Hyperprolactinemia in oligospermic Nigerian males: effect of bromocriptine treatment.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the possible etiological role of hyperprolactinemia in oligospermic African males.

DESIGN:

Prospective.

SETTING:

University teaching hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Of the 52 infertile males studied, 23 had oligospermia, 11 were hyperprolactinemic, while 7 had both oligospermia and hyperprolactinemia. Mean serum testosterone concentration was lower in oligospermic than normospermic patients (3.6 +/- 1.9 ng/mL vs. 6.3 +/- 2.8 ng/mL; P < .05), and in hyperprolactinemic than normoprolactinemic patients (2.8 +/- 1.5 ng/mL vs. 5.7 +/- 2.8 ng/mL; P < .05). The patients with both oligospermia and hyperprolactinemia had the lowest mean serum testosterone (2.2 +/- 0.7 ng/mL) concentration. Oral bromocriptine was given to the seven hyperprolactinemic, oligospermic patients for 9-12 weeks.

RESULTS:

Serum prolactin was reduced to normal in all and increased sperm count to normal in 4/7. The wives of two of the responders became pregnant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The serum concentration of prolactin should be estimated in all oligospermic patients who exhibit no obvious cause of the oligospermia. Those found to be hyperprolactinemic should be given bromocriptine.

• Authors: O Modebe
• Journal: International journal of fertility and menopausal studies (Int J Fertil Menopausal Stud) 1994 Mar-Apr Vol. 39 Issue 2 Pg. 95-9 ISSN: 1069-3130 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8012447 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bromocriptine
• Testosterone
• Prolactin

Topics

• Adult
• Bromocriptine (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hyperprolactinemia (blood, complications, drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nigeria
• Oligospermia (blood, complications, drug therapy)
• Prolactin (blood)
• Prospective Studies
• Sperm Count (drug effects)
• Testosterone (blood)