On call: PSA variability
Lab variability is just one of many things that can change your PSA reading. Urinary tract infections, prostate inflammation, and prostate biopsies often produce sharp spikes in PSA results. According to some studies, ejaculation or a doctor's digital rectal exam can produce smaller rises, at least briefly. And benign prostatic hyperplasia pushes up PSA results as men age. On the other hand, treatment with finasteride (Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart) will lower the PSA by about 50%. Statins and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also lower the PSA.
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