Effects of coitus on gonadotropin, prolactin and sex steroid levels in man.

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.