Question for USMB medical experts: Why don't doctors test semen for PSA levels, why is the PSA test still a blood test?

[MarathonMike]

I've been reading about the pros and cons of PSA testing for prostate cancer and from what I see, the cons outweigh the pros. I also read that semen has been successfully tested for PSA levels and there is at least some evidence it is a MORE accurate test to determine serious cancers. So if you are a doctor or otherwise medically knowledgeable, why isn't semen testing for prostate cancer an option?

Prostate cancer: Symptoms, treatment, and causes

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland. It is common but highly treatable in the early stages. Learn more about the symptoms, treatments, and causes here.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

 

[theHawk]

Maybe if they provide a nice looking female nurse for extraction.

 

[okfine]

I've been reading about the pros and cons of PSA testing for prostate cancer and from what I see, the cons outweigh the pros. I also read that semen has been successfully tested for PSA levels and there is at least some evidence it is a MORE accurate test to determine serious cancers. So if you are a doctor or otherwise medically knowledgeable, why isn't semen testing for prostate cancer an option?

Prostate cancer: Symptoms, treatment, and causes

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland. It is common but highly treatable in the early stages. Learn more about the symptoms, treatments, and causes here.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

3 years ago I was seeing a doctor who told me that PSA tests are unreliable. 2 years ago I got a different GP. Since my Father had prostate cancer the GP ordered a PSA test, which in turn showed a high level beyond normal (6.5) I went to a Urologist. Had a biopsy and there it was. Cancer. I just had an MRI guided prostate biopsy last week due to the tumor has doubled in size in 2 years.

Without that PSA test who knows where I would be later and not knowing a possible problem existed. Your call.

Sorry I can't answer your question. Seek an MD.

 

[okfine]

I remember the Urologist saying that semen has high amounts of PSA, unlike in blood. They probably take blood because of that because it would show whether or not PSA was elevated in the blood, opposed to high levels in semen already.

 

[MarathonMike]

okfine That's consistent with what I'm reading but I am also seeing reports that analyzing PSA content in semen gave better results in determining dangerous vs benign cancer.

 

[MarathonMike]

okfine Very sorry to hear that, hopefully they get it under control quickly.

 

[Shawnee_b]

Would it matter if there was spit in it?