Effects of Coitus on Gonadotropin, Prolactin and Sex Steroid Levels in Man¹

Abstract

Coitus occurring at days 10–13 of the menstrual cycle was shown to have no effect on serum levels of FSH, LH and GH in 6 healthy married couples aged 24–41 years. Serum levels of progesterone and estradiol in the women and testosterone levels in the men were also unchanged up to 1 hr following coitus. In contrast, 2 of 6 women had 8–10-fold increments in serum prolactin levels within 10 min following coitus. There was no change in serum prolactin levels in the remaining 4 women and 6 men. Thus, there is no evidence that reflex gonadotropin release or ovulation occurs following coitus in man. Coitus and/or accompanying breast manipulation may result in prolactin release in women.