High PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

High PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

Doctify verified reviews
★★★★★
4.93
· 142 verified reviews

Medically reviewed by Mr Maneesh Ghei, Consultant Urological Surgeon (GMC: 5208045)

What a Raised PSA Actually Means

A raised PSA means the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood is higher than the normal reference range, which is partly based on your age. It is a common finding and, in most men, it is caused by something other than cancer, such as an enlarged prostate, inflammation or a urine infection. A single high reading does not give you a diagnosis on its own. It needs to be interpreted by a urologist alongside your age, your history and any symptoms, who can then decide whether further checks are needed.

Key Takeaways
  • A raised PSA is common and, in most men, is not caused by cancer.
  • Benign causes such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis and urine infections all push PSA up.
  • Any symptoms you have usually come from the underlying cause, not from the PSA reading itself.
  • A raised PSA is best interpreted by a urologist who can read it alongside your age, history and symptoms, rather than on the number alone.
  • You can have a private assessment in London with same-week availability and no GP referral.

What Is PSA?

PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate gland. A small amount circulates in the blood and can be measured with a simple blood test. Levels tend to rise gradually with age, so what counts as normal for a man in his forties is different from a man in his seventies. If you want to understand the specific thresholds, our guide explains what counts as a dangerous PSA level and how the ranges change with age.

What Can Cause a Raised PSA?

A raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer. Several common, non-cancerous causes can lift the reading:

  • An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which is very common in men over 50
  • Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate
  • A urinary tract infection
  • Recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise or cycling in the days before the test
  • A recent catheter, examination or prostate procedure

Because so many everyday things affect the result, a single raised PSA is rarely acted on in isolation. It is often repeated and read in context before any decision is made.

What Should You Do About a Raised PSA?

The sensible step is not to panic and not to ignore it. A urologist can interpret your result properly, repeat the test if needed, examine the prostate and arrange a scan only if the overall picture calls for it. At Urocare London you can be seen privately within the same week, with no GP referral, by Mr Maneesh Ghei.

PSA Testing and Assessment

Specialist Help With a Raised PSA

Whether you have a high PSA result, symptoms, a family history concern, or simply want the reassurance of a specialist check, Urocare London covers the full PSA pathway, from blood test to scan.

PSA Blood Test

A quick, reliable blood test to check your prostate-specific antigen level. Reviewed by a consultant urologist against your age, family history and symptoms. Results within 2 to 3 working days.

Learn more →

Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Frequent urination, a weak flow or waking at night are the most common signs of benign prostate enlargement (BPH). Diagnosis and treatment including UroLift, TURP and other minimally invasive options.

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Prostate MRI (mpMRI)

The gold-standard prostate scan recommended by NICE. Used to investigate a raised PSA, assess prostate size and structure, or rule out cancer before considering a biopsy.

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Prostate Cancer Screening

A full prostate cancer screening pathway for men who want to rule out cancer, have a family history, or have received a raised PSA result. MRI-first approach following NICE guidelines.

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Raised PSA: Second Opinion

Already had a borderline or high PSA result and not sure what to do next? Get a consultant review of your results, your history and your options before deciding on any further investigation.

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Prostatitis and Prostate Pain

Pelvic pain, discomfort when urinating or sitting, or pain in the lower back can all be signs of prostatitis. Specialist diagnosis to distinguish between bacterial and non-bacterial causes, with treatment options.

Learn more →

Your Pathway

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Most men leave their first appointment with a clear picture of their prostate health and a plan. Here is what the process looks like.

1

Book a Consultation

See Mr Ghei at one of 4 London private hospitals. No GP referral needed. Most men are seen within a few days of enquiry. Initial consultation fee is £250.

2

Assessment and Results

PSA blood test, symptom review and clinical history. Mr Ghei explains what your results mean and whether any further investigation is appropriate.

3

Your Clear Next Steps

Many men need nothing further after their first appointment. Others may need a scan, treatment for BPH, or a prostatitis plan. You will leave with a clear picture either way.

Why Patients Choose Urocare London

A Specialist Urology Clinic, Not a General Private Practice

Urology Specialists Only

Urocare London is a dedicated private urology clinic. Every patient is seen by a consultant urological surgeon, not a GP, not a general physician. For any prostate concern, that depth of specialist expertise matters.

200+ Verified Patient Reviews

Rated 4.93 on Doctify, 4.9 on Google and 4.8 on Trustpilot. Over 200 verified patient reviews from men who have been through the same process you are considering.

Modern MRI-First Pathway

We follow the NICE-recommended MRI-first diagnostic approach. More accurate than PSA alone, and avoids around 1 in 4 unnecessary biopsies. You get answers, not more waiting.

4 Private Hospital Locations

Clinics at The Wellington Hospital, King Edward VII’s Hospital, Highgate Hospital, and HCA Outpatients in Elstree. Choose whichever location works best for you.

