Reminder: men, have your prostate checked

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enserf
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#3505984 25-Jun-2026 11:28

gzt: Doxazosin has no effect on psa and just to be clear - BPH has no relationship to cancer.

Ok thanks for the info. I thought the doxazosin kept the swelling down and the swelling contributed to the PSA level.

With family history I probably don't know enough about this as I should...

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#3505989 25-Jun-2026 11:54

enserf:

gzt: Doxazosin has no effect on psa and just to be clear - BPH has no relationship to cancer.

Ok thanks for the info. I thought the doxazosin kept the swelling down and the swelling contributed to the PSA level.

With family history I probably don't know enough about this as I should...

PSA levels can be related to infections, inflammation and cancer.

PSA is usually a symptom. Keeping it low doesn't mean keeping cancer at bay.

There are medications and surgical options for cancer treatment, for example, hormone therapy can be used if a "low touch treatment" is selected and the patient wants to slow down a low-risk cancer (also depending on age), but usually it ends up requiring something else, either radio or chemo therapies, or a prostatectomy (prostate removal).

So, if you have PSA levels out of the normal range, don't try to keep it low. Try to find out why.

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#3505992 25-Jun-2026 11:58

freitasm:

So, if you have PSA levels out of the normal range, don't try to keep it low. Try to find out why.

I had a digital exam when the elevated PSA was first noted. Prostate was enlarged, but otherwise no cause for concern.

gzt

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#3505994 25-Jun-2026 12:08

enserf:
freitasm:
So, if you have PSA levels out of the normal range, don't try to keep it low. Try to find out why.
I had a digital exam when the elevated PSA was first noted. Prostate was enlarged, but otherwise no cause for concern.

I would think with any significant family history you'd be doing other tests than the relatively simple finger. In any case, it's likely you're in good hands with your doctor. You've probably had additional blood tests for other biomarkers already. Ask your doctor a few questions next time you're in. Also consider a second opinion in the area just for some additional perspective or experience.

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#3505995 25-Jun-2026 12:09

Random fact: Women also produce PSA, despite not having a prostate, as such. It's produced in their Skene's glands and in mammary tissue.

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#3506023 25-Jun-2026 14:27

enserf:

gzt: Doxazosin has no effect on psa and just to be clear - BPH has no relationship to cancer.

Ok thanks for the info. I thought the doxazosin kept the swelling down and the swelling contributed to the PSA level.

With family history I probably don't know enough about this as I should...

Doxazosin is a prescription alpha-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH). It works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure and relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.

(i.e. helps you pee when your prostate has enlarged and starts blocking flow).

Just a comment of the DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) - only one side of the prostate can be felt. But PSA tests and DRE are certainly useful - but not failsafe.

They weren't for me.

Also, as noted, the PSA level can go up and down a bit due to other things. One thing that raises it somewhat is ejaculation within the previous 48 hours - apparently increasing the result by 5-10%.

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k1w1k1d

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#3506032 25-Jun-2026 15:03

I was prescribed Doxazosin by the specialist I went to after having a raised PSA level. It was to make it easier to pee and reduce frequency. I have no issues with my prostate but have a raised PSA level for some reason. He said that a raised PSA is only an indication that there could possibly be an issue with your prostate that needs to be checked.

Doxazosin is also used to lower blood pressure by relaxing and opening up your blood vessels.

As I am already on high blood pressure it lowered my blood pressure too much. I only used it for a few days before having a lightheaded episode when going to the toilet in the middle of the night. Was rather frightening.

enserf

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#3506036 25-Jun-2026 15:20

robjg63:

[ One thing that raises it somewhat is ejaculation within the previous 48 hours - apparently increasing the result by 5-10%.

Maybe TMI for a public forum, but that's not even possible on these meds.

robjg63

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#3506049 25-Jun-2026 16:27

enserf:

robjg63:

[ One thing that raises it somewhat is ejaculation within the previous 48 hours - apparently increasing the result by 5-10%.

Maybe TMI for a public forum, but that's not even possible on these meds.

Sorry if you find that 'TMI' - many many seem unaware of the fact and it can explain the levels moving around a bit......

Doxazosin does not usually make 'that' 'not even possible'.

I will let people google for more information.

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#3506050 25-Jun-2026 16:39

robjg63:

Sorry if you find that 'TMI' - many many seem unaware of the fact and it can explain the levels moving around a bit......

Doxazosin does not usually make 'that' 'not even possible'.

I will let people google for more information.

Yeah I don't get the squeamishness. We are all adults here and it is just about biological function. Is god going to get mad at us?

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

enserf

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#3506099 25-Jun-2026 17:06

robjg63:

Sorry if you find that 'TMI' - many many seem unaware of the fact and it can explain the levels moving around a bit......

Haha no sorry I meant TMI on my part for saying it's an issue.

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freitasm

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#3506115 25-Jun-2026 18:32

enserf:

robjg63:

Sorry if you find that 'TMI' - many many seem unaware of the fact and it can explain the levels moving around a bit......

Haha no sorry I meant TMI on my part for saying it's an issue.

Yeah, that's what I understood.

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freitasm

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#3506116 25-Jun-2026 18:34

robjg63:

Sorry if you find that 'TMI' - many many seem unaware of the fact and it can explain the levels moving around a bit......

Doxazosin does not usually make 'that' 'not even possible'.

I will let people google for more information.

On that note, and considering my comment above. This is a frank discussion so all relevant comments are welcome.

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Reanalyse

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#3506119 25-Jun-2026 19:33

I was quite supprised to find that PSA tests are no longer recommended for those of us in mid 70s, theory being you will probably die from other causes before a slow growing prostrate cancer.

Still my doctor did allow a PSA test, which I will shortly have, on my request

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#3506120 25-Jun-2026 19:40

Reanalyse:

I was quite supprised to find that PSA tests are no longer recommended for those of us in mid 70s, theory being you will probably die from other causes before a slow growing prostrate cancer.

Still my doctor did allow a PSA test, which I will shortly have, on my request

I'm mid 50s and a few other things going on so have regular tests. I just make sure they include PSA with each lot.

I did realise it's only an indicator but wasn't aware other things can affect it.

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