What Is the Normal PSA Range for Men?

PSA, which stands for Prostate-Specific Aantigen, is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is present in the blood of all men at low levels, but PSA levels often rise, sometimes dramatically, in the presence of prostate cancer.

Function

PSA is produced by the prostate in order to be a part of the semen. It helps liquify the ejaculate, allowing the sperm to swim freely.

PSA Levels

PSA levels rise gradually as a man ages. Also, because PSA levels vary greatly from one person to another, it is hard to give one number that is "normal."

Men Under 50

For men under 50, healthy PSA levels will usually range between .3 and 2.5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), with an average of 1.2. In the presence of cancer, PSA levels can rise to up to 160 ng/mL.

Men From 50 to 60

In men between 50 and 60, healthy PSA levels will usually range between .3 and 4.7 ng/mL, with an average of 1.8.

Men From 60 to 70

In men between 60 and 70, healthy PSA levels will usually range between .3 and 8.3 ng/mL, with an average of 3.1.

Men Over 70

For men over 70, healthy PSA levels will usually range between .4 and 17.8 ng/mL, with an average of 8.9.

References

• A website on PSA levels.