PSA standard values
PSA levels naturally increase with age. Therefore, individual normal values also apply for the different age groups. The PSA value is given in nanograms (nano=billionth) per milliliter of blood.
Since the PSA value is usually only determined in men over 40 years of age (e.g. as part of a preventive medical checkup), there is also only a reference value between 40 and 49 years of age. This lies between 2.3 and 2.5 ng/ml. For men between 50 and 59 years of age, the PSA value should be between 3.3 and 3.5 ng/ml.
For men between 60 and 69 years of age, the range of normal values is between 4.5 and 5.4 ng/ml. Men between 70 and 79 years are even in the normal range with PSA values of 6.0 and 6.5 ng/ml. It should be noted, however, that these are only reference values and that a large number of other factors besides age influence the PSA value. Whether a measured PSA value is abnormal in a patient or requires further clarification must therefore always be assessed by the treating physician in combination with all factors and influencing variables.
What are the causes of PSA elevation?
PSA levels are influenced by a variety of factors that can lead to an increase in blood levels. Not always a disease must be the cause of this increase.In addition to a natural increase with increasing age and prostate size, mechanical stress or strain on the organ in particular leads to a short-term higher PSA value. This includes, for example, a palpation examination by the urologist, which is why the blood sample for the PSA determination should always be taken before the examination.
Other irritating influences can lead to an increased PSA value due to hard bowel movements and constipation, cycling and sexual intercourse. In particular, ejaculation in the 48 hours before the blood sample is taken can lead to significantly higher PSA values. The value can also be increased by other influences that do not directly affect the prostate.
These include, for example, a visit to the sauna or a hot bath before taking the blood sample. The mentioned influencing factors should therefore be avoided about 2 days before the PSA determination in order to obtain a value that is as unadulterated as possible. If an increase is nevertheless detected, a disease of the prostate gland is then likely and extensive examinations should be carried out. In addition to an inflammation of the organ, there is also the possibility that prostate cancer is the cause of the increase in the PSA level, which can be checked by taking a sample from the prostate (punch biopsy).
