Many people avoid or postpone preventive health check-ups, often out of fear or uncertainty. Yet these examinations can help detect potential problems at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. One of them is the PSA test - a simple blood analysis that provides valuable information about the condition of the prostate and can help identify inflammation, benign changes, or more serious diseases at an early stage.
What is the PSA test?
The PSA test is one of the main methods used to monitor prostate health. It measures the amount of a specific protein in the blood that is produced by the cells of the prostate gland.
- PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen - a protein found in small amounts in everyone’s blood.
- The test is performed through a standard blood sample, without the need for any special preparation.
- PSA levels increase when there are changes in the prostate - such as inflammation, enlargement of the gland, or the presence of tumor cells.
- The results are measured in nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/ml) and are evaluated according to age and individual health factors.
- The PSA test itself does not provide a diagnosis, but it serves as an important indicator for the doctor as to whether further tests are needed.
How is the PSA test performed?
The PSA test is done by taking a blood sample from a vein, usually in laboratory conditions. The procedure is quick and painless - no special preparation is required, but for more accurate results it is recommended to avoid intense physical activity, ejaculation, and alcohol consumption 24-48 hours before the test. Once the sample is taken, it is sent for laboratory analysis to measure the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.
Results are usually ready within a day, and they must be interpreted by a doctor. It is important to keep in mind that elevated PSA levels do not necessarily indicate cancer - they can also be caused by benign conditions such as inflammation or prostate enlargement. Therefore, the test should always be considered in the context of an overall medical assessment and a consultation with a specialist.
Symptoms that may indicate prostate problems:
In the early stages, prostate issues often develop without clear symptoms, which is why preventive check-ups are so important. However, some signs may suggest the need for an examination, including a PSA test:
- Frequent or painful urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination or weak urine flow
- A feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or hips
- Discomfort or pressure in the prostate area
It is important to note that these symptoms do not always mean cancer - they can also be due to inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate. Still, if such symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
Normal PSA values
PSA is measured in nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/ml), and the values may vary depending on age and individual characteristics. The general reference levels are:
- Men under 50 years: up to 2.5 ng/ml
- Men 50–59 years: up to 3.5 ng/ml
- Men 60–69 years: up to 4.5 ng/ml
- Men over 70 years: up to 6.5 ng/ml
These values can vary depending on the laboratory and the testing method used. Elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer, but it indicates that further tests should be done or that the levels should be monitored over time.
Benefits of the PSA test
Regular PSA testing offers a number of health benefits and can help ensure timely care for prostate health. Among the most important are
- Early detection of changes in the prostate - the test can show abnormalities even before symptoms appear.
- Timely response and treatment - elevated levels direct the doctor toward additional testing and preventive actions.
- Monitoring of already established conditions - the PSA test is used to follow patients after treatment or with chronic prostate diseases.
- Support for medical evaluation - the results help specialists make a more accurate assessment and choose the best approach.
- Greater confidence and peace of mind - preventive check-ups reduce anxiety and encourage long-term health awareness.
Early prevention matters
According to medical experts, the PSA test is most useful when performed regularly and when the trend of results is monitored over time. This means that a single test is less important than the overall tendency - whether PSA levels are gradually increasing. Therefore, it is recommended that men over 45 years old, and those with a family history of prostate problems even from age 40, include the PSA test in their annual health check-ups.
Caring for your health starts with small but consistent steps. The PSA test is one of the most important - a simple and accessible way to make sure everything is in order or to react in time if needed. It is much easier to prevent a problem than to treat a disease discovered too late. Regular preventive check-ups are not a sign of fear, but of responsibility and care for yourself. So don’t delay - consult a specialist and take the first step toward peace of mind and better health.
💙 At Bear’s Den, we believe that prevention is the first step toward better health. That’s why throughout November, with every order, Bear’s Den offers a free voucher for a PSA test. This way, you can take care not only of your appearance but also of something even more valuable - your health.
Additional information:
If you want to learn more about the PSA test and prostate health, you can visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/
https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test