There may be a problem with Flomax in PSA tests. If your prostate is healthy, it is normal to have a small amount of Prostate-Specific Antigen or PSA in your blood. If you have prostate cancer, or some other kind of prostate problem, the amount goes up. However, if you are using Flomax medication, the PSA Test may show a low reading.
If your doctor thinks it is necessary to screen you for prostate cancer, you will have to have a regular PSA test done. The PSA prostate test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the patient’s blood. The process of this prostate test is quite simple. First the doctor takes a sample of the patient’s blood, and sends it to the laboratory. There the level of PSA in the blood sample is measured and the test results are reported back to the doctor.
Flomax PSA Tests may show low level of PSA
It is now common knowledge that the use of tamsulosin or Flomax can interfere with the PSA test results. Also the use of other drugs that are used to treat BPH, like finasteride and dutasteride, lower a man’s PSA level. Knowing this, one cannot help but wonder if it is wise to rely on PSA screening alone to detect prostate cancer in an early stage.
It is very important to keep in mind that the PSA level in your blood is not the only factor for diagnosing prostate cancer. Yes, a high PSA level may indicate prostatitis or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). But it may also be cancer. This is why your doctor will tell you that further testing is necessary in case of a high PSA level.
But apart from Flomax PSA Tests results, it is quite normal for men to have a rather low level of PSA in their blood. Prostate cancer and other related health conditions tend to raise PSA levels. So if your levels are even remotely higher than usual, your doctor will want to run further tests.
Your PSA Test results may be lowered when using any kind of medication used for the treatment of:
- BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasy)
- Hormone blockage
- Hair restoration
- Prostatitis
Your PSA results may be high in case of:
- prostatitis
- BPH
- brachytherapy
- ejaculation (having an orgasm) taking place within 48 hours previous to testing
- activities (e.g. bike riding) or medical procedures that may stimulate the prostate
So you see that it is really important that you work together with your physician here. Your doctor will be able to better explain issues regarding this test with you, and advise you on whether you should take it or not.
Of course, the final decision is up to you. But it is wise to make yourself as knowledgeable on the subject as possible. That way you can make the most informed and intelligent decision about your own health.
In order to avoid misleading results from a PSA test, it is very important to speak with your doctor about what you can do or shouldn’t do before being tested. Also make sure to inform your doctor if you are on Flomax, or of any other medicines or drugs that you take as they may cause a low level of PSA in a test.