Need some advise...over last 5 years PSA ranged from 3.6 to 5.6 up and
down..I am 63,
what is the PREP for a needle biopsy and Prostate Ul Sound ? Do you
thing I should have another PSA test before another N/B ?? Sometimes I
have to P 5 times a night other times once or not at all...????????
Howard

there is something called psa velocity rise index, which measures how
fast your psa level rises.  this give a better clue as to what's going
on.

if you have a .75 rise in one year - that is enough warning to trigger a
biopsy.  

there is also one called psa doubling rate.  it is the amount of time it
takes for your psa to double.  it has taken almost 5 years for it to
double, but it has taken a lifetime so far to get it to 3.6

weight and exercise will not affect whether or not you need a biopsy.

in answer to your questions - yes, get another psa reading.  no
ejaculations for 48 hours prior.  this will get your psa level down to
it's lowest setting.

the prep for an TRUS biopsy is that you will be given an enema when you
come to the hospital or place where the biopsy is done.  this is clean
you out so there is no fecal material that could cause infection.

they will have you lay on your side and will place the probe inside.  it
is an ultrasound device and they will be able to see the screen to tell
where the prostate is and on which side they are on as well as other
details such as prostate stones and suspicious looking areas, which is
where they are going to biopsy.  then, after they get the biopsies on
the one side, they will move the probe around to other side of the
prostate and get the biopsies they need from that side.  i was given
photos of what my prostate looked like and was able to see the stones
quite easily.   the frequency you're describing if common with BPH.  5
times a night on the scale the urologist uses would suggest that you are
probably in the medium to upper BPH symptoms.  there are certain foods
that will make the frequency increase such as coffee or cokes as well as
certain medicines.  read your medicines on the warnings such as alfrin,
when it comes to standard sinus medicines.  it warns that if you have a
prostate problem, don't take there product as it can cause urine
problems that could cause you to go to emergency medicine care.

also, you can have an ultra sound done to see how much urine you are
retaining after you have completely voided.  the test is painless and i
would recommend it for your own peace of mind.

i hope this helps.

~ curtis

knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional    
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."