Lack of effect of bromocriptine on semen quality in men with normal or slightly elevated prolactin levels

Bromocriptine, 2.5 mg twice daily, was given for 3-4 months to 27 men with poor semen quality. Serum prolactin levels were suppressed. Minor side effects occurred in over half the subjects. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology and FSH, LH, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels were not changed significantly. Results for 7 men with 1 or more pretreatment prolactin levels above the upper limit of the normal range, but without other evidence of pituitary disease, were no different from those for the normoprolactinaemic men. It is concluded that bromocriptine is not useful for treatment of infertile men with normal or slightly elevated prolactin levels.