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What Causes Increase In PSA Levels In A Patient With UTI?

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Posted on Fri, 17 Jul 2015
Question: Greetings. I am recovering very well from a UTI under Macrobid after Cipro did not succeed after 4 days. My doctor did a blood test before I started the Macrobid and found the PSA increased to 7.0. Two months ago I did a blood test for life insurance and the PSA was normal at a very low number under 1.0.
But the doctor wants me to check the PSA again in a couple of weeks.

But why does the PSA go up so much with a UTI if I had no prostate involvement?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (37 hours later)
Brief Answer:
the prostate is part of the urinary tract

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The urinary tract consists of the urethra, prostate, bladder, ureter and kidneys.

Urinary tract infections may involve one or more of these areas.

The prostate is just below the bladder and it envelopes or surrounds the urethra (the tube after the bladder that carries urine to the outside).

Because it is part of the urinary tract, urinary tract infections can cause increases in PSA levels, either because the infection may involve an adjacent area (Eg bladder or urethra) or because the prostate itself is involved.

Urinary tract infection is one of the reasons for increases in PSA.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (45 minutes later)
Thank your. I have noe completed 5 days of Macrobid and feel much better. How long does it take for the PSA to normalize? I still have 5 days left on the Macrobid. And because these UTIs are less common in men than in women, do I have to undertake any ultrasound etc. of my urinary tract to see if there is any hidden reason to have gotten the infection?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
if have repeated infections then ultrasound indicated

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the late reply

If you have recurrent infections then an ultrasound would be indicated but if there are no additional infections then this is usually not required.

It can take a few weeks for PSA decline. In some persons there is a very rapid decrease after 1 month however one study found that there was a prolonged decrease in some men where it took up to 3 months.

You can consider repeating after 1 month to see where it is, if it is still not close to where it was initially then repeat.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 minutes later)
Thank you. The last time I had a UTI was 17 years ago. So if I understand correctly, the fact that I do not get them frequently would be a good indication that I don't have to worry about other hidden factors. Is that correct? And as far as the PSA is concerned, would it be alright for me to check it again at the end of July?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, both are correct

Detailed Answer:
HI

Yes, the fact that it was such as long time ago, significantly reduces the chance of any underlying problems.

In terms of the PSA, the end of July would be good.

If anything else unclear, feel free to ask
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
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Increase In PSA Levels In A Patient With UTI?

Brief Answer: the prostate is part of the urinary tract Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The urinary tract consists of the urethra, prostate, bladder, ureter and kidneys. Urinary tract infections may involve one or more of these areas. The prostate is just below the bladder and it envelopes or surrounds the urethra (the tube after the bladder that carries urine to the outside). Because it is part of the urinary tract, urinary tract infections can cause increases in PSA levels, either because the infection may involve an adjacent area (Eg bladder or urethra) or because the prostate itself is involved. Urinary tract infection is one of the reasons for increases in PSA. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions