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PSA fluctuating between 5.6 and 7.5 - should I be concerned

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User
Posted 25 Apr 2026 at 18:28

Hi folks,

Just checking in and looking for a bit of feedback on experience with a fluctuating PSA and at what point any action was taken.

My PSA has jumped from 5.6 to 7.5 over the past 12 months (usually tested every 3 months albeit latest 6 week test dropped back to 7.1).

Urology don't appear concerned and looking to hear back in another 3 months.  This however represents approx 3x the "standard" velocity of 0.75 and surprised I have not been called for an MRI (in Scotland).

Previous MRI's have been clear but subsequent biopsy in Sep 24 triggered a diagnosis and Gleason score of 6.  

I appreciate these numbers are all at the low end of the scale but family history in this area is not good as my brother was diagnosed late and passed away age 52 (he was my older brother at the time and I am now 62).

Also the various activities that can cause PSA to fluctuate don't apply as not currently cycling and also been married over 30 years !!!  I do however keep fit and active in the gym and running but not aware this causes issues.

Any thoughts / past experience on when Urology start to get excited and should I be seeking a second opinion ?

Many thanks

Richard

 

User
Posted 19 May 2026 at 10:18

Hi Richard,

My name's Liam and I'm the Risk Information Officer here at Prostate Cancer UK.

I can understand your concern, especially given your family history. If you'd like to speak to someone about your situation, our Specialist Nurses provide information and support to men at all stages of their prostate cancer journey. You can call them on 0800 074 8383 - lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (10am-5pm on Wednesdays). You can also contact them via email and live chat.

Best wishes,

Liam

User
Posted 19 May 2026 at 11:42

Looking back, you seem to be on Active Surveillance.

PSA can fluctuate, but the fluctuation is unlikely to be cancer related. Cancer tends to cause a steady upward trajectory, so if you see PSA reduce but you weren't having any treatment or taking any supplements which impact PSA levels, then the previous raised level probably had some other temporary factor also responsible for at least some of the increase. There are some things like ejaculating which will temporarily increase PSA, possibly riding a bike or a horse. Also, some viruses, but most particularly COVID which causes raised PSA for a month or so afterwards, and some COVID vaccinations too. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and a UTI will both temporarily increase PSA and take around 6 weeks to recover after the inflammation/UTI has gone.

I would plot your PSA results on a graph against time. That's the easiest way to see what the trend is. Generally, to spot a trend, you need 3 readings each at least 3 months apart. (Readings closer together may be subject to more noise than the trend you're looking for.) When you have a graph, it's easier to see and dismiss temporary raised outlier points which probably have some other contribution which isn't cancer related.

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User
Posted 19 May 2026 at 10:18

Hi Richard,

My name's Liam and I'm the Risk Information Officer here at Prostate Cancer UK.

I can understand your concern, especially given your family history. If you'd like to speak to someone about your situation, our Specialist Nurses provide information and support to men at all stages of their prostate cancer journey. You can call them on 0800 074 8383 - lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (10am-5pm on Wednesdays). You can also contact them via email and live chat.

Best wishes,

Liam

User
Posted 19 May 2026 at 11:42

Looking back, you seem to be on Active Surveillance.

PSA can fluctuate, but the fluctuation is unlikely to be cancer related. Cancer tends to cause a steady upward trajectory, so if you see PSA reduce but you weren't having any treatment or taking any supplements which impact PSA levels, then the previous raised level probably had some other temporary factor also responsible for at least some of the increase. There are some things like ejaculating which will temporarily increase PSA, possibly riding a bike or a horse. Also, some viruses, but most particularly COVID which causes raised PSA for a month or so afterwards, and some COVID vaccinations too. Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and a UTI will both temporarily increase PSA and take around 6 weeks to recover after the inflammation/UTI has gone.

I would plot your PSA results on a graph against time. That's the easiest way to see what the trend is. Generally, to spot a trend, you need 3 readings each at least 3 months apart. (Readings closer together may be subject to more noise than the trend you're looking for.) When you have a graph, it's easier to see and dismiss temporary raised outlier points which probably have some other contribution which isn't cancer related.

User
Posted 20 May 2026 at 14:08

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your reply.  I am aware of the reasons that cause PSA to fluctuate and none of these currently apply (ie no cycling, etc etc).  Also as far as I am aware I have not had a UTI.

In the meantime (and I have been graphing this), over the past 12 months although the PSA levels have fluctuated I have gone from 5 to 7.5 (and then dropping back to 7.1) which is still approx 3 times the "standard" rate of 0.75.  I was surprised not to be called in by urology for an MRI at this point so am now counting down to my next 3 monthly test and see where that lands.

I am interested to find out what experience people have had with PSA at this level and how much I should be chasing this up.

Kind regards

Richard

User
Posted 20 May 2026 at 14:09

Thanks Liam - I might just do that.

 
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