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Dumb question about sex before PSA

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Posted 1/4/2010 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Happy New Year everyone. I have what is probably a very dumb question. Johns Hopkins and other recommend not having sex or orgasm 72 hours before a PSA test. I always assumed that was just for those who still have a prostate. But as I get near my next PSA test (sans prostate) does that apply as well. Or stated another way, can orgasm after radical prostatectomy still impact PSA? Thanks in advance for words of wisdom. Bill
Posted 1/4/2010 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Good question, it's been asked recently and I don't think any response was made. My first instinct is to say prostate removed- psa removed, but there's always residual in some cases. Since you list yours a <.1 then I can't guess. If you had a 2nd or 3rd gen. result, say a second at .04, then that's statistically zero for that test, so I'd venture a guess that there is no residual psa in the prostate bed or such, and that sex or biking, strenous activity 3 days before would have no impact. But that's just a wild a-- guess on my part. Be interested to see if others has some definitive proof one way or the other....
Posted 1/4/2010 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
that is a very good question
- I was informed ( when I still had a prostate) that if the GP doctor does his two digit exam of your prostate - and then you have your PSA blood work - the psa would be elevated
- this I was told by the biopsy technician while the biopsy doctor (don't know proper title) was shooting those needles up my butt to collect samples for my initial biopsy.
He recommended at least two days from any activity with the prostate (heavy exercise, sex, etc) and having a PSA test.
.. .. but without a prostate? .... hmmm... I will be asking my urologist on that one on thursday !
-just have to add another question to add on my list !
:)
hugs
BRONSON
..............
Posted 1/4/2010 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
P.S.
there is no such thing as a dumb question - only the one you don't ask !
Posted 1/4/2010 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings guys.  I don't have definitive evidence other than I am now 2 years postop and have had blood work done for my PSA test the day after orgasm and it was still zero.  That only happened once, but I have to believe it doesn't matter as long as you are zero.  If you have any PSA cells hanging around, I would think it would have some affect just as it does when you still have your prostate.  David

Posted 1/4/2010 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
I asked my uro/surgeon that questions several times, and his answer always the same. Post prostate surgery, there is no effect from having sex prior to a post surgery PSA test. He said that only applies when you still possess a prostate.

David in SC
Posted 1/4/2010 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
I'm certain David is right - on the other hand - Whoever wants a high PSA result-> raise your hand.  When in doubt - read a book instead of messin around with the little Mrs.

Posted 1/4/2010 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for the responses. That all makes sense, and was what I thought, but you know how we all get a bit antsy around PSA checkup time. Steve, you are right on target...when in doubt...DON'T! Many thanks, Bill
Posted 1/4/2010 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Im not sure Bill, lol, I way "If you can, do"
Posted 1/4/2010 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
David, I love your sense of humor, especially considering all you have been through. And I agree, Do is better than DON'T.
Posted 1/4/2010 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
It's been a shame the past 3 months Bill. The "can" part of me was working fine, and there was all the "oppurtnity" available on demand, but the pains related with the radiation and the sp catheter made it not worth it after a couple of attempts. So willie is back in the closet waiting for better days ahead.

david
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