Serum immunoglobulin levels in vasectomized men: preliminary report.

Seventy-five men undergoing vasectomy were tested by radial immunodiffusion assay prevasectomy and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postvasectomy for possible changes in serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. No significant changes occurred when the results were analyzed on a group basis per time period. However, when each individual's prevasectomy Ig level was considered as his norm, significant changes appeared to occur in serum IgG levels at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postvasectomy; in serum IgM levels at 6 weeks; but not, to date, in serum IgA levels. Seasonal, environmental, and infectious factors do not seem to be associated with the changes found. No significant seminal Ig changes have been demonstrated. Consideration of these findings and implications for possible immunopathology are briefly discussed.