PSA doubled after starting Tamsulosin

[23july1980]

Hello,

I would like to know if anyone had a similar problem with Tamsulosin. I have had 3 PSA tests in the last 6 weeks. The first 2 PSA tests (taken with a catheter) I had the same PSA of 13.97. The last PSA (without catheter and taking Tamsulosin) my result was 26.17. Is this rise in PSA normal after starting with Tamsulosin? I assume it is not normal because I had a call from the doctor asking me when was my next appointment with the urology consultant/specialist. Also, would it benefit my next visit to have an MRI done before seeing the specialist or should I wait until they suggest an MRI?

TIA

[Weemicky]

3 years ago my PSA was at 29.5 after a blockage and catheter usage. After MRI , bone scan and biopsy diagnosed with BPH and put on Tamsulosin with 6 monthly PSA checks. I have a very large prostate but manageable with PSA settled at about 10. Suggest you have the MRI as PSA on it’s own not reliable.

[fredwgarfield in reply to Weemicky]

Agree. PSA is non-specific…

[23july1980 in reply to fredwgarfield]

Thank you very much for responding

[23july1980 in reply to Weemicky]

Thank you for responding. As soon as I received the results, I contacted my GP and asked if an MRI would help. We are waiting for a response from the consultant

[BexyBoy in reply to 23july1980]

When I was on Tamsulosin, it didn't seem to affect my PSA scores. On one occasion, having an ejaculation the night before blood test was done did cause a high score, so after that I made sure I'd been abstinent for 24 hours before having blood taken! Biopsy is the best test for cancer. My cancer diagnosis was many years ago and I've been lucky in that it never developed. My main issue has been benign enlargement and consequent recurring urine infections due to retaining 250 - 300 ml of urine with incomplete bladder emptying. Remember not all PSA scores mean cancer is present and not all cancer needs treatment. However, regular checks are essential.

[Neuromancer2023 in reply to BexyBoy]

Hi, does tamsulosin help with the bladder retention issue? I have benign enlarged prostate and only empty half my bladder at a time. The GP has given me tamsulosin but i have yet to take it regularly due to my concern about the side effects...both my GP and urologist advise I just get on and take it. However, Id like more info regarding pros/cons.

[dellrobert in reply to Weemicky]

i to am on tamloosin i have had biopsyi nothing found psa rises then falls i am told its a age thing also my local health service does not carry out the hot water or steam treatment which stops the need for medication

[MrFireworks]

As PSA is an indicator for PCa (or various other conditions) but not a cause, it seems to me that a raised PSA level is not a reason to avoid taking it. Though it might cause confusion about your PCa's growth, because of it interfering with the testing. Assuming that Tamsulosin is indeed what is interfering, and it's not inflammation, infection or something else.

[Sooty70]

Psa tests are not accurate. If you've worked out in gym or ejaculated in previous 48 hours you can get false readings. Tamosulin should shrink your postrate not cause those problems. Itchey legs is what I get from tamsulosin. Must be a symptom.

[dellrobert in reply to Sooty70]

the side effects of tamsulosin with me is acid reflux pain

[SetteeSofa in reply to Sooty70]

Hi Sooty70. Tamsulosin doesn't shrink the prostate, but helps to relax the muscles in the prostate and urethra which can aid the flow of urine. I stopped taking it as I was wetting myself all too often!! I don't know that itching is a stated side-effect, so maybe it might be worth consulting your GP or urologist if it continues?

With kindest regards and all good wishes,

SetteeSofa