The prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, refers to the protein substance a man's prostate gland produces. The PSA protein is naturally present in low levels in the male bloodstream but when an increase of PSA occurs in the blood cells it can indicate risk for health complications or prostate disease. The prostate gland serves the purpose of producing fluid in semen, which nourishes sperm vitality. As men age the prostate gland is often subject to benign enlargement, depending on other factors like hormone production fluctuation. Those at risk for increased PSA levels include men over the age of 55 or those with a family history of prostate complications. Regular health exams that involve testing PSA levels can reveal risk for prostate complications or cancer. Testing for PSA involves a blood draw and lab analysis of the protein in your bloodstream. The PSA is measured in nanograms per milliliters of blood. Although a PSA level measured at 4.0 ng/dL or below is considered normal for healthy males, the National Cancer Institute warns that it is likely for a person to have an underlying prostate condition even when PSA levels measure in the normal range. Conditions that might allow for normal PSA levels but still cause prostate complications include prostatitis, or inflammation, and early cancer of the gland. Along with a routine prostate screening for PSA levels, men at risk are also urged to undergo additional testing. A digital rectal exam, urinalysis, or prostate biopsy can offer further details of prostate health. The PSA screening is one means to diagnose prostate conditions but gland problems might not necessarily present with obvious symptoms initially. Care for your prostate by noting any signs of abnormality that might appear in your urinary or reproductive organs. Symptoms of underlying prostate conditions can include weakened urinary functions, a frequency or urge to urinate yet minimal result when attempted, or disturbed kidney function. Complications arising from untreated prostate conditions can lead to severe kidney or bladder damage, stone formation or tumors that enlarge and become cancerous. Take care of your health and prostate with regular health exams but also sustain a healthy lifestyle that include a good diet and regular exercise program.