Hyperprolactinemia in oligospermic Nigerian males: effect of bromocriptine treatment

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

Prospective.

University teaching hospital.

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.

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.

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.