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High PSA Level Does Not Always Mean Prostate Cancer

High PSA levels are usually directly associated with prostate cancer. In fact, men who have high PSA levels may experience other conditions that have absolutely nothing to do with malignancy in the prostate gland. PSA (prostate specific antigen) or prostate specific antigen is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. The prostate gland itself is located just below the bladder of a man and functions to protect and enrich sperm. High levels of PSA in the blood, indicating something is happening to the prostate gland.

Normal PSA Level

Normal PSA levels vary depending on age and race. The following are normal PSA levels in Asian people:
  • Ages 40-49: normal PSA levels 2.0 ng / mL
  • Ages 50-59: normal PSA levels 3.0 ng / mL
  • Ages 60-69: normal PSA levels 4.0 ng / mL
  • Ages 70-75: normal PSA levels 5.0 ng / mL

Other Causes That Make High PSA Levels

To diagnose prostate cancer, other tests are needed besides the PSA level test, which includes physical examination, imaging, and prostate biopsy. So, don't immediately think that high levels of PSA are a sign of prostate cancer. There are various other conditions that cause high levels of PSA in the blood, namely:

  • Age

    • PSA levels can increase with age. This increase is caused by prostate tissue growth as a person ages. However, you are still advised to maintain PSA levels at low levels.

  • Ejaculation

    • PSA levels in the blood can increase after you ejaculate. Usually the PSA levels will return to normal within 24 hours after ejaculation. But not infrequently, new PSA levels return to normal after 2-3 days.

  • Inflammation of the prostate gland

    • The prostate gland can become inflamed, known as prostatitis. This inflammation can cause PSA levels to be high. Prostatitis generally affects men under the age of 50 years. Prostatitis caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, while prostatitis that is not caused by bacteria is more durable and treatment will be more difficult.

  • Medical procedure

    • All medical procedures performed around the prostate gland will usually make PSA levels rise. This happens because the prostate gland is injured or injured. Examples of medical procedures that can affect the prostate are catheter placement in the bladder or prostate surgery and the surrounding area.

  • Enlarged prostate gland

    • BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition when the prostate gland enlarges, but not because of prostate cancer. If it does not cause problems, BPH does not need to be cured. However, there are times when BPH causes difficulty urinating or often urinates frequently. If this condition occurs, the BPH needs to be addressed.

  • Urinary tract infection

    • Urinary tract infections (UTI) can also cause an increase in PSA levels. This occurs because the UTI irritates the prostate gland so that prostate cell production becomes more.

How to Reduce PSA Levels

To be more calm and avoid various disorders associated with the prostate gland, you can reduce PSA levels in the blood in the following ways:
  • Avoid foods and drinks that have high fat content.
  • Consumption of more tomatoes that contain lots of lycopene, which can protect body cells from damage.
  • Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables that are high in content of polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, such as green vegetables and pomegranates. The nutritional content in pomegranates is believed to inhibit cancer cells and slow the rise in PSA levels.
  • Increase intake of vitamin D.
  • Diligent exercise can also be one way to reduce high PSA levels in the blood.
  • Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and help prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body.
In addition, undergoing a routine medical check-up to the doctor is also an important step to maintain the health of the prostate gland.

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