What is a Normal PSA Prostate Test Score?

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a screening that measures how much PSA, a protein that can signal cancer cell growth, circulates in your blood. A higher PSA score is a possible prostate cancer indicator.

What is a normal PSA score?

Traditionally, physicians have considered a “normal” PSA level 4 nanograms of antigen per milliliter of blood. However, certain activities (like heavy exercise) and non-cancerous conditions can elevate your PSA number, either temporarily or long-term. So your “normal” PSA score might be 5 or 6.

A more accurate way to assess cancer risk is not your PSA score alone, but whether that number increases from one year to the next. Even a slight increase of just 0.75 year over year may be cause for further assessment.

To measure a gain in PSA, your doctor must establish a timely baseline. Here’s why.

A man has a 12% chance of developing prostate cancer at some point in his life. In 2025, according to the American Cancer Society, that risk will contribute to an estimated 314,000 newly diagnosed cases.

Many of these cases were or will be detected by an elevated PSA prostate test score. PSA is produced by all your prostate tissue cells, healthy and malignant. So, any tissue cell growth will result in a higher score.

As men age, their PSA levels tend to increase. So when you are younger, it’s likely that all of your prostate cells are healthy, and the antigen your prostate produces is made only by non-cancerous cells. This reflects your “normal” baseline score.

How young should you be tested?

Most men are advised to talk to their doctors about scheduling a screening as they approach their 50^th birthday. Men who are at high risk of prostate cancer, which includes African Americans and those with a close family history of the disease, should ask about getting a PSA prostate test at 40 or 45.

Early testing can be the key to a good prognosis. When caught in the early stages, the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer is more than 99%

What should you expect from your PSA prostate test?

The PSA prostate test screens a sample of your blood to measure the amount of prostate-specific antigens circulating there – your PSA score. Typically, the test is joined by a digital prostate exam, in which your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or hard spots.

The PSA prostate test helps diagnose other prostate issues as well, notably an enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). BPH – a common condition for men in their 50s and 60s – is not cancerous, but the excess tissue growth means more cells are making more PSA.

What might impact your PSA prostate test score?

Here are a few other key activities and conditions that can boost your PSA score:

Sexual climaxing. Semen carries PSA and can release it into your bloodstream. Avoid activities that cause ejaculation for 48 hours before your PSA prostate test.
Vigorous workouts, especially bike riding. Give yourself a break from strenuous exercise for two days before the test (possibly longer if you work out often and regularly).
Prostate inflammation (prostatitis) and infections. This includes urinary tract infections. If you suffer from such conditions, hold off on your PSA prostate test until they clear up.
A prostate biopsy, if taken within the previous six weeks to two months. A biopsy might irritate the prostate and cause it to release PSA into the bloodstream.
Certain medications, including those for BPH. Bring a list of all of the medications you take.
Lastly, your age. PSA levels increase in advanced years due to BPH and general prostate permeability, so yours will likely get higher in your 60s and after.

What if your PSA prostate test results aren’t normal?

Suppose your PSA prostate test indicates the presence of cancer cells. In that case, your doctor might perform further tests, including detailed imaging through an MRI and a biopsy to examine a sample of your prostate tissue.

Based on the results, you and your care team can determine an approach to treatment. At Spokane Urology, there are a variety of care options that include (but are not limited to:

Active surveillance to monitor cell activity (typically in early-stage cancer).
Tissue removal through robotic surgery, cryosurgery, laser, or ultrasound.
One of several radiation therapies, which can include a procedure called SpaceOAR that protects other parts of your body from radiation exposure.
Tissue removal through a surgical procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), for advanced cases.
High-intensity focused ultrasound that destroys cancer cells using sound waves.

Why June is a Good Time to Have Your PSA Prostate Test

You should consider scheduling your yearly PSA prostate test now, in June, because it’s Men’s Health Month. The observation can serve not only as an annual reminder to schedule your PSA prostate test, but also all of your wellness screenings.

Want to know more? You can read Spokane Urology’s “Prostate Cancer Q&A” here. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors about your prostate and overall urinary health, visit our contact information page or call 509-747-3147