[Perspectives of reproductive medicine]

The physiology and pathology of human reproduction constitute the main focus of "reproductive" medicine, the major tasks of which lie in the treatment of infertile couples and in birth control. The current relevance of research into human reproduction is illustrated by the population explosion in developing countries, the high rate of abortion in industrialized nations and the technical and ethical implications of in vitro fertilization. Since the complex phenomenon of reproduction can only be elucidated through the cooperation of many disciplines, reproductive medicine is a truly interdisciplinary field. Dermatology also plays a role in reproductive medicine via andrology, a subspecialty of dermatology. However, in contrast to the worldwide trend, in Germany andrology is showing signs of stagnation. Only if andrology gains in strength and does not isolate itself, will it be in a position to contribute to solving the urgent problems involved in reproductive medicine.