For those who come after regarding PSA
I had difficulty peeing for years. Based off higher than normal scores (I was 40), a hernia and hemorrhoids from straining to pee, the doctor wanted to run some tests to see if it was PC or something else.
Ran an ultrasound and then an MRI. Prostate was oblong and 120+ grams. Doctor recommended a 4k test which came back at small chance of PC. He then recommended a TURP surgery which would include a biopsy.
Based off his inability to complete the surgery without severing the bladder neck, I opted to wait until my wife got pregnant to do the surgery. When I say it took me 8 minutes to pre, I’m not exaggerating. I was sitting on the toilet, giving myself hemorrhoids just trying to pee a little out. Having sex and having any ejaculate come out was basically impossible. Doctor recommended I build it all up for 5-6 days at a time, edge myself and then try that way. After 4 years of fertility clinics and trying my best, she got pregnant on a drunken night in September 2023 (four years later).
While at the hospital the day after my daughter was born, I stopped by to try and schedule my TURP. He wanted me to wait 3 months and counseled me about recovery and taking care of a newborn. I agreed and waited 9 months.
The TURP happened and it all came back as really bad BPH. The nurses sucked ass and turned the constant flushing machine down because it was too much of a hassle. Ended up back in the hospital 5 days later because I was peeing out half dollar sized clots.
Either way, I’m fine now. Peeing like I’m 17, and TURP was a success. No PC, and PSA is now .63. I got VERY lucky that I can still get hard without medication. I just can’t physically ejaculate which kinda sucks. Orgasms are normal though.
I read a lot of questions from young people on this forum worrying about PC based off their PSA. So here is my advice:
PSA can skyrocket from riding a bike or ejaculating. When I had an 8 (see chart) I had attempted to masterbate and have sex about 4x the prior day. Don’t do that. It skews the results.
You don’t have to follow everything your doctor says or recommends, but you should hear him/her out. They deal with people just like you all day long. They’ve seen it all.
Be your biggest advocate if you have surgery. I should’ve spoken up more and demanded they keep the flushing machine on. Someone making $15/hour during night shift doesn’t care about you. Fight for your rights.
PSA is ONLY an indicator. It’s not infallible. Someone with my scores or lower could have PC while I got lucky with just BPH.
Listen to the people on this page. They are wise beyond your years and have seen much more than you have. Take their advice to heart. (Although there is one guy on here that’s a complete jerk).
I really hope this helps someone that is scared about their PSA in the future and can help them make informed decisions. Again, PSA is one of only several indicators. Don’t go into a depression or anxiety spiral until the time is right. I wish everyone on this sub complete health, a speedy recovery, and best wishes to you and your family.