PSA Result Meaning — What a Raised Prostate Antigen Says

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. It rises with prostate enlargement, with infection, and with cancer — which is why a raised PSA is a reason to investigate rather than a diagnosis in itself. Benign enlargement is far more common than cancer as an explanation.

Reference ranges

Age 40 – 49Below 2.5 ng/mL
Age 50 – 59Below 3.5 ng/mL
Age 60 – 69Below 4.5 ng/mL
Age 70+Below 6.5 ng/mL

Reference ranges vary between laboratories and methods. Always read your result against the range printed on your own report.

Seek care urgently if

What a high result can mean

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Age-related enlargement — the most common explanation by far.

Prostatitis

Infection or inflammation, which can raise PSA substantially and temporarily.

Recent ejaculation, cycling or examination

All raise PSA — which is why timing of the sample matters.

Urinary catheter or recent instrumentation

Prostate cancer

Possible, and the reason a persistently raised result is investigated.

What a low result can mean

Generally reassuring

Some medications

Finasteride and dutasteride roughly halve PSA — the lab should be told.

Have your result in front of you?

Send us the value and we will tell you whether it needs an appointment or not. No account, no form.

Ask about my PSA result

Nothing is stored on this website.

What happens next

A raised PSA is usually repeated after several weeks, avoiding ejaculation and cycling beforehand. A prostate ultrasound assesses size and residual urine, and referral follows if the pattern warrants it.

PSA Test Prostate Ultrasound Urinalysis

Other results people look up

This page explains what a result can mean in general terms. It is not a diagnosis and cannot account for your history, medication or examination. All visits to Mascot Healthcare are by appointment — Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM, 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.