The influence of ejaculation on serum levels of prostate specific antigen.

PURPOSE: While prostatic manipulation and surgery have been shown to increase serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), the influence of ejaculation on serum PSA remains controversial. We examined the effect of ejaculation on serum PSA levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 100 men 25 to 35 years old with no history of surgery or inflammatory disease of the urogenital tract. Serum PSA was evaluated 1 and 24 hours after ejaculation, and serum testosterone and seminal fluid PSA levels were determined. RESULTS: In all men a baseline PSA level was detected. There were no statistically significant changes in serum PSA and testosterone 1 and 24 hours after ejaculation. Mean PSA concentration was significantly higher in seminal plasma than in serum. However, we did not observe a correlation between serum and seminal plasma PSA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data ejaculation does not affect serum PSA concentration in young men, and there seems to be no physiological relationship between ejaculation and PSA level.

Duke Scholars

Author Judd Wendell Moul Urology