causes of a high PSA concentration

Last edited 07/2020 and last reviewed 06/2021

The causes of a high PSA concentration include (1):

• old age
• acute urinary retention
• benign prostatic hyperplasia
• digital rectal examination (DRE)
• ejaculation
• perineal trauma
• urinary catheterisation
• prostatitis
• urinary tract infection (2)
• prostate carcinoma
• transurethral resection of the prostate

Notes:

• Pansadoro et al. found that PSA elevated in 71% of patients with acute prostatitis, 15% of patients with chronic prostatitis, and 6% of patients with nonbacterial prostatitis

Reference:

• (1) Wilbur J. Prostate cancer screening: the continuing controversy. Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(12):1377-84
• (2) Bell CR et al. Prostate specific antigen in urinary tract infection. Br J Gen Pract. 1998 Feb; 48(427): 1005-1006.
• (3) Pansadoro V et al. Prostate-specific antigen and prostatitis in men under fifty. Eur Urol. 1996; 30(1):24-7