Have you recently noticed needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night? Are you finding it hard to start urinating, or is your flow weaker than before? These are common, often overlooked signs that may suggest a change in your prostate health – a concern for many UK men as they age.
The prostate is a small gland in men, located just below the bladder. It plays a crucial role in reproductive health by producing fluid that's part of semen. As men get older, the prostate can enlarge – a natural part of ageing – but sometimes, changes might indicate something else, including prostate cancer, which is a leading concern in the UK according to NHS England.
PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, a protein made by the prostate gland. A PSA blood test measures the level of this protein in your blood. Elevated PSA can signal prostate issues – not just cancer, but also infections or an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). However, it's not definitive: further testing is always needed for a diagnosis.
If you’re over 50, have a family history of prostate cancer, or are Black (as risk is higher), you should be particularly proactive.
Anyone experiencing these urinary symptoms, or with major risk factors, might benefit from knowing their PSA number. The Mayfield At-Home PSA Total Blood Test Kit makes checking your PSA easier than you might think: simply take a small finger-prick sample at home, send it off, and receive results in just one day. Alternatively, you can book an in-person blood test if you prefer.
While testing isn’t always necessary for everybody, simply monitoring your own urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, weak flow) and reporting changes to your GP can be a crucial first step. The NHS has more resources about prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
Act early to protect your health. Learn more about our At-Home PSA Total Blood Test Kit or book an in-person blood test with Mayfield Clinic today.
The Home At-Home PSA Total Blood Test Kit provides a convenient, discreet way to check your PSA levels and quickly receive results without the need for a clinic visit. It enables you to monitor your prostate health from home.
While an elevated PSA can be due to prostate cancer, it can also be raised by benign prostate conditions or recent activities like cycling or ejaculation. If you’re concerned, consult your GP for follow-up.
You should avoid vigorous exercise, cycling, ejaculation, and prostate stimulation (including digital rectal examination) for 48 hours before the test to avoid falsely raising your PSA.
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