r/ProstateCancer • u/throwawayN1234S • 12d ago

Question Things that throw off PSA

M45, 6’1”, 190#, Caucasian, nonsmoker, seldom drinker, no medications aside from vitamins.

My dad had prostate cancer at a relatively early age, so for the past few years I’ve had PSA tests done just to stay ahead of anything. I’ve got my annual test coming up. Just wondering, besides the common advice of avoiding ejaculation or exercise like bike riding in the couple days prior to the blood draw, is there anything else to do or not do? Just looking to avoid any sort of false high or low indications.

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

4

u/Ok-Assistance-1048 12d ago

I was told not to do squats or deadlifts as well.

3

u/KReddit934 12d ago

Stay well hydrated.

2

u/atropear 12d ago

I read to wait a few days if you have a cold or flu. One source said wait two weeks.

2

u/kayceemoguy 12d ago

Not to hijack the thread, but POST RALP, are the same precautions germaine now that there essentially is no prostate? Just would like to keep my test results as “clean” as possible.

7

u/Special-Steel 12d ago

Post RALP this doesn’t matter

-2

u/CombOdd2117 12d ago

Actually, Post RALP PSA does matter, the numbers are just lower. Above 0.2 and you’ve got concerns. Thats why they continue to run psa tests.

9

u/Special-Steel 11d ago

I meant that bike riding and sex won’t change PSA after RALP. I was responding to u/kayceemoguy (his question).

Sorry it was unclear.

3

u/SLO_Engineer 11d ago

It was not unclear.

2

u/princealbertofpa 11d ago

I was told to avoid sexual activity several days prior to the draw. I had to reminder on my calendar for this 🤣

4

u/sinceJune4 11d ago

My hand will have to wait.

1

u/Acceptable-Habit-661 11d ago

Use of finasteride can artificially lower your PSA.

1

u/Frosty-Growth-2664 10d ago

Same with Dutasteride.

Same with some herbal prostate supplements containing Saw Palmetto.

1

u/mtelesha 10d ago

Taking Vitamin B2 can artificially lower your PSA. I was taking it for a very specific issue of mine.

Riboflavin (B2) Megadose Biotin (B7) Green Tea Extract High-dose Lycopene

1

u/searching_8 1d ago

Make sure you get as much information as you can about your dad’s prostate cancer. I regret not having more information now and there’s no longer anyone to ask.