What is a normal PSA level?

There is no single threshold that separates a normal from an abnormal PSA result, and no specific level that means someone has prostate cancer — though the higher the PSA, the likelier cancer is.

In general, a PSA level above 4.0 ng/mL is considered abnormal and may lead to a recommendation for a biopsy. But because PSA rises with age, some doctors use a higher cutoff for older men and a lower one for younger men, and certain medications lower PSA. Infection, inflammation, a recent biopsy, vigorous cycling, and ejaculation can temporarily raise it.

Your doctor interprets a PSA result in context and may repeat the test before recommending next steps.