Ejakulationsinduzierte Hyperprolaktinämie bei infertilen Männern

Objective: The diagnostic work-up of infertile men includes semen analysis and endocrine studies. Approximately 4% of infertile men have hyperprolactinernia. We noticed that the rate of hyperprolactinernia in our male infertility clinic increased from 4-5% to 12-18% in a 6-month period when blood samples were obtained after rather than before semen samples. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ejaculation on serum hormone concentrations. Methods: Blood samples were obtained before and 5-10 min. after ejaculation from 88 men attending our male infertility clinic. Serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin, cortisol, TSH, triiodothyronine and thyroxine were measured Results: Forty-eight (55%) of the men showed an increase of ≥ 25% in prolactin levels and 14 (16%) had hyperprolactinemia (>450 mIU/L). The mean prolactin level increased from 212 ± 14 to 336 ± 13 mIU/L. There were no significant changes in the levels of the other hormones. Conclusion: Ejaculation can lead to a significant increase in serum prolactin levels. This should be considered when interpreting and planning the timing of blood sampling.