Comparison of mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values between sexually active males and age-matched celibate males

Abstract

Prostate-specific antigen is currently quite useful in the clinical screening and early detection of prostate cancer. Sexual activity has been thought to be associated with increased PSA values. This poses a serious question as to the application of this useful screening tool in evaluation of prostate pathology in celibate males in terms of the possibility of creating a different “cut-off” for them. This study looks at the difference in the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) values between sexually-active males and age-matched celibate males with a view to identifying any significant difference that may be of clinical importance. In this prospective study, 99 subjects were recruited, comprising 49 celibate males and 50 sexually-active males. All subjects were non-obese, had no prostatic symptoms and were not masturbating. Standard technique of specimen collection, processing and analysis of PSA values using Immunoassay technique were applied. The celibate group had a mean PSA value of 2.6±0.2ng/ml, while the sexually-active group had a mean PSA value of 2.7±0.1ng/ml. This difference was found not to be statistically significant (P>0.05). Provided individuals abstain from ejaculation. 72 hours to specimen collection, there is no need to create a different “cut-off” or criteria for interpretation of PSA values for celibate males. The same criteria for PSA value interpretation could be used for evaluation of prostate pathology in both groups.

Key Words: Prostate-specific antigen, celibate, sexually-active, screening