Dr. Gott: Keep checking your PSA levels

Dear Dr. Gott: Vicks VapoRub and soap under my sheets work for me. Thanks. I have both your books (“No House Calls” and “Live Longer, Live Better”). The first one I got from a used bookstore.

My wife died several years ago, and my annual PSA test results started going up. My doctor told me not to worry because they were under 4.

I read in your “Live Longer, Live Better” book about a 64-year-old Catholic widower who started regular masturbation after his wife died. You told him, “Masturbation is a safe and harmless way to resolve your sexual tension.”

I started the same thing a little more frequently than I ejaculated with my wife. Now, each year, my PSA results are going down.

This year, my PSA is down to 1.2. I’m too embarrassed to ask my doctor, “Does regular ejaculation keep prostate levels down”?

Dear Reader: In many instances, a rising prostate-specific antigen blood test indicates prostate cancer. But not always.

Levels exceeding 4 may reflect prostate inflammation. In addition, recent orgasm can cause a temporary rise in the PSA.

Since your level is declining, you do not appear to have a problem, although I recommend that you undergo annual PSA screening.

Thank you for reading my books. You also may find my newest book, “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet,” interesting. The book is available in most bookstores or online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.

Finally, my first (and favorite) book, “No House Calls,” contains essays about medical issues. The book is, unfortunately, out of print.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “The Prostate Gland.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.