Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] HI.....Thanks for your help.  I have been monitoring my PSA levels for many years.  I am 56 years old and my PSA levels have fluctuated up and  down from 2.6 to 3.3 over time. In 2008 it was 3.1 and just 2 wks ago it was 3.0.  I had a Colonoscopy on on the 28th of November and was concerned about my PSA, so I asked my DR. to do another PSA. In 11 days  PSA went from 3.0 to 3.4.  He said it was most likely due to the trauma of the colonoscopy.  On Nov 19th I had a PSA of 3.00, up from 2.7 last year and 2.8 on Dec 2010, so you can see how it moves up and down.  I have to take pain medication (Loratab) daily for over a year and was told that constipation can cause elevated PSA readings.  I am now taking more natural fiber, ie Metamucil, but will frequent Bowel Movements make PSA levels go up also.  I am now concerned that frequent bowl movements may be as harmful in raising PSA levels as constipation. I have no Family history of Prostate cancer, but have had 2 friends diagnosd with it within the past 2 years.  Should I be concerned?Both my Drs say no
[|AI|]  Prostate cancer causes a rise in serum PSA levels but a rising PSA level due to manipulation of prostate secondary to colonoscopy or constipation or digital rectal examination etc. does NOT cause prostate cancer. From your question what I have understood is that you are concerned that a rise in PSA due to constipation (resulting in prostatic massage with hard stools in rectal ampulla with resultant rise in PSA) can cause prostate cancer. It is NOT so. So don't worry about it.