Effect of exogenous testosterone on prostate volume, serum and semen prostate specific antigen levels in healthy young men

Purpose: We investigate and define the effects of exogenous testosterone on the normal prostate. Materials and Methods: A total of 31 healthy volunteers 21 to 39 years old were randomized to receive either 100, 250 or 500 mg. testosterone via intramuscular injection once a week for 15 weeks. Baseline measurements of serum testosterone, free testosterone and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were taken at week 1. Semen samples were also collected for PSA content and prostate volumes were determined by transrectal ultrasound before testosterone injection. Blood was then drawn every other week before each testosterone injection for the 15 weeks, every other week thereafter until week 28 and again at week 40. After the first 15 weeks semen samples were again collected, and prostate volumes were determined by repeat transrectal ultrasound. Results: Free and total serum testosterone levels increased significantly in the 250 and 500 mg. dose groups. No significant change occurred in the prostate volume or serum PSA levels at any dose of exogenous testosterone. Total semen PSA levels decreased following administration of testosterone but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Despite significant elevations in serum total and free testosterone, healthy young men do not demonstrate increased serum or semen PSA levels, or increased prostate volume in response to exogenous testosterone injections.