Private PSA Testing and Prostate Assessment in Oxfordshire: What Is Included?

Oxfordshire Men’s Health provides a GP-led approach to PSA testing and prostate health from The Netherton Clinic in Fyfield, near Abingdon. The service is intended for men across Oxfordshire who want to understand whether a PSA test is appropriate, what can affect the result and what the next step would be. Current appointment availability is shown at the end of this guide.

A PSA blood test does not diagnose or rule out prostate cancer by itself. A useful private assessment therefore includes decision-making and follow-up, not simply a number sent by email.

What is PSA?

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein made by prostate cells. A raised blood level can occur with prostate cancer, but also with:

• benign prostate enlargement;
• a urine or prostate infection;
• inflammation;
• recent ejaculation;
• vigorous exercise, particularly cycling;
• anal sex or prostate stimulation;
• urinary retention, a catheter or a recent prostate procedure; and
• increasing age.

Some men with prostate cancer have a PSA below the referral threshold. This is why symptoms, risk factors and the pattern over time matter.

What should be included before the test?

A responsible PSA assessment should cover:

• your age and general health;
• urinary symptoms and any recent infection;
• family history of prostate, breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer;
• Black ethnicity, which is associated with a higher prostate-cancer risk;
• any known inherited risk variant, particularly BRCA2;
• previous PSA results, prostate investigations or treatment;
• medication and supplements; and
• the benefits and possible harms of testing.

The UK does not have a population-wide PSA screening programme. In March 2026, the UK National Screening Committee recommended a targeted programme for a narrowly defined group of men aged 45 to 61 with a pathogenic BRCA2 variant and relevant family history. That national screening recommendation is different from an individual clinical discussion about testing.

How should I prepare for a PSA blood test?

NHS advice is to avoid the following for 48 hours before the test:

• ejaculation;
• anal sex;
• vigorous exercise; and
• cycling.

If you have a urine infection, testing is normally delayed until four to six weeks after it has cleared. Recent urinary retention, catheterisation, prostate examination or a prostate procedure may also change the timing. Tell the clinician before the sample is taken.

You can eat and drink normally for a PSA test unless it is being combined with blood tests that require fasting.

Is a rectal examination included?

A digital rectal examination is not an accurate stand-alone screening test for prostate cancer and is not automatically required just because you request PSA testing. It may still be relevant when there are urinary symptoms, pain or another clinical reason to examine the prostate. The clinician should explain why it might help and obtain your consent.

What happens if the PSA result is raised?

“Raised” depends partly on age, symptoms, previous results and the pathway being used. A single raised result does not mean cancer. The next step may involve:

1. checking preparation, infection and other temporary explanations;
2. repeating the PSA after an appropriate interval;
3. comparing it with previous results;
4. following the relevant NICE or local referral pathway; and
5. specialist assessment, which commonly involves MRI and sometimes biopsy.

If a result or examination creates concern about cancer, prompt NHS or private urology referral will be recommended. The clinic should not keep suspected cancer within a routine wellness pathway.

What are the possible benefits and harms?

PSA testing can identify a cancer before symptoms develop and may enable earlier treatment. It can also miss cancer, create false alarms and lead to MRI, biopsy or treatment for a cancer that might never have caused harm. Treatment can have urinary and sexual side effects.

There is no single correct choice for every man. The purpose of the consultation is to help you make an informed decision that reflects your risk and values.