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What could be the reasons for my high PSA levels?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had increasing urination difficulty for 20 months. I am having symptoms like a weak stream, straining to start, incomplete emptying, frequency, and waking eight to nine times nightly. These are exhausting me. My prostate-specific antigen level is 16.8 nanograms per milliliter. Please tell me, why is this happening?

Kindly help.
Answered by Dr. Ishwar Lal Rathod

Education:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Professional Bio:

I am a Clinical Hematologist, Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, and Pain & Palliative Care specialist, with experience in managing general medicine and in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. I provide comprehensive, evidence-based cancer care, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy coordination, supportive oncology, palliative care, and patient counseling. My approach emphasizes personalized treatment planning, clear and compassionate communication, and holistic care aimed at improving both survival outcomes and quality of life. I am actively involved in academic teaching, clinical research, and patient education, and I strongly believe in ethical, guideline-driven oncology practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Thank you for sharing your symptoms and test results in detail (attachments have been removed to protect the privacy). The symptoms you describe are,

  1. Weak urinary stream.

  2. Straining to start urination.

  3. Feeling of incomplete emptying.

  4. Increased frequency.

  5. Significant nighttime urination.

These are most commonly related to obstruction at the level of the prostate. This can occur due to conditions such as benign prostate enlargement (BPH), inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis), or, less commonly, prostate cancer.

Your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 16.8 ng/mL is higher than the normal range for your age. While an elevated PSA can be concerning, it is important to know that PSA is not cancer-specific. Levels can also rise due to factors such as

  1. Prostate enlargement.

  2. Infection.

  3. Inflammation.

  4. Prolonged urinary retention.

Therefore, this result needs further evaluation rather than immediate conclusions. Please visit you near doctor to do a physical examination and repeat PSA testing.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 14, 2026
Reviewed At April 14, 2026

Education:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Professional Bio:

I am a Clinical Hematologist, Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, and Pain & Palliative Care specialist, with experience in managing general medicine and in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. I provide comprehensive, evidence-based cancer care, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy coordination, supportive oncology, palliative care, and patient counseling. My approach emphasizes personalized treatment planning, clear and compassionate communication, and holistic care aimed at improving both survival outcomes and quality of life. I am actively involved in academic teaching, clinical research, and patient education, and I strongly believe in ethical, guideline-driven oncology practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ishwar Lal Rathod
Dr. Ishwar Lal Rathod

Radiotherapy

Education:

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Professional Bio:

I am a Clinical Hematologist, Medical Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, and Pain & Palliative Care specialist, with experience in managing general medicine and in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. I provide comprehensive, evidence-based cancer care, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy coordination, supportive oncology, palliative care, and patient counseling. My approach emphasizes personalized treatment planning, clear and compassionate communication, and holistic care aimed at improving both survival outcomes and quality of life. I am actively involved in academic teaching, clinical research, and patient education, and I strongly believe in ethical, guideline-driven oncology practice.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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