Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• As men age, their prostrate enlarges. This enlargement is a result of excess tissue growth in the prostate. The tissue however is noncancerous and therefore unlikely to spread to other body parts. Men with this condition experience a weak urine flow and the sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder. This condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia is quite common among elderly men and causes PSA levels to jump.
  
  

Prostatitis

• In certain cases, a man has an acute, localized inflammation of the prostate gland. This condition, called prostatitis, is characterized by urinary urgency, difficulty urinating, pain in the penis or pubic region or a burning sensation during urination. It may arise from a bacterial infection or some other unknown cause. While some men suffer from an acute infection that develops suddenly, in others, the infection may be chronic. PSA levels rise in men suffering from prostatitis.
  
  

Prostate Cancer

• After ruling out other causes for high PSA readings, doctors check the man for prostate cancer. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, or a few mild ones such as a difference in the flow or urgency of urination or pain in the pelvic and back regions. The PSA test is a useful tool in screening for prostate cancer. Besides measuring the total PSA number, measuring the ratio of the bound and unbound PSA is a useful criterion in diagnosing prostate cancer. The presence of greater levels of bound PSA indicates prostate cancer, whereas more unbound PSA indicates some other condition.
  
  

Other Causes

• PSA levels may jump in cases where a man has undergone a recent prostate biopsy. For that reason, doctors perform PSA tests either before the biopsy or a few weeks after completing the procedure to avoid erroneous readings. Elevated PSA levels may also arise in men who have recently ejaculated. Doctors therefore advise that you abstain from sexual activity for a few days before the test.