Prostate Health

March 6, 2025

Prostate health is a critical concern for aging men, and understanding the issues related to aging, infection, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is essential for maintaining optimal health.As men age, the prostate gland often enlarges, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as nocturia, weak urinary stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. While BPH is benign, its symptoms can overlap with those of prostate cancer, making differential diagnosis challenging.[1]

Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can be acute or chronic. Acute bacterial prostatitis presents with fever, chills, and urinary symptoms, while chronic prostatitis may cause pelvic pain and urinary issues. Both conditions can elevate PSA levels, complicating the interpretation of PSA tests.[2]

PSA testing is a common method for screening prostate cancer. However, the American Cancer Society emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making due to the potential risks and benefits of PSA screening. Elevated PSA levels can result from prostate cancer, BPH, or prostatitis, leading to false positives and unnecessary biopsies.[3] The American College of Physicians also advises against routine PSA screening without informed patient consent, highlighting the need for individualized risk assessment.[4]

For men opting for PSA screening, the American Cancer Society recommends starting at age 50 for those at average risk, and earlier for those at higher risk, such as African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer.[3] Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial, especially if PSA levels are elevated.

In summary, maintaining prostate health involves understanding the implications of aging, managing infections like prostatitis, and making informed decisions about PSA testing. Regular consultations with healthcare providers are essential for personalized care and early detection of potential issues.

Here at Indy Elite Men’s T Clinic, we know how important prostate health is for men. Every time we do labs, we are checking your PSA and monitoring for increasing PSA over time. If needed, we make appropriate referrals to a Urologist of your choosing. Visit www.IndyEliteMensT.com for more information regarding TRT.

References

1.Prostate Cancer in Primary Care.

Merriel SWD, Funston G, Hamilton W.

Advances in Therapy. 2018;35(9):1285-1294. doi:10.1007/s12325-018-0766-1.

2.The Issue of Prostate Cancer Evaluation in Men With Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen and Chronic Prostatitis.

Hochreiter WW.

Andrologia. 2008;40(2):130-3. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0272.2007.00820.x.

3.Cancer Screening in the United States, 2019: A Review of Current American Cancer Society Guidelines and Current Issues in Cancer Screening.

Smith RA, Andrews KS, Brooks D, et al.

CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2019;69(3):184-210. doi:10.3322/caac.21557.

Leading Journal

4.Screening for Prostate Cancer: A Guidance Statement From the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians.