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Elevated levels of PSA for 38 year old

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Posted 8/18/2010 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
confused  Hello All,

I am a 38 year old who was recently was informed by primary care physician that my PSA levels are elevated. I am currently serving in the military, exercise and run a few miles everyday with no family history of prostate cancer, (do not ride bicycles). I am scheduled to see a urologist next month, however, I have not been able to sleep after hearing this from my doc. My anxiety levels have gone up and am unable to think straight. I do realize that I am blowing this out of proportion, but I can't seem to help it. I honestly thought that 38 is a young age for prostate cancer. I am just looking to see if anyone else has faced similar situation. I do remember that my blood sample was withdrawn the morning after I had had sexual intercourse, I have heard that can be the culprit sometimes for high PSA count.

What other signs, dos and don'ts should I be observing?

Thanks in advance everyone.

Posted 8/18/2010 3:17 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome saarno,

I hope that your elevated psa level is due to something besides PCa.  It could be from any number of things, so don't jump to conclusions of PCa just yet.  It is wise to follow up with the urologist though.  Mostly, don't panic.  Try not to worry.  It may just be an infection that will respond to antibiotics.  I have a coworker that just went through his fifth biopsy and still no PCa diagnosis.

Keep us updated as you know more.

Dan

Posted 8/18/2010 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hey,

Your PSA up does NOT mean you have prostate cancer. Could be many things, incl. prostatitis etc... Things will take their natural course.

I understand that your mind is doing some crazy stuff right now. I remember how it was. But this is one test, one time, one experience. Google a bit and...breath.

Breath.

John
Posted 8/18/2010 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
So, what was your PSA level on the test? It would help to know that.
Posted 8/18/2010 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
saarno, if your PSA is still elevated, probably the one of the first things that the doc will want to check for is a urinary infection, which can elevate PSA. Prostatitis also elevates it. You are very young for prostate cancer, although not unheard of. It is much more likely one of many other causes than PCa at your age. I know it is easy to say take it easy and don't worry, but like all worries, it doesn't help to worry. Hope it goes well for you.
Jeff
Posted 8/18/2010 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
Like Purgatory said, how high is high? Did you get a DRE also?

PC at 38 is a less than 1% chance, so it's MUCH more likely something else. Yes, having sex WILL elevate it.

PC is slow-growing and curable most of the time. Stop worrying and let the urologist check you out.. If you are REALLY worried, try to see the U-doc sooner...
Posted 8/18/2010 6:10 AM (GMT 0)
At 38 the probability is that your elevated PSA is due to causes other than prostate cancer. It is quite amazing that even urologists ignore the protocols involved in PSA testing. This means do not stimulate the gland before taking blood to determine what the PSA level is. No sex, avoid putting pressure on an area that may press the gland (riding a bicycle etc)....... and I would have thought the bleedingly obvious......not shoving the gland about with a digit, gloved or not. Enlargement, infection etc. will all elevate PSA. Together with your doc it is best to eliminate the more obvious, benign causes before assuming a tumour.
Best of luck,
Bill
Posted 8/20/2010 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, I saw the urologist today. She conducted the rectal exam and did not notice anything out of the normal. She informed me that my bloodwork indicated a PSA level of 6.2 (The same bloodwork done at the start of this thread). I was given an antibiotic course for 30 days to eliminate the risk of any infections and another bloodwork soon thereafter.

I do feel the glands being a little bit tender. Also, I was told to stop exercising streneously for 30 days, to calm the glands.

Please feel free to share your opinions and knowledge.

Thanks in advance.

Posted 8/20/2010 9:08 PM (GMT 0)

my PSA was 6.8 and on retest was 6.1.  DRE's were negative.  my urologist strongly recommended a biopsy at that point.  you can see the results in my signature.  at your age PC would most likely be aggressive.  good luck to you.

F8

Posted 8/20/2010 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Take your course of antibiotics, read up during that time, and be as educated as possible for your next uro visit. If your PSA only decreases slightly, I don't think I would let them pat me on my head and tell me I'll be OK. Be aggressive with your questioning and if not satisfied, visit another uro if that is possible. Good luck.
Posted 8/20/2010 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi New Member:

I am 45 with PCA.  PCA is very rare at your/our age.  It effects much less than 1% of younger men.  The only definitive way to tell you have it is via a biopsy.  Take it step by step and educate yourself with each step. 

The disease is as unique as your own DNA.  It is different for every man.  You could also very easily not have it.

