[Effects of hyperprolactinemia on sexual and gonadal function in men, and the benefit of treating them with cabergoline for three months]

ABSTRACT

Physiologic levels of prolcatin play a vital role in sexual life in men. hyperprolactinemia, although rare in male individuals, can cause sexual and gonadal dysfunction which eventually inhibits all aspects of sexual behavior. In contrast to those conducted in women, there is only a limited number of trials conducted in men regarding the matter in question, and most of the clinical trials were carried out in hyperprolactinemic men with prolactinomas, while only few studies involved idiopathic hyperprolactinemic men. we conducted this trial which aimed at evaluating sexual function particularly libido and potency, seminal parameters, and related hormones in 20 subjects suffering from hyperprolactinemia, with prolactin levels at least double normal values, compared to 20 healthy men. We also investigated the benefits of treating those patients for three months with cabergoline. We found reduced libido as well as erectile dysfunction in all patients [100%], and blood analyses reported gonadal insufficiency in 5 patients [25%], asthenospermia in 11 [55%], as well as reduced sperm concentration and motility, although being within normal range, compared to control group. Treatment with cabergoline normalized prolactin levels, improved libido and potency significantly in all patients, and restored gonadal function in patients who complained from gonadal insufficiency at study entry. In conclusion, hyperprolactinemia interferes with some seminal parameters and sexual hormones. Treatment with cabergoline for three months could restore normal sexual function, as well as semen and blood parameters