PSA test - prostate screening

The instructions for use of your PSA home test can be found here .

Common symptoms of prostate diseases are problems with urination, erectile dysfunction or erectile dysfunction. These symptoms can be the result of a change in the size of the prostate, inflammation (prostatitis), or inflammation of the urinary tract. They can also be an early indicator of prostate cancer.

The prostate (prostate gland) is part of the internal male sex organs and is one of the male reproductive organs.

Some of the seminal fluid is produced in the prostate, the rest is produced by the two seminal vesicles that lie on the outside of the prostate gland. The semen is of great importance for the mobility of the male sperm and thus for the ability to fertilize. During an ejaculation (ejaculation), the prostate muscles contract and force the semen into the urethra. At the same time, the sperm from the testicles and the secretion of the seminal vesicles are also fed into the urethra. The seminal and urinary tracts converge in the prostate area.

The male prostate gland also produces the prostate-specific antigen (PSA): This enzyme is added to the ejaculation and thus liquefies the ejaculate.

The abbreviation PSA stands for "prostate-specific antigen". This is a protein that is produced in the prostate. It serves to dilute the semen so that the sperm can move better. PSA is mainly found in semen, but a small amount is also usually present in the blood.

The antigen is produced by both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) prostate tissue.

Prostate cancer cells usually produce more PSA than benign cells, causing the levels of PSA in your blood to rise. Increased PSA levels in the blood are also indicators of other diseases such as inflammation of the prostate.

The following symptoms may indicate a problem:

• Problems with urination such as a weak or interrupted stream of urine or what is known as urinary retention, i.e. the inability to empty the bladder spontaneously.
• Decreased ejaculation
• pain when ejaculating (ejaculation)
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Discomfort with bowel movements
• Pain in the prostate area
• Pain in the lower back, hips, thighs and pelvis.

Adults (18 years and older) who want to have their PSA levels checked, e.g. B. if they have symptoms.

Important risk groups for altered PSA levels are:

• People older than 50 years
• People who are of African American or Caribbean descent
• People who have a family history of prostate cancer
• People who have certain genetic changes that make prostate cancer more likely to develop

Your result is " harmless ": the PSA value is below 4.4 ng/ml. There is no suspicion of changes in prostate function.

Your result is “ high risk ”: your PSA is above 4.4 ng/ml. This is considered reason for a visit to your GP as it could indicate changes in the way your prostate is working, for example due to inflammation or a change in size.

Some of the factors that can cause high PSA levels are:

• Biological age: PSA levels may increase with age and may be associated with age-related BPH.
• An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): BPH, which is common in older men, can increase total PSA levels. The effects of BPH on the bladder and urinary tract can lead to inflammation and infection (UTI), both of which can increase PSA levels.
• Recent ejaculation: Some men experience elevated PSA levels after ejaculation. This can last up to 24 hours.
• Parathyroid hormone: This is a hormone that regulates calcium levels and can increase PSA levels. Parathyroid hormones may promote prostate cancer growth, suggesting that their effect on PSA levels is likely associated with prostate cancer.
• Prostatitis: Men under the age of 50 often develop prostatitis. Prostatitis-associated inflammation and prostate irritation can also increase PSA levels.
• urinary tract infection
• prostate cancer
• Injuries to the prostate and surgery: An injury to the groin caused by an accident or surgery can raise PSA levels. However, this can be ruled out by a second PSA test. You should tell your doctor if you have recently had a fall, hit, or accident.

The DoctorBox home tests may not be used:

• If you are not yet of legal age/adult (from 18 years of age)
• If you have problems seeing or having blood drawn. Then carry out the test in the presence of another adult or have a healthcare professional carry out the test.

You should only use the DoctorBox home tests after consulting your doctor if:

• You have a tendency to bleed or have a clotting disorder or are taking anticoagulant medication
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In this case, the reference values ​​may deviate.