Long-term effects of vasectomy on prostatic function in men.

The seminal plasma constituents of acid phosphatase, maltase, citric acid, prolactin, zinc and magnesium were measured in men vasectomized for 1-8 years. Compared with values obtained for a group of normal fertile men, all the constituents, except acid phosphatase which was unchanged, decreased significantly after vasectomy, but not progressively so. Since the constituents measured are believed to be of prostatic origin, the results suggest that vasectomy in men decreases the secretory function of the prostate gland.