Have you ever heard your doctor mention a PSA test during a check-up? If you weren’t sure what that meant, you aren’t alone. For men, especially Black men, understanding this simple blood test is a huge part of taking charge of your health and future.
Let’s break down what the PSA test is, why it matters, and what your numbers might be trying to tell you.
What Exactly is a PSA Test?
PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen.¹ This is a protein made by cells in your prostate, which is a small gland found only in men, located just below the bladder.² While it is normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, higher levels can be a sign that something is changing in the prostate.1,2
Why is This Test So Important?
Doctors use this test to look for signs of prostate cancer.³ While prostate cancer affects many men, it hits the Black community much harder. Research shows that Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer more often than other groups and are significantly more likely to die from the condition.⁴
Because of these higher risks, experts now recommend that Black men talk to their doctors about starting screenings at age 40 or 45.⁵ Early detection is key because early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all.⁴
What Can Raise Your PSA Levels?
If your PSA number comes back high, it does not always mean you have cancer.⁶ Several other common conditions can cause your levels to go up, including:
- BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called enlarged prostate): A natural growing of the prostate that happens to most men as they get older.6,7
- Prostatitis: An infection or swelling of the prostate gland that can cause pain or trouble peeing.6,7
- Recent Activity: Activities like riding a bike, intense exercise, or having sex within 48 hours before the test can temporarily raise your numbers.⁷
How to Spot Other Signs
Even though the PSA test is a great “early warning” system, you should always watch for physical red flags and report them to a doctor:
- Having a hard time starting to pee or having a weak, slow flow.⁴
- Needing to pee very often, especially waking up multiple times at night.⁴
- Seeing blood in your urine or semen.⁴
- Feeling new pain in your hips, back, or pelvis.⁴
Take Action with the NOWINCLUDED Community
Health journeys are better when you don’t walk them alone. If you have questions about your PSA levels or want to hear how other men have handled their screenings, head over to the NOWINCLUDED app.
Our Men’s Health Circle is the perfect place to learn from your peers. You can post questions, share your story, and get insights from others who are navigating the same path. Community members can learn from each other’s experiences to gain better insights into their own health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or learn better insights by posting in the app!
References
- National Cancer Institute. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test. 2025. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet
- MedlinePlus. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test. Updated May 19, 2025. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prostate-specific-antigen-psa-test/
- Mayo Clinic. PSA test. Updated April 30, 2025. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-prProstate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: MedlinePlus Medical Testocedures/psa-test/about/pac-20384731
- MD Anderson Cancer Center. What are the warning signs of prostate cancer? 2024. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-are-the-warning-signs-of-prostate-cancer.h00-159694389.html
- Prostate Cancer Foundation. PCF Recommends PSA Screening as Early as Age 40 for Black Men. 2024. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.pcf.org/c/pcf-recommends-psa-screening-as-early-as-age-40-for-black-men/
- Cleveland Clinic. High PSA Levels (Elevated PSA). 2024. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15282-elevated-psa
- Conrad Pearson. 10 Common Causes of Elevated PSA – It Doesn’t Always Mean Cancer. 2024. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://conradpearson.com/mens-health/elevated-psa/
