Dear Doctor, I am a gay male 66 years old and in good health. Last year I suddenly developed a urinary problem in which I tended to dribble after I voided. My primary care doctor ordered a PSA test and it turned out to be 4.3.At this time he prescribed Cardura 2% to be taken once per day and that solved my urinary problems. I recently had another test performed and it was 6.7. He referred me to a Urologist who just examined me and explained to me that everything felt normal. No lumps or apparent growths of any kind. He suggested that I have another PSA test done in three months and if it is still elevated or even more elevated, then he would want to do a biopsy. (At Right: Cardura is a drug for high blood pressure which relaxes the muscles around the prostate gland making urination easier for men suffering from enlarged prostate glands.)

My question is, would masturbation 3 or 4 times a week, almost every week, cause these symptoms to occur? One day I was OK and the very next day I started having problems. I always thought that prostate problems took time to present themselves a little at a time. I hope you can clarify this for me. I would have asked my Urologist, but I was a bit embarrassed. Thank you, -David

Hi David, Your doctor is taking the right action to repeat the test since the number can vary between tests. The dribbling is not uncommon as we age and the prostate grows and compresses the urethra that leads through it from bladder out. PSA levels rise with ejaculation and fall over 24 hours afterwards so it is suggested that levels be taken more than a day later.

I firmly believe that keeping the pipes flushed out often with intercourse or masturbation is healthful for the system and some have said that it may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Ellar, M.D.