OBJECTIVETo detect the changes of biochemical markers in the semen of premature ejaculation patients and investigate the correlation of the markers with premature ejaculation.

METHODSFifty-six premature ejaculation patients and 60 males with normal sexual behavior were enrolled in this experiment. Acid phosphatase, alpha- glucosidase and fructose were assayed by the methods of glucose oxidase, disodium phenyl phosphate and disodium phenyl phosphate respectively.

RESULTSThe contents of acid phosphatase, alpha-glucosidase and fructose were (36.37 +/- 31.33) U/ml, (39.97 +/- 22. 09) U/ml and (3.40 +/- 1.92) mg/ml in the premature ejaculation patients and (54. 27 +/- 20. 96) U/ml, (55.71 +/- 16.19) U/ml and (2.55 +/- 1.12) mg/ml in the normal control, respectively, with significant differences in the former two markers between the two groups. The rate of the abnormal content of both acid phosphatase and alpha- glucosidase was 31% and 13% (P < 0.05) , while that of the normal content of the three markers was 10% and 33% in premature ejaculation group and the control, respectively (P < 0. 05 ).

CONCLUSIONThe abnormality of both acid phosphatase and alpha-glucosidase is one of the causes of premature ejaculation. Because acid phosphatase and alpha- glucosidase reflect the functions of the prostate and epididymis, we should pay attention to the status of these two organs in the treatment of premature ejaculation.