Effects of acute prolactin manipulation on sexual drive and function in males.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Single-blind, placebo-controlled balanced crossover trial
PubMed 14656205 · doi:10.1677/joe.0.1790357
What was done
Ten healthy men participated in a single-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover study. Plasma prolactin was pharmacologically raised with protirelin (50 µg i.v.), reduced with cabergoline (0.5 mg p.o.), or tested under co-administration. Sexual arousal and orgasm were induced by viewing an erotic film and masturbating. Continuous neuroendocrine and cardiovascular monitoring were conducted alongside psychometric assessments of acute sexual drive, arousal, orgasm, and the refractory period.
What was found
No raw baseline or post-intervention values were reported in the abstract. Cabergoline decreased prolactin levels and significantly increased all parameters of sexual drive (P < 0.05), sexual function (P < 0.01), and positive perception of the refractory period (P < 0.01). Protirelin raised prolactin and produced small, non-significant decreases in sexual parameters. Co-administration of protirelin completely abolished the enhancing effects of cabergoline.
Why it matters
This study provides evidence that acute prolactin fluctuations actively modulate central male sexual drive and post-orgasmic refractory dynamics rather than simply functioning as a passive neuroendocrine marker, pointing to potential therapeutic targets for sexual disorders.
Limits
The sample size was very small (n = 10), and the study used a single-blind rather than double-blind design. The abstract provides no exact numerical values, effect sizes, or confidence intervals. The potential direct dopaminergic effects of cabergoline independent of prolactin suppression were not fully isolated.
Cited by
- supports During orgasm, dopamine is released and is followed by an increase in prolactin.