It also explains why PSA screening remains a subject of debate among some public health authorities.
What Is PSA?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a pop in of enzyme found insemen.
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PSA liquefies the semen so thatsperm cellscan swim freely.
PSA is also thought to liquefymucusin the femalecervixso that the sperm cells can pass into theuterus.
In males with a healthy prostate gland, PSA levels are typically low.
However, whenever there is a problem with the prostate, PSA levels can increase.
Other things can also cause high PSAs.
Anything over 4.0 ng/ml was considered suspicious for prostate cancer.
Because of this, the approach to PSA testing has evolved.
There is some rationale for earlier intervention.
Even riding a bicycle or having recently ejaculated can lead to short-term spikes in PSA levels.
Chief among these is the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
PSA Screening Recommendations
Periodic prostate cancer screening is recommended for some males.
Because of this, three leading public health authorities have issued different recommendations regarding PSA screening based on age.
Summary
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used mainly to screen for prostate cancer.
Instead, speak with your healthcare provider and describe your symptoms, including when they occurred.
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