Semen released during sexual activity can cause prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to rise temporarily, which may affect the test results. For the same reason, before having a PSA test men shouldn't have: exercised vigorously in the previous 48 hours an active urinary infection (PSA may remain raised for many months) had a prostate biopsy in the previous 6 weeks

Why should I avoid sexual activity before a PSA test? 

PSA is a protein made by a man's prostate gland (a small gland in the pelvis between the penis and bladder). ::: body-ad-desktop zones:: 232632,232557,232640 types:: 163 disclaimer:: AD typeFilter:: native_ad adCount:: 1 ::: ::: body-ad-mobile zones:: 232632,232557,232642 types:: 5,163 disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT typeFilter:: display/native_ad adCount:: 1 :::

What is PSA?

PSA tests are used to measure the level of PSA in a man's blood. A raised level of PSA can be a sign of a prostate condition, such as: <ul> <li>enlarged prostate</li> <li>infection or inflammation of the prostate (<a href="/prostate-disorders/prostatitis">prostatitis</a>)</li> <li><a href="/prostate-cancer">prostate cancer</a></li> <li>digital rectal examinations (DRE)</li> </ul> You may also be offered a <a href="/prostate-disorders/rectal-examination">DRE</a>, another way to diagnose problems with your prostate gland. During the DRE the doctor will insert their finger into your anus to check for any abnormalities on the prostate gland. ::: body-ad-mobile zones:: 232632,232557,233460 types:: 5 disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT typeFilter:: display adCount:: 1 :::

What are PSA tests? 

A prostate biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken from the prostate for analysis, can also increase your PSA levels. Your PSA test should therefore be carried out either: <ul> <li>before the surgery</li> <li>at least 6 weeks afterwards.</li> </ul>

Prostate biopsy 



Semen released during sexual activity can cause prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to rise temporarily, which may affect the test results.

For the same reason, before having a PSA test men shouldn't have:

exercised vigorously in the previous 48 hours
an active urinary infection (PSA may remain raised for many months)
had a prostate biopsy in the previous 6 weeks

## What is PSA?

PSA is a protein made by a man's prostate gland (a small gland in the pelvis between the penis and bladder).


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## What are PSA tests? 

PSA tests are used to measure the level of PSA in a man's blood. A raised level of PSA can be a sign of a prostate condition, such as:

- enlarged prostate
- infection or inflammation of the prostate ([prostatitis](/prostate-disorders/prostatitis))
- [prostate cancer](/prostate-cancer)
- digital rectal examinations (DRE)

You may also be offered a [DRE](/prostate-disorders/rectal-examination), another way to diagnose problems with your prostate gland.

During the DRE the doctor will insert their finger into your anus to check for any abnormalities on the prostate gland.


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## Prostate biopsy 

A prostate biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken from the prostate for analysis, can also increase your PSA levels.

Your PSA test should therefore be carried out either:

- before the surgery
- at least 6 weeks afterwards.

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References

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Article information

Before having a PSA test to test for prostate cancer, men shouldn't have ejaculated during the previous 48 hours. Learn about why this should be avoided here - using content verified by certified doctors.