ABSTRACT
Hyperprolactinemic males usually have a hypoactive libido and less commonly, erectile dysfunction and disturbances of orgasm and ejaculation. Hyperprolactinemia alters the balance between neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones involved in libido and erection, affecting dopaminergic tone. An imbalance between dopamine, that stimulates sexual function and serotonin that inhibits it, is generated. In the central nervous system, hyperprolactinemia inhibits centers controlling sexual desire and erection. At the neuroendocrine level, it decreases GnRH, LH and testosterone pulses, resulting in a hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Erection is also inhibited peripheral actions of low testosterone and high prolactin levels. There is a disturbance of penile smooth muscle relaxation and of the parasympathetic sacrum-penis reflex arch. In experimental animals, acute hyperprolactinemia hampers the central erection mechanism whereas in chronic conditions, peripheral disturbances also occur. Even correcting low testosterone levels, the adverse effects of hyperprolactinemia on sexual function persist. The use of dopaminergic agonists may achieve normal prolactin and testosterone levels resulting in normal sexual function. Chronic hyperprolactinemia results in progressive deterioration of sexual function and a higher hypothalamic damage that does not respond to clomiphene. In this situation and in the presence of sellar tumors that destroy gonadotrophic cells, there is indication of androgenic replacement maintaining the use of dopaminergic agonists...