Got a PSA blood test already booked or thinking of having one? It’s important to ensure your results are as accurate as possible by ensuring you do, and don’t do, certain things before your blood test. We’ve put together an expert-reviewed guide to the dos and don’ts before having your PSA levels tested.
Do you know why regular PSA testing is essential for men’s health? A PSA test is a simple blood test that can help to detect early signs of prostate cancer or other relevant prostate conditions by assessing the levels of a Prostate-Specific Antigen, a type of protein, in your blood.
Eating and drinking
Do eat and drink before your PSA test – you’re not required to fast prior to your blood test. There’s no evidence that shows drinking caffeine will affect your PSA results, so it’s fine to stick to your normal eating habits before your test.
Can you drink alcohol before a PSA test?
Don’t drink alcohol prior to your test. A study on Alcohol Consumption and PSA-detected Prostate Cancer Risk by NIH researchers found that excessive drinking can depress PSA levels.
Exercise and physical activity
Don’t do any vigorous exercise such as lifting weights or contact sports on the day of your PSA test, or for at least 48 hours prior if you can help it. You can, however, still do light exercise such as walking, yoga or stretches.
Cycling can especially cause a spike in your PSA levels as it can aggravate your prostate due to the position of sitting on a bike and heating up the pelvic region when pedalling.
Sexual activity
Don’t have sex prior to your PSA test as it could significantly affect your results. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by a man's prostate gland (a small gland in the pelvis between the penis and bladder), so any changes in this region can impact results.
How long to wait for PSA test after ejaculation?
Don’t ejaculate during the 48 hours prior to your PSA test because the semen released during sexual activity can cause your PSA levels to spike temporarily.
Medications
Do tell your GP if you’re taking the following medications: Proscar, Avodart for BPH (benign prostate enlargement) and finasteride, a medication used to treat pattern hair loss and BPH in men. All three of these drugs can throw off your PSA level, making it seem lower than it actually is.
How does finasteride affect PSA test results?
Finasteride is commonly prescribed to shrink enlarged prostate. According to the British Medical Journal, it can shrink an enlarged prostate and will typically halve PSA levels within nine to 12 months. The PSA will then remain at that ‘halved’ level for the duration of the finasteride. For this reason, it’s important to let your GP know before having your PSA levels tested, so this can be taken into consideration.
Can antibiotics affect PSA test results?
Don’t go for a PSA test if you’ve had an active urinary infection within the previous six weeks. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary (CKS - Ref 2) advises this as infections of the urinary tract can also impact PSA results by slightly elevating them. If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), PSA levels may be slightly elevated. Taking antibiotics as a treatment for any infections, including UTI’s is something you also need to disclose.
Does ibuprofen affect PSA test results?
NSAIDS: A class of non-steroidal pain medications which includes ibuprofen, Motrin and Advil can cause your PSA level to drop. Again, do talk to your GP before having a PSA test if you’re taking NSAIDS regularly.
Other tests and treatments
Don’t get the PSA test after a rectal exam. During a rectal exam, your prostate will be stimulated, which causes PSA to be released into your bloodstream and therefore will raise your levels of PSA.
Your GP should know this but it’s important you do tell your doctor your medical history and if you’ve had treatment or surgery for enlarged prostate. TURP or a laser procedure for BPH can lower the amount of PSA you release. This is because there isn’t as much tissue inside the prostate as there once was.
Speak to one of our private GPs
At Benenden Hospital, we offer a range of private blood tests including a Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) test as part of our GP Service. Your blood test will be carried out in one of our relaxing Outpatient rooms in a quiet and discreet environment.
If you're experiencing prostate symptoms, put your prostate health first and book an appointment online with our private GP service or with one of our Consultant Urologists.
To find out more or to book, complete our online enquiry form or contact our Private Patient Team by phone on 01580 363158 or via Livechat.
Published on 24 October 2024