PSA results - questions

[ramonesfreak]

Ive seen a few threads about PSA and prostate cancer

I really do not know anything about PSAs and I am trying to gather some insight.

I just had a PSA and see quite a jump up from my previous 2.

I am 53

Here are my results from all my tests

May 9, 2025
3.56ng/mL 0 - 4 ng/mL

Jan 18, 2019
1.56ng/mL 0 - 4 ng/mL

Jun 17, 2016
1.72ng/mL 0 - 4 ng/mL


Even though I am still below 4 and withing an acceptable range for my age, would this jump upwards in such a short amount of time concern you?

[wilnj]

My jump in levels is why I see a urologist 2x per year. Also normal for my age but the couple extras hours a year is worth the peace of mind.

Make sure you avoid any activity a couple days before the test as that can impact the results.

[juanbenae]

Those numbers are pretty good. I've had as high as 7.5, two biopsies, and an MRI over the last 5 years. This past November it was down to 5.2 and saw my urologist last week and it was down again to 4.1. We were both thrilled.

I do take Flo-max for pissing.

[ramonesfreak]

Oh wow thats quite a fluctuation.

I think I need the flo-max already. the past couple years I have noticed quite a difference with stream flow strength. I have been blaming that on diabetes....pissing often because of urgency to the point where maybe not enough is really there to create a strong stream but I think this a red herring and I need to refocus on the prostate itself

good info so far. hope there are more comments.

[juanbenae]

Ya, pissing on your shoes every 5 minutes sucks.....

At my appointment last week I was prescribed a newer medication to replace the flomax that apparently has fewer side effects and does not have the tight consumption perimeters. *

I've got a steadier gal these days, so I am having more sex which helps according to some opinions.

[Crowbob]

Yeah the weak stream is concerning.

I used to have to make sure nobody was behind me before I use the urinal.

Now I pee in Morse code.

[recycled sixtie]

In my case I have had psa bloodwork done plus a rectal examination for many years. I have had enlarged prostate but no cancer. My doc does a yearly rectal exam on me which I think is a good indicator as well. A second opinion from another doctor is a good way to go too. Yes as mentioned above no activity before tests are done. Keep at it as I have lost one brother in law to prostate cancer.
Cheers, Guy.

[ramonesfreak]

ok thanks. havent had the exam since I was in my 20s when an MRI for my back showed an enlarged prostate which turned out to be prostatitis. now that was not fun...the prostatitis, not the exam. although that too was awful because I was not in the least expecting it when I walked into that doctors office

ill discuss getting a urology referral with my pcp next time I see him. over 50 should be getting it anyway

my grandpa and my uncle both died from it

[wdfifteen]

Would it concern me? Not unless I had symptoms, such as having trouble pissing.

I've had Benign Prostate Hyperplasia for going on 20 years. I'm up every 3 hours all night to pee. My PSA has been as high as 16. I take finasteride, which helps shrink the prostate and cuts the PSA numbers about in half. I'm testing at 6 now, which my urologist says means it's really about 12. I've had multiple biopsies and one full body bone scan. They really put me through the wringer. I'm not worried about it anymore.

It's been a rough couple of months (long post)

[ramonesfreak]

hmmm, I have trouble (slow) and I am up several times per night for a few years now.

[ramonesfreak]

Anybody go pee and get back in bed and immediately get up again because it feels like you didn't get it all and then you really have nothing come out the 2nd time? This makes me crazy and really ruins my ability to get rest. Nobody likes me when im grumpy

[rfuerst911sc]

I had prostate cancer diagnosis in 2015 . I was 57 years old . Gleason score of 4 and enlarged prostate . Radium seeds with follow up localized radiation treatments kicked it to the curb . Until late last year .

My PSA was slowly climbing . Had a full body scan they found a small spot on a lymph node near the prostate . Localized radiation along with hormone treatments has kicked it to the curb .

There are several reasons for a rising PSA score . You just want to make sure the reason isn't cancer ! Found early lots of treatment options . Found late or after it has mastasized your treatment options dwindle and are more invasive .

Listen to your doctor and urologist , if they want further evaluation then do it . Hopefully it's no big deal and you are good to go . If not you are catching it early and it's not a death sentence . There's an old saying , more men die WITH prostate cancer than FROM it . You just don't want to be in the FROM it category .

Good luck .

[wdfifteen]

Your endocrine system changes as you age. Whatever hormone or trigger that makes your kidneys kick into gear increases at night, so old people (especially old men) naturally pee more at night, even it there is nothing wrong.
But if you have trouble peeing, that could mean an enlarged prostate.
You might pay attention to what you eat and what drugs you take. I cannot take any kind of cold medicine, if I do my pluming stops up like a bad drain. I can't remember the foods that I need to avoid, but there is a list online.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

Anybody go pee and get back in bed and immediately get up again because it feels like you didn't get it all and then you really have nothing come out the 2nd time? This makes me crazy and really ruins my ability to get rest. Nobody likes me when im grumpy

Yes, that's a symptom of an enlarged prostate. You have to learn to take your time. No more pee and run. Don't strain, just try to relax like you're emptying a gas can.
If you go into someone's bathroom and see two hand prints on the wall above the toilet, that's a sure sign an old guy lives there.

[juanbenae]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

If you go into someone's bathroom and see two hand prints on the wall above the toilet, that's a sure sign an old guy lives there.

I gave up many years ago and simply sit to pee at home now and other places I'm comfortable with. When I mean comfortable with at friends and family where I don't wanna piss all over the toilet. Gas stations? Places with urinals? I stand and don't mind depositing my extra drops...


Been fortunate with the night thing. I piss before bed, and can get through the night until around 5 or 6 AM.

[ramonesfreak]

^^^^sitting, same here. At home and parents. Why stand when I can sit? If that makes me less of a man, oh well.

I suppose quite a few men here would protest and say they don’t wanna get their sword wet. That’s a legit concern but not one of mine :-)

[wdfifteen]

I don't seem to empty the reservoir out completely unless I'm standing.

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I don't seem to empty the reservoir out completely unless I'm standing.

I’ve noticed this. Back when I worked in an office and stood many times per day, I seemed emptier. I’ve often wondered if sitting was causing an issue to develop, like the parts in there are not in the proper position for the job they need to do as they are now at almost 90 degrees

Interesting observation

[ramonesfreak]

Did you have any other symptoms like blood or pain?
I’m glad you’re ok. Thanks for sharing

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I had prostate cancer diagnosis in 2015 . I was 57 years old . Gleason score of 4 and enlarged prostate . Radium seeds with follow up localized radiation treatments kicked it to the curb . Until late last year .

My PSA was slowly climbing . Had a full body scan they found a small spot on a lymph node near the prostate . Localized radiation along with hormone treatments has kicked it to the curb .

There are several reasons for a rising PSA score . You just want to make sure the reason isn't cancer ! Found early lots of treatment options . Found late or after it has mastasized your treatment options dwindle and are more invasive .

Listen to your doctor and urologist , if they want further evaluation then do it . Hopefully it's no big deal and you are good to go . If not you are catching it early and it's not a death sentence . There's an old saying , more men die WITH prostate cancer than FROM it . You just don't want to be in the FROM it category .

Good luck .

[juanbenae]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I don't seem to empty the reservoir out completely unless I'm standing.

Nice thing about living in a rural area I piss outside most of the time standing.

Remember that Bat Dad dude? Found his son pissing out back and yelled "What did I tell you about peeing out back?".... Kid shouts back "Not to let mom catch me doing it"... That's gold Jerry, pure gold.