What Infections Raise PSA?
What Infections Raise PSA? Many people worry when they hear about PSA levels in the body going up. It’s good to know what can make these numbers rise so you don’t get too worried. Some infections can cause a jump in your PSA levels but it is not always bad news.Your doctor will tell you that various things can affect how much PSA is in your blood. Our talk today includes some common infections that might raise those numbers. Remember, if your test shows high PSA, it’s best to see a doctor for advice on what to do next.
When we get sick with an infection our bodies try hard to fight back with all sorts of changes inside us. These changes could also include more production of PSA by the prostate gland than usual. If you’re curious or concerned about rising PSA levels due to infections keep reading.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs for short, are common health issues. They happen when bacteria get into the urinary system. This can make you feel a need to pee more often and sometimes it hurts too. When UTIs hit they can also push PSA levels higher than usual.
A rise in PSA due to UTI might scare you at first. It’s because the prostate gland gets irritated and makes more PSA during an infection. But don’t worry too much – this doesn’t always mean there is a bigger problem like cancer. Doctors know that infections can cause these changes in your body.
If you’re a man dealing with a UTI it’s smart to talk about prostate health with your doctor. They may want to check your PSA levels if you have symptoms of an infection. Understanding what affects your PSA numbers helps avoid confusion over test results.
When treating urinary tract infections doctors give antibiotics most times. After treatment, as the infection goes away, so does the extra pressure on the prostate gland. Your PSA levels should go back down once the body is rid of the infection and healed up well.
What Infections Raise PSA?: Prostatitis
Prostatitis means your prostate gland is swollen and sore. It’s not rare; lots of men go through this at some point in their lives. This condition can cause PSA levels to shoot up because the gland is fighting an infection. You might feel pain down there or have a hard time when you pee.
Doctors see prostatitis as a key reason for high PSA that isn’t cancer. If you’ve got it you may also get fevers and chills or feel tired all the time. It’s important to know these signs so you can get help fast. Quick treatment helps get your health back on track.
When facing prostatitis antibiotics are often used to kill the infection causing trouble in your body. After taking them for a while many guys start feeling better and their PSA goes back down too. But sometimes other treatments like medicines for swelling are needed as well.
If painful urination or other symptoms don’t go away with treatment tell your doctor right away. They might need to check again or try something different to heal the inflammation in your prostate gland fully. Keeping close tabs on how you’re healing helps manage both prostatitis and its effects on PSA levels effectively.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, can have a big effect on PSA levels. These kinds of infections pass from one person to another through sexual contact. They are common and include things like chlamydia or gonorrhea. When someone has an STI it can make the prostate gland react by making more PSA.
Keeping track of your sexual health is very important for many reasons. One reason is that STIs might not show signs right away but they still impact your body. If you catch one getting checked out by a doctor quickly is key for staying healthy. It’s also good because treating the STI early helps keep PSA levels in check.
Your doctor will help with tests and treatment if an STI affects your PSA numbers. You’ll likely need medicine to clear up the infection first and foremost. After that, keeping safe during sex stops new infections and keeps your body feeling good overall, including normal PSA levels for better peace of mind.
Other Inflammatory Conditions
In the body inflammation is like a fire alarm signaling that something’s not right. It happens with many different medical conditions not just infections. These can range from autoimmune diseases to other types of chronic inflammation. When these occur they might cause PSA levels to rise as part of the response.
Autoimmune diseases are where the body mistakenly fights its own cells. Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis fall into this category and they’re tough on your system. They can lead to inflammation throughout the body including the prostate gland which may push up PSA levels.
Chronic inflammation refers to long-lasting swelling inside your body that doesn’t go away quickly. This could be due to lifestyle factors or ongoing health issues. Ongoing irritation in any part of the body can signal for more PSA production which shows up in test results.What Infections Raise PSA?
It’s smart science to know when it’s time to talk with a healthcare provider about PSA concerns. If you have an autoimmune disease or another condition causing chronic inflammation keeping an eye on PSA is wise. Your doctor will guide you through what those numbers mean for your specific situation.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re worried about your PSA levels the best step is to see a healthcare provider. They are trained to look at your test results and tell you what they mean. This helps because some things can make PSA go up that aren’t cancer like infections. A visit with your doctor can clear up questions or concerns you have.
Getting medical advice should always come from someone who knows your health history. That way they can give information that’s just right for you. If infections are behind the rise in your PSA they’ll know what tests or treatments will help most.
During a consultation be open and share all symptoms or changes in how you feel. It’s important so that the healthcare provider gets the full picture of your health. They may suggest more checks to understand why there’s an increase in PSA levels.
What Infections Raise PSA?: Frequently Asked Questions
Can infections really change PSA levels?
Yes certain infections can cause PSA levels to rise as the body responds to fight off the infection.
How do I know if a medical condition is affecting my PSA?
If you suspect this it's best to consult your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of changes in your PSA levels.
Should I get tested for other conditions if my PSA is high?
Your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your symptoms and health history to understand why your PSA level is high.
