Hyperprolactinemia is a known cause of
amenorrhea and
infertility. However, there is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that
prolactin is involved in multiple physiological aspects of normal reproduction. Thus, the present paper aims to review the current literature regarding the relationship between serum
prolactin level and in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome and the role of
dopamine agonists treatment in IVF success. Moreover, the mechanisms by which
prolactin may exert its role in fertility and
infertility were summarized. Although not all studies agree, the available evidence suggests that higher
prolactin levels in follicular fluid are associated with increased oocytes competence, but also with positive effects on corpus luteum formation and survival, endometrial receptivity, blastocyst implantation potential and survival of low-motile sperm. Transient
hyperprolactinemia found in IVF cycles was reported in most of the studies not to be related to IVF outcome, although a few reports suggested that it may be associated with higher implantation and pregnancy rates, and better-cumulated pregnancy outcomes. Administration of
dopamine agonists for
hyperprolactinemia preceding IVF treatment does not seem to negatively impact the IVF results, while treatment of transient
hyperprolactinemia during IVF might be beneficial in terms of fertilization rates and conception rates. Due to limited available evidence, future studies are necessary to clarify the optimal level of circulating
prolactin in patients performing IVF and the role of
dopamine agonist treatment.