American Society of Andrology Its Beginnings

The term “andrology” was introduced in 1951 by Harald Siebke, a Professor of Gynecology in Bonn, Germany. However, many years passed before the term gained acceptance. It was not until 1969 when, due to the efforts of Dr. Carl Schirren of Hamburg, Germany that the first scientific journal dedicated to the subject titled Andrologie initiated its publication in West Germany (Schirren, 1985). Andrology now is recognized as an area of science and medicine which fosters a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to the study of male reproduction. Andrology encompasses both basic and clinical sciences. It includes research in biochemistry, genetics, histology, immunology, molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, and endocrinology. It also includes urology, microsurgery, gynecology, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychology, and animal husbandry.The American Society of Andrology came into being not as an isolated development but as a consequence of events promoted by individuals deeply committed to the study of male reproduction. The first of these events took place in the U.S.A. when Drs. W. O. Nelson and C. H. LeBlond suggested that a club of scientists interested in the study of male reproduction be organized. At that time, Dr. E. Steinberger became actively involved in the organization of the club, which held its first meeting in 1968. The club became known as the Warren O. Nelson Club, and held meetings for the following four years. Although it was proposed that the club become a society, the idea did not materialize.