To know what is a high PSA level, you may first need to know what PSA is. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a type of protein produced by the prostate, and if the amount of PSA is high, it may indicate the development of prostate cancer. Ideally, the number should be below 4 ng/mL. (A nanogram, abbreviated ng, is a billionth of a gram.) Infection and inflammation of the prostate can make the PSA number rise. PSA tests are also used to monitor the progress of patients who are under treatment for prostate cancer.

What Is Considered a High PSA Level?

Since a high PSA level may indicate you're developing prostate cancer, then you may wonder what a high PSA level is. Indeed, various PSA levels have their own meanings.

1. Less than 4 ng/Ml

A normal individual has a Prostate Specific Antigen level of 4ng/mL. Your chance of finding cancerous cells in a biopsy is low if your PSA levels are less than 4ng/mL. A normal prostate gland secretes a minimal amount of PSA.

2. Between 4-10 ng/Ml

Although a PSA level between 4 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL can be caused by a variety of reasons, carcinoma of the prostate is unfortunately one of them. There is approximately a 17-32% chance of finding cancer in a biopsy when the PSA levels are above 4 ng/mL but below 10 ng/mL.

3. More than 10 ng/Ml

For a reading greater than 10 ng/mL of the level of PSA meaning there is a high high suspicion of malignancy. Once a biopsy is performed, the chances of finding cancerous cells are 45-65%.

If your PSA level is high, it's necessary and advisable to go to the hospital for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will determine the ratio of free prostate to bound prostate, which is a better indicator of cancer in the prostate than simple PSA numbers. Men with prostate cancer will have a higher amount of bound prostate then free prostate. This distinction is important. It may rule out the need for a biopsy in a person whose PSA number is between 4-10 ng/mL.

Causes That Might Elevate Your PSA Levels

Please understand this: a high PSA level does not always mean that prostate cancer is inevitable. Many other conditions can also raise the PSA level. Some of the other causes of elevated PSA levels include:

1. Age

As your age increases, so does the size of the prostate gland. A larger prostate will produce more prostate-specific antigen. Therefore, this rise in the PSA level may not be caused by cancer. It may be due to the increase in the glandular tissue.

2. BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate gland, can raise PSA levels. BPH causes symptoms like difficulty in urination, frequent and urgent urination, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and a benign condition which can be easily treated with the help of medication. If the size of the gland is too big to be treated medically, or if the symptoms are getting worse, surgical treatment options are also available.

3. Urinary tract infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a microbial infection of the urinary tract which can lead to symptoms like painful urination, burning sensation during micturition, inability to empty the bladder, pain in the lower abdomen, and foul-smelling urine. If severe, it can spread to the kidneys via the ureters and cause fever and chills. Urinary Tract Infections can also raise the PSA levels in the blood, since the prostate gland is located around the neck of the bladder. The high PSA levels can return to normal once the infection subsides.

4. Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland is known as prostatitis, which can cause high PSA levels. It presents with the similar symptoms as UTI, i.e. pain during urination, difficulty in passing urine, pain in the lower abdomen, etc. It can be treated using anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agents.

5. Ejaculation

During the process of ejaculation, the prostate gland is more active. This results in a transient rise of PSA levels. Usually, the levels are restored to normal within 24 hours.

6. Injuries

Any injury or damage to the groin, including the ones caused by a surgical procedure, can elevate the PSA levels in the blood.

Top Natural Ways to Reduce Your PSA Level

Though it is very important to consult a doctor for professional medical treatment when your PSA level is high, you can also lower it naturally. Here are some home remedies.

• Pomegranate

You can consume pomegranates as a whole or in the form of fruit juice, or you can choose a pomegranate extract supplement. Packed with antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolics, this fruit is believed to decrease the the rate of PSA accumulation in the blood and hinder the growth of cancer cells.

• Eat some tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a substance that can inhibit the hormone IGF-1, which stimulates the growth of prostate gland. Lycopene reduces the effect of IGF-1, thereby decreasing the PSA levels. Lose weight. Obesity also increases the risk of getting prostate cancer and hence is associated with higher PSA levels. Keep your body weight in check for a healthy and happier life.

• Exercise

Aerobic exercises combined with strength training are ideal to decrease the PSA level in men. Regular physical activity helps in keeping the gland healthy and the level of PSA on the lower side.

• Foods to be avoided

There are a certain group of foods that are harmful to the prostate gland. These include deep fried snacks like potato chips, French fries, etc.; canned fruits and vegetables; sugary foods; and saturated fats. Consuming too much animal protein obtained from dairy and meat products can promote cancer growth. A plant-based diet is the best when it comes to lowering the PSA levels and keeping the gland healthy.

To Conclude

PSA levels can be raised due to prostate cancer, but there are also other causes of inflammation and infection of the gland. Avoiding foods rich in saturated fats, alcohol, canned products, and animal meat can promote the health of the gland. Regular exercise and losing weight also decreases the risk of prostate cancer. Let us explore more on it in the below shared video.