The cation composition of the seminal plasma and prostatic fluid and its correlation to semen quality.

The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of all three cations were found to be strongly correlated with one another and with acidity (pH). Analysis of the relative concentrations in prostatic fluid, split ejaculates, and whole seminal plasma confirmed an almost exclusively prostatic origin of these cations. Semen quality, as judged by motility, vitality, concentration, and morphology of spermatozoa, was inversely related to cation concentrations. Therefore, we recommend adoption of the measurement of seminal divalent cations as part of the routine andrologic examination.