Test Overview
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of
in the blood. PSA is
released into a man's blood by his
. Healthy men have low amounts of PSA in
the blood. The amount of PSA in the blood normally increases as a man's
enlarges with age. PSA may increase because
of inflammation of the prostate gland () or
. An injury, a digital rectal exam, or
sexual activity (ejaculation) may also briefly raise PSA levels.
Prostate cancer often grows very slowly, without causing major problems.
Finding prostate cancer early and treating it may prevent some health
problems and reduce the risk of dying from the cancer. But some treatments for
prostate cancer can cause other problems, such as being unable to control
urination () or erection problems (). Some men may choose not to have
a PSA test or treat prostate cancer if it is found. For example, a man older
than age 75 who has no bothersome symptoms of prostate cancer may choose not to
treat the cancer if it is found, so he would not need a PSA test.
Prostate Cancer Screening: Should I Have a PSA Test?