Hello everyone - my apologies if this has been discussed before. ("PSA" search did not turn up anything.)
Researching how long before a PSA test one should refrain from prostate stimulation.
I found an article on a website (that seems to mostly be trying to see a prostate supplement). It had a list of things NOT to do 48 hours before a PSA screening. These included bike riding, tractor riding, horseback riding, motorcycling, ATV riding, ejaculation and prostatic massage.
Anyone here been told similar things by their MD? Or know of another source for this time frame reference??
@Ruby_Ryder, the time frame has been discussed several times over the last 3 years. I think one of our forum medicos @slimjm has indicated at least 48hours should elapse before a PSA test. I think he suggested more. This is to give an accurate reading. My GP has never mentioned it. I think the prostate massage may be more intrusive than ejaculation. I sort of settle for 48 hours Aneros free time. My readings are satisfyingly low for my age, in fact since using Aneros they have crept lower.
Thank you for the information. I am talking with a man who wants to work with prostate stimulation but will be tested again soon and is seeking a time frame.
Aha! I backtracked @slimjm comments and found this quote
"I've found it important to avoid any sexual activity or Aneros use for about a week before drawing a PSA blood test."
Hello everyone - my apologies if this has been discussed before. ("PSA" search did not turn up anything.)
No apologies necessary, it is often difficult to find the relevant information one is looking for using a search function.
Yes the question regarding the time period to abstain from prostate stimulation prior to a PSA test has been discussed in numerous threads before. Here are a couple of threads you may wish to read -> Aneros and PSA Test, Prostate massage and PSA levels & Serious qeustion---PSA score.
Ruby, 'slimjm' also said in the thread How long to abstain from ANEROS use before PSA testing? - "I've done a PSA within as little as about 3 days of a session and noted no changes." Good Vibes to You !
Coming from a family who's history is littered with the corpses of men who 'passed' from Prostate Cancer I'm very dedicated to tracking and charting my PSA.
Once though I 'fell in love' with my wife at 5 a.m. the day of the test, said... "what the hell" and we had a party. Three hours later I was in the lab rolling up my sleeve. Good numbers from that one.
More recently, I had forgotten the appointment and had a 'wide ranging' Aneros session the night before the blood draw. The results were just slightly higher than the year before and didn't exceed the 10% year-to-year rise that my Uro and I agree is a good signal to do a retest.
This year I stayed "chaste" for six days before the blood draw and my PSA was 1.016. Good enough for "Government Work" and OK for a guy with a 55-gram prostate.
My HMO no longer pays the tab for a re-test after a high PSA. Not a large 'bankroll' but it does encourage one to the pre-test handout and, "play the game."
Appreciate your input, @rook. Sounds like there are a wide range of responses possible to pre-PSA prostate stimulation as far as the measured levels.