PSA Testing: What It Checks and What the Number Means
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing comes up a lot in conversations about men’s health, often without much explanation of what the number actually means or doesn’t mean.
PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland. The test measures how much is in your blood. Levels can rise for several reasons — an enlarged prostate, inflammation, infection, or prostate cancer — which means a high PSA on its own doesn’t diagnose anything. It’s a starting point for a conversation, not an answer by itself.
Should you get tested?
Whether PSA testing makes sense for you depends on your age, family history, and personal preferences — this is genuinely worth discussing with a doctor rather than deciding alone. Many men choose to test periodically simply to track their own numbers over time.
What to expect
No fasting needed. Some doctors suggest avoiding ejaculation and long bike rides for a day or two beforehand, since both can temporarily raise PSA.
Ready to order? The PSA, Total (Prostate) is $39 at SelectATest, with results in your own secure online portal.
This post is for general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Tests are ordered by an independent licensed physician, and results are not a diagnosis. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.