Understanding My PSA Rise from 2.2 to 4.8.

In Jan 2016 my PSA was 2.2, Jan 2017 it was 3.1, then Jul 2017 3.9 and now 3 months later 4.8. My PSA free is 29%. I have been screened for over 10 years, with under 3.0 PSA, I’m newly 62 and Have used Viagra all those years but in the last 16 months it has not worked as well. Seeing Dr this week and expect him to suggest a biopsy. Has anyone had any similar experience or can you share your reaction? What do you think? I’m very worried.

Wendell G

I hope you don't join our club ... but I was a long time Viagra user before PC Dx and Tx. Have you seen your Viagra dosage increase over time ?
Your URo has to do a DRE first and foremost.
As suggested - get through the dre and maybe a biopsy before you worry any further.

Hi, Wendell,

Glad to meet you but sorry it has to be here. . .

I had a slowly rising PSA for some years, and then more marked increases and more quickly. My PSA got as high as 5.69, but IIRC, my free PSA was a bit lower than yours. I couldn't have an MRI (cardiac pacemaker is not MRI compliant), so went right to biopsy. After that, my turn in the radar-range.

I am not trying to be a pessimist, but I would guess that you may have something going on, but probably not prostatitis. Prostatitis usually causes roller-coaster PSA, rising and falling as the inflammation ebbs and flows. You may just have a major case of BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia or enlargement), which is common among middle-aged men and which causes gradually increasing PSA. Or, you may have some cancer starting in the prostate.

Either way, you need to know what is going on. Once you know, you can decide what, if any, action is warranted. It is good that you are looking into this early, as things can get more difficult if you let things get too far along before investigating and acting.

I hope that the doc you are seeing next is a urologist. He/she will know what to suggest next. When you find out those recommendations, come on back here and the guys will help you understand and decide if those recommendations are right for you.

Thank you everyone for your insights. I see the urologist tomorrow. You have helped me move from worrying about the unknown to let’s find out what’s up and take action...and the sooner the better. Will keep you updated..again, thank you.

Wendell G

Breathe deeply and slowly just the same way you should make any decisions concerning your situation. You are starting off correctly, here at HW, asking the right questions. Become informed no matter what the issue is with your prostate.

May you be well and PCa free.

Roger

Hoping you get good news with the biopsy, Wendell. If not, you'll find a wealth of information and compassion on this site. Best wishes.