What is PSA?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland and measured in the blood. It is used to screen for prostate cancer, monitor known prostate cancer, and evaluate benign prostate conditions. PSA is prostate-specific but not cancer-specific many benign causes raise it.
Why it matters
PSA screening can detect prostate cancer earlier, but it also detects benign enlargement and inflammation, so results must be interpreted with age, prostate size, and trend over time (PSA velocity).
What it measures
Total PSA concentration in serum. Free PSA and PSA density are sometimes added to refine risk when total PSA is borderline.
Reference & optimal ranges
Reference ranges vary by lab, assay, age, and sex. The ranges below reflect commonly published adult intervals and are for education only always interpret results with the range printed on your own lab report and a clinician.
Elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer but is more often caused by benign enlargement, infection, or recent activity.
Common symptoms
- Often none
- Urinary frequency, weak stream, or difficulty (with BPH/prostatitis)
Potential causes
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostatitis (infection/inflammation)
- Recent ejaculation, cycling, or prostate exam
- Prostate cancer
A low PSA is generally reassuring; certain medications (5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) roughly halve PSA.
Common symptoms
- None
Potential causes
- Normal healthy prostate
- Finasteride/dutasteride use (lowers PSA)
How to improve your PSA
Lifestyle
Avoid confounders before testing
Abstain from ejaculation and vigorous cycling for 48 hours before a PSA draw to avoid falsely high results.
Nutrition
Heart-healthy diet
A diet rich in vegetables and healthy fats supports overall prostate and cardiovascular health.
Exercise
Regular activity
Associated with lower prostate cancer risk in observational studies.
Sleep
Consistent sleep
Supports immune and hormonal health.
Frequently asked questions
Scientific references
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test National Cancer Institute (2022)
- PSA Test MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Educational information, not medical advice. This page is for general education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed clinician. Do not start, stop, or change any medication, supplement, or treatment based on this content. Reference and optimal ranges vary between laboratories interpret your results with the range on your own report and a qualified professional.