Can arousal affect PSA test results?

Posted by mysterywhiteboy @mysterywhiteboy, Mar 23 6:16pm

I (52 years old) will be having my first PSA test done tomorrow morning that my PCP ordered as part of my annual physical.

I’m aware that ejaculation and strenuous activity/exercise can impact results. This may be a silly question, but what about being briefly aroused and the pre-ejaculate that may happen as a result? I had one of those unexpected moments today and immediately remembered my test tomorrow. I never ejaculated or got my heart racing for an extended period (just transient during this brief arousal period). Am I overthinking this or should I delay the test a couple of days to make sure I’m getting an accurate result?

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Mar 23 8:12pm

@mysterywhiteboy
Yes, I don't know how much effect it has but I remember reading that. I'd wait a couple of days just to be on the safe side.
Take care,
Jake

vincescs | @vincescs | Mar 24 8:25am

I believe you're supposed to schedule PSA blood work at least 72 hours after sex but I've had the same question in the past about the potential impact of foreplay on test results.

pieperfarm | @pieperfarm | Mar 25 8:47am

I found my cancer by having sex prior to my PSA. The result was high, the biopsy was positive, it was Gleason 6. Remember we do not manage PSA, we manage cancer. If your PSA is high you can schedule another test at a later time to verify it is high. If your PSA is low, you likely have no cancer or maybe a Gleason 6 like mine. I had many normal scores while I had Gleason 6 cancer. The high PSA test got me the biopsy in 2017. In 2023 I had a HIFU procedure to remove a Gleason 7 growth along with all of the Gleason 6 on one side of my prostate. I still have Gleason 6 on the other side. I have no side effects from the HIFU. I am grateful for all of the MRIs I have had and was lucky to find a small amount of Gleason 7 and take care of it. No issues in 2024 or 2025 and I still have my prostate! Get the test and get another if needed.