Urinary tract infection and prostatitis can raise PSA substantially and temporarily. A PSA taken during or shortly after an infection can trigger unnecessary MRI or biopsy. Treat the infection first and, if PSA testing is still indicated, wait about six weeks before measuring it. Recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise and urological instrumentation can also raise PSA, so ask about them before testing.
- Defer PSA testing for about six weeks after a confirmed UTI or prostatitis.
- Repeat a raised PSA taken during an infection rather than acting on it.
- Ask about recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise or catheterisation before measuring PSA.
- Do not treat a raised PSA with antibiotics in the absence of infection to see whether it falls.
Why it matters
A PSA drawn at the wrong time sends men down a diagnostic pathway they did not need.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for urology, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free