Friends,

Months ago, I read a thread on BF regarding "questions to ask your doctor if you're a cyclist" -- particularly, I seem to remember, a male cyclist -- during your annual physical. I'm going in next week for that exam (and looking forward to it, except for the LOVELY prostate check). I have searched the forums the best I can and for the life of me, I can't find the thread, or one like it.

NOTE: The thread was NOT specifically about prostate cancer OR prostatitis. But I do seem to remember mention of an issue possibly related to the prostate -- some lesser-known test or something that might prove important for cyclists in particular. (It might ?? have been related to prostate health). I also seem to remember that the issue was something that could shortened to three initials --- "_ _ _."

Sorry for the ridiculous vagueness!

I also welcome suggestions of unrelated questions to bring up. I've already gone in to have my blood drawn (two days ago), and will be discussing the results at next week's appointment. Nothing major is wrong; I'm simply doing the check-up thang.

Thanks in advance!

For prostate issues, they check PSA levels(blood test). Is that what you are thinking of?

ottsville, that's the one. Thanks so much. The aspect I was vaguely remembering -- which I found in this thread after searching for PSA, thanks to you -- is that you need to tell your doc that you cycle a lot before s/he interprets the PSA score, b/c saddle pressure can drive up the PSA number noticeably.

Thanks!

Do we have a consensus on the PSA attributed to cycling? I think some disagree and some medical studies refute that.

www.drmirkin.com/men/2286.html

It's more often checked after age 50 as a screening test. I think the percentage of men who cycle regularly is lower in that age group anyway.

Bottom line: With an elevated PSA, don't automatically attribute it to your cycling. The whole purpose of doing it is screening for prostate cancer. Also if you are over age 50, get the test done annually as part of a complete physical.

All duly noted, ironhorse3, and thank you. I'll keep it in mind as I talk to the doc.
I don't expect any prostate worries, but it never hurts to be (a little) cautious.