One step at at time.

Retire

Posted 8/21/2010 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
While you are waiting to see if the antibiotics make a big improvement, read "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer by Dr. Patrick Walsh. Knowledge is power. Learn exactly what you are dealing with and be able to tell when someone is trying to BS you...

A PSA of 6.2 means there is some kind of prostate problem. You need to find out for sure what that problem is...
Posted 10/4/2010 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
   turn

Okay,

I have a little bit of good news. I just completed my antibiotics dosage and went in for a bloodwork. The results came back with PSA levels of 3.6 compared to initial 6.8 My physician seems to think that I should continue with taking another set of antibiotics and then get retested after about a month. He is still concerned with the number being higher than the average 2.

Your insights, thoughts and opinions are always welcome.

 

Posted 10/4/2010 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
The fact that your PSA level lowered with a round of antibiotics is very encouraging. Prostate cancer doesn't lower the levels of PSA after antibiotics. So it appears that your are responding well to the treatment and can probably ease your mind about having cancer.

Prostate infections can be very difficult to clear up and may require several different treatments protocols to get it under control.

Think you can breathe easier now.
Posted 10/4/2010 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Yes the substantial reduction in PSA following a course of antibiotics is certainly good news.  Further antibiotics and a re-test sounds (to me, a non-doctor) like a reasonable approach.  Just one correction:  2.0 is NOT an "average" psa for a guy in his 30s.  Something like .6 or .7 would be closer to average.  PSA of 2.0 would put you in the top 5% for guys in their 30s.  So your current psa of 3.6 is still very high for a guy your age, and worthy of continued attention.  When you get re-tested, make sure you (1) don't ejactulate for 48 hours before the blood draw, (2) don't allow the doctor to do a DRE before the blood draw (docs should know this, but some don't), and (3) confirm with the doc that he will use the same lab, and the same assay, that they used for the prior tests.   Good luck. 
Posted 10/4/2010 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
i second medved's post 100% there. good advice on all points.

good luck ahead.

david in sc
Posted 11/4/2010 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Everyone,

I just finished my second dose of antibiotics a few weeks ago, had bloodwork done yesterday and spoke to my Eurologist today. My PSA bloodcount was at 1.3 My physician has ruled out any chance of prostate cancer and said that this was a severe case of Prostititus. This episode in my life has finally come to an end and I have come to appreciate life to its fullest.

Thanks to everyone for your comments, insight, information and advice.

Posted 11/4/2010 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
that is wonderful news to read, i am so happy for you, this is one club you dont want to join
Posted 11/4/2010 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Great news!!

Yes, an introduction to this disease changed my outlook on my life and caused many positive changes with my relationships. Please consider this event a great opportunity for reassessment of your life.

Good health!

Alex in SC
Posted 11/4/2010 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Alex, my memory is short, where are you in SC? I am in Easley.

David in SC
Posted 11/4/2010 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, David:

I will turn on my email button so others don't have to read this. I live in Easley as well.

Go figure!

Give me a shout.
Posted 9/21/2017 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
I had an 'accidental' (doc checked the wrong box) PSA test when I was 36. Was quite high came out at 3.3. My doc said antibiotics rarely helps prostate infection and told me to take another PSA + free PSA. I took another after 3 weeks of pure hell convinced I had cancer, an emotional wreck and considering suicide. Next test came back 2.8 and 22% on free PSA (still high). My doctor was really concerned cause I stopped eating, stopped sleeping and lost weight from the fear of cancer. He said at my age and and PSA scores its almost certainly an infection subsiding.

Im now 42 and after doing tons of research haven't had another PSA although know I will have to at some point likely in my 40's.

On one hand mentally the test did me harm - I have never been able to get the specter of cancer out of my head for the past 6 years and has impeded to some degree my quality of life. On the other hand physically I have made some good lifestyle changes (especially dietary). My BMI dropped from a standard of about 26 to 24 and have been generally physically more healthy.

Over the past 6 years I have had a couple bouts of urinary issues. On about 3 occasions (the last time about 2 years ago) I had a run of about 1-2 weeks where i was waking up 2-3 times a night to use the washroom. Each time I wonder 'is that the cancer coming on'.

I know this is an old thread and your likely not out there. If you are I would like to hear how you are doing!

They now say PSA testing in Asymptomatic men should not start at least until the 40's or even 50 - I wish I had that option when I visited my GP
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