Mr Maneesh Ghei, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Urocare London

4.93
★★★★★
Doctify · 142 reviews

Your Specialist Consultant

Mr Maneesh Ghei, Consultant Urological Surgeon

MBBS, MS, MRCSEd, MD (UCL), FRCS (Urol)  •  GMC: 5208045

Mr Ghei is a consultant urological surgeon with a specialist focus on prostate diagnosis and treatment. He holds a Research MD from University College London and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

In his NHS role, Mr Ghei is Cancer Lead and Academic Lead at Whittington Hospital London, one of a small number of consultant urologists in the UK to hold both positions. He brings that same level of expertise to every private patient at Urocare London.

Whether your concern turns out to be nothing, an enlarged prostate, prostatitis or something that needs further investigation, you will be cared for by Mr Ghei personally from your first appointment through to any treatment that follows.

Cancer Lead, Whittington Hospital London
MD from University College London
Bupa Platinum Recognised Consultant
English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu

Consultant-Led Every Time
Never a registrar or GP

Initial Consultation £250
Fixed fee, no hidden costs

4 London Hospital Locations
Wellington, KE VII’s, Highgate, HCA

No GP Referral Needed
Book directly without a referral

Rapid Appointments
Most patients seen within days

Patient Reviews

What Our Patients Say

4.9
★★★★★
91 Google reviews

4.8
★★★★★
157 Trustpilot reviews

4.93
★★★★★
142 Doctify reviews

100%
★★★★★
PHIN recommendation

★★★★★

“Mr Ghei was thorough, professional, and put me completely at ease. He explained everything clearly and I felt confident in his care from the first consultation.”

Verified Patient
Trustpilot

★★★★★

“After months of worry, I got a same-week appointment. The diagnosis was clear, treatment options were explained in detail, and the aftercare was exceptional.”

Verified Patient
Doctify

★★★★★

“Excellent surgeon with a wonderful bedside manner. He took the time to answer all my questions and made the whole experience far less stressful than I expected.”

Verified Patient
Trustpilot

Convenient Locations

4 Private Hospital Locations

Urocare London holds clinics in Central London, North London and Hertfordshire. Choose the location most convenient for you.

The Wellington Hospital

St John’s Wood, NW8

King Edward VII’s Hospital

Marylebone, W1G

Highgate Hospital

Highgate, N6

HCA Outpatients & Diagnostics

Elstree, WD6

Common Questions

Raised PSA: Frequently Asked Questions

Should I worry if my PSA is high?
+
A high PSA is understandably worrying, but it is a common finding and in most men it is caused by something other than cancer. An enlarged prostate, inflammation, a urine infection or even recent activity can all raise the figure. The sensible step is not to panic and not to ignore it, but to have it interpreted by a urologist who can look at your reading in the context of your age and history.

What should I do about a raised PSA?
+
The first step is to have the result reviewed by a specialist rather than acting on the number alone. A urologist may repeat the test, examine the prostate and ask about your symptoms before deciding whether any further investigation is needed. You can arrange a private assessment in London without a GP referral, usually within the same week.

Can a high PSA go back to normal?
+
Yes, it can. If a reading is raised by a urine infection, recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise or a recent procedure, the level often settles once that cause has passed. This is one reason a single result is rarely acted on in isolation and is commonly repeated before any decision is made.

How is a raised PSA investigated?
+
Investigation usually begins with a repeat blood test, because a single reading is rarely acted on in isolation and often settles on its own. Your urologist then reviews your symptoms and history and may carry out a physical examination of the prostate. Imaging, such as an MRI scan, is arranged only if the picture suggests it is needed. Your urologist interprets the numbers in context, so it can help to understand what counts as a dangerous PSA level and how the ranges work.

Will a high PSA mean I need a biopsy?
+
Not necessarily. A high PSA does not automatically lead to a biopsy. Many men with a raised reading are managed with monitoring or imaging instead. A biopsy is considered only when the overall assessment, including your PSA, examination and any scan, points to a need for it, and a specialist will discuss that decision with you.

How soon can I see a private urologist about a raised PSA?
+
You can usually be seen within the same week, with no GP referral needed, and initial consultations start from £250. To arrange an appointment, call 020 3325 4699 or complete the enquiry form on this page.

What should I avoid before a PSA blood test?
+
Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours before the test, vigorous exercise such as cycling for 48 hours, and any urinary tract procedures or catheter use in the previous six weeks. All of these can temporarily raise PSA and affect the accuracy of the result.

Is my health insurance accepted?
+
Yes. Mr Ghei is recognised by all major UK insurers including Bupa (Platinum consultant), AXA Health, Vitality, WPA, Cigna and Aviva. We can also provide pre-authorisation codes if your insurer requires them before your appointment.

Worried about your PSA?Get answers this week.

Urocare London is a specialist urology clinic offering same-week private PSA assessments at 4 London hospitals. Take the first step today.


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