WITHDRAWN: Bromocriptine for idiopathic oligo/asthenospermia

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Male Infertility

Background:

• Idiopathic oligo-astheno-teratospermia is a common cause of male subfertility.
• Bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, is sometimes used empirically for male infertility.
• Its use is proposed to counteract potential prolactin-induced inhibition of gonadotropin action on spermatogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of bromocriptine in improving pregnancy rates for couples experiencing subfertility due to idiopathic oligo- and/or asthenospermia.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted.
• Included trials compared oral bromocriptine with placebo or no treatment in couples with male factor subfertility.
• Data extraction and analysis were performed by a single reviewer with consensus from other reviewers.

Main Results:

• Four crossover randomized trials were included.
• Bromocriptine significantly reduced serum prolactin levels compared to placebo.
• No significant improvements were observed in sperm parameters or pregnancy rates.

Conclusions:

• Bromocriptine effectively reduces prolactin levels in subfertile men with normal gonadotropic function.
• Insufficient evidence exists to confirm bromocriptine's benefit in enhancing fertility for idiopathic oligo- or asthenospermia.