old

[nrthrnlites]

I am 53 years old and my prostate is normal in size but my PSA test showed an elevated level of 5.7. I am a cyclist and did have sex everyday (1 week) before the test without realizing I was to abstain. Could my PSA levels be higher as a result of my activities?

My doctor has arranged a biopsy for me and I am also wondering if their are alternatives other than this proceedure and what are the risks involved?

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
            Thanks for writing in. No, there is no alternative for confirmation of the cause for raised PSA    levels without the gland enlargement. With Ct scan any abnormality in the morphology can be made out, but histological confirmation needs to be done for coming to a conclusion.
Best.

[nrthrnlites]

Thanks for your reply  BUT  my question still remains as "my PSA is higher than normal"   BUTTTT    "my prostate is NORMAL in size".  Is a biopsy neccessary or "ARE" there alternatives?

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
            Thanks for writing in. Raised PSA levels can be due to inflammation, BPH, tumors, digital examination of the prostrate, recent ejaculation, instrumentation etc.
The normal level of PSA is 4ng/ml. Prostrate enlargement is common in men over the age of 45 years.

If the prostrate enlargement is confirmed with examination and ultrasound the next step is to differentiate whether the hyperplasia is benign or malignant. This can be confirmed only with biopsy.

There are no potential risks with this procedure and is a simple procedure. The complications which are rare could be bleeding and infection.
Best.