What can influence PSA readings?

[promesa]

Is there any outside influence to PSA readings in the blood test? Could recent ejaculation prior to blood being taken raise the reading?

[winwun]

I am a 75 year-old male and my GP detected a 4.4 on the PSA and referred me to a urologist.  

The Urologist had his nurse take a blood for further analysis, and he then interviewed me and one of his questions was, "Do you use an exercise bike?" and I told him that I did, and for a half-hour before each meal.

He seemed a bit exasperated as he laid his clip-board aside and capped his pen and told me, "I will tell my nurse to trash your blood sample, and I want you to stay off the exercise bike for 2 weeks and come back for another blood work-up."

I did as instructed, and the new reading, after being off the bicycle-type seat of the exercycle for two weeks, was 3.9 and I was, understandbly, elated.

I am now wondering if there are other life-style mods that would be effective therapies in the treatment of elevated PSA readings.

I am wondering if diet, more/less sex, homeopathic regimens, etc would be efficacious.

Does anyone have any ideas on the subject.

I am somewhat disturbed that my GP didn't know/care enough to ask the question that was asked by the urologist . . .

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

Any irritation or pressure on the prostate can cause an increase. Ejaculation is generally discouraged for 48 hours. Rectal exams as well.

The most common cause for elevated PSA is benign prostate enlargement. Other causes include infections like prostatitis.