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Do I Need Blood Test For PSA Levels Every Three Months To Predict Possibility Of Prostate Cancer?
Question: I had a prostate biopsy last November, and an MRI to check for cancer. The results were benign. I had blood in my semen immediately afterwards, but the symptoms have continued until today. Variables might be excessive interrupted sex (masturbation without ejaculation for extended periods, tantra-like behaviour trying to retain ejaculate) for a period of a few weeks in March. I am separated from my wife so have no sex partner. I just yesterday had a blood test for PSA levels which I am monitoring every three months going forward. The results will be in next week. I am worried about this but would like to avoid extensive, unnecessary treatment, I.e. Template biopsy. Please advise how I can possibly remedy this problem through behavioural changes.
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The PSA level is an important screening method to predict the possibility of prostate cancer. If the level is more than 5 ng/ ml then screening is suggested regularly.
2. If your MRI and prostate biopsy show benign findings then it is unlikely that you have cancer.
3. You might continue doing PSA blood test every 3 months and if there is a significant rise then you should discuss it with the urologist.
4. There is a variable called PSA velocity and it is calculated by measuring the increase in PSA over a year. Men with a PSA increase of more than 0.75 ng/ml within a year show a worrisome risk for prostate cancer.
5. Please noted that PSA might also show increase in benign hypertrophy and infection of prostate gland. This is also to be discussed with your doctor and any infection is to be treated with medicine.
6. There are varied opinions about tantra methods and blood in semen. However, too much stress or forceful masturbation is likely to cause your blood in semen. You might do masturbation 2 to 3 times a week and not more than once daily. Please avoid rough masturbation and be gentle with yourself.
7. You might include mental relaxation exercises to keep your mind calm. Please avoid tantra methods if they cause blood in semen. Drink adequate amount of water and pass urine when you have the urge.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The PSA level is an important screening method to predict the possibility of prostate cancer. If the level is more than 5 ng/ ml then screening is suggested regularly.
2. If your MRI and prostate biopsy show benign findings then it is unlikely that you have cancer.
3. You might continue doing PSA blood test every 3 months and if there is a significant rise then you should discuss it with the urologist.
4. There is a variable called PSA velocity and it is calculated by measuring the increase in PSA over a year. Men with a PSA increase of more than 0.75 ng/ml within a year show a worrisome risk for prostate cancer.
5. Please noted that PSA might also show increase in benign hypertrophy and infection of prostate gland. This is also to be discussed with your doctor and any infection is to be treated with medicine.
6. There are varied opinions about tantra methods and blood in semen. However, too much stress or forceful masturbation is likely to cause your blood in semen. You might do masturbation 2 to 3 times a week and not more than once daily. Please avoid rough masturbation and be gentle with yourself.
7. You might include mental relaxation exercises to keep your mind calm. Please avoid tantra methods if they cause blood in semen. Drink adequate amount of water and pass urine when you have the urge.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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