Please tell me positive stories about raised PSA levels in men

[WiFiAm]

Hello.

I'm freaking out, and need to get a grip.

DH (57) had a routine blood test on one of those "health check" things at GP, and it's come back with a "slightly" raised PSA level. It's around 3.9. No symptoms that we're aware of (sometimes gets up for a wee in the night, but usually only once, and often not at all). He's been referred for further tests. Has anyone had this happen and it's turned out not to be scary?

Thank you in advance.

(They tested for a UTI and it's not that)

I’ve only recently found out that men should abstain from sex and cycling (!!) for a few days before the test, otherwise levels may be slightly higher.

The man in question was referred for further tests, but came across the above information by accident, and simply tested again a few weeks later, as he had in fact had sex and gone on a cycling weekend. All was fine. He suggested to his GP that maybe there should be some sort of information pamphlet!

Thanks @W0tnow . No sex or cycling for DH in previous 24 hours, but he'd been on a walk up a mountain and played an energetic football match, so it's possible they may have contributed.

It’s worth asking the question. It talks about avoiding vigorous exercise for 48 hours before in the link here. It does mention cycling specifically here, but also anything that resembles vigorous exercise. It might be better to test again in a week or so, rather than trigger further investigations, as it was for my friend.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test

He is to be commended for having his symptoms checked. My husband had a PSA level of 4, with the same symptoms as your husband. One scan and a biopsy later, very early stage cancer cells of a type known to be typically non invasive where found in 2 of the biopsy samples. It’s awful sitting in a room with an oncology nurse and a doctor knowing you will be hearing the word cancer, but they were very reassuring, and he does not need treatment, just a 6 monthly PSA test. He was also given Tamsulosin to alleviate the enlarged prostate.

Stay positive, I sincerely hope that no cancer is found, but prostate cancer is very treatable when caught early. It’s much more difficult when detected after it has gone beyond the prostate to other sites.

My husband had his done a couple of years ago and it was 7 . something ( he was early 60s) . Our GP referred him on a 2 week wait , he freaked out , he had an MRI and the consultant phoned and said he just has an enormous prostate and to repeat the test in 2 yrs but unless it’s more than doubled not to worry . He will probably have it checked again later this year .

PSA is super unspecific, so lots of men will have a raised PSA for reasons which aren't prostate cancer. For instance, as men get older their prostate gets bigger (its called benign prostatic hyperplasia) - it's why many men find it harder to wee/ are up in the night to wee. This causes PSA to rise - but also infections, trauma from sitting on a bike saddle, sexual activity can also do that temporarily

My DH had raised PSA and an enlarged prostrate at a work medical. He had a scan and all was clear. Subsequently blood tests have shown his PSA very low so it must have been an anomaly. He was told after the high result to abstain from “sexual activity” and to only do light exercise for at least a week before future tests. He’s a regular cycler and exercises most days normally so his desire to be fit resulted in a health scare 🤔

Ah, thank you all so much. I'm calmer now as a result of your stories.

I hope you and your DHs/DPs are all well and happy.

It sounds from this and from my other reading that it may well not be PC, and even if it is, a not-hugely-elevated PSA sounds encouraging for it being very manageable/treatable.

He's already got the referral through, so hopefully we can sort it one way or another. The NHS moves impressively quickly for some things.

Thanks again.