What is the PSA level after a prostate removal?
After surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy), the PSA level usually drops within a few weeks to an undetectable level. The PSA is no longer produced after the removal of the organ and is therefore no longer released into the blood. The PSA still present in the blood is slowly broken down and excreted.
In most cases, PSA values are not given as 0 in the case of undetectable values, such as after prostate removal. The value is often given as less than 0.2ng/ml, for example. However, as long as the value does not rise again in the course of time, there is no reason to worry.
It is important to follow the recommended check-ups after a prostate removal. If the value does rise again, it is possible to react early and consider further options. Another harmless explanation for detectable low PSA levels in the blood after a prostate removal is that PSA can be produced in very small quantities even in small glands in the area of the urethra.
Which drugs can increase PSA levels?
Drugs can influence the PSA level. It is therefore very important to tell the doctor who performs the PSA determination exactly what medicines you are taking. One example are drugs that are supposed to lower the intraocular pressure and are used for glaucoma.
In some cases, these drugs can cause an increase in PSA levels as a side effect. Even if the medication can have an influence on the PSA level, a conspicuously increased value should be followed up by further diagnostics or at least a new determination in the course of the disease. A sole explanation of the increased value as a result of taking the medication is not sufficient.
What influence does stress have on the PSA value?
A direct influence of stress on the PSA value could not be determined so far. The value does not change significantly if you are under stress at the time of blood collection or before. However, it is possible that stress can indirectly contribute to an increase in the PSA value by other means.
Among many other general risk factors, stress is also partly responsible for the development of cancer. If prostate cancer develops, the PSA level usually also increases. If stress has contributed to the development of the disease, the PSA level is indirectly affected.However, this does not mean that every person who suffers a lot of stress will get cancer. Many other factors such as hereditary stress are other important risk factors. Since stress can be harmful to health in the long run in many different ways, one should always take care of balance and relief.
