These two volumes are unique in that they take into consideration the enormous progress made in the field over the last few years. Expert knowledge is given by Professor Runnebaum, whose department was appointed WHO Collaboration Center for Research in Human Reproduction. These extensively illustrated books provide detailed information on the function and detection of new hormones and growth factors, on therapy with female sexual hormones, on environmental factors, and on the diagnostic and surgical techniques employed in reproductive medicine. This English edition of a standard German reference has been expanded to include an appendix containing a comprehensive list of pharmaceutical agents used in hormone therapy, including international and trade names and compositions.

Dedication to Professor Dr. med. Dr. h. c. mult. Benno Runnebaum on his 65th Anniversary The name of Benno Runnebaum is closely tied to the status of gynaecological endocrinology and reproductive medicine. Therefore, we would like to dedicate this conference book entitled "Fertility Control" to him in recognition of his achieve- ments. Who is Benno Runnebaum? Benno Runnebaum was born on 22 July, 1933, in Ruschendorf, Germany. After taking his A-levels, he studied medicine in Munster, Bonn and Cologne. He graduated from Cologne University in 1961 and then prepared his doctoral thesis on the "Identificati- on and quantification of progesterone, 20a-dihydroprogesterone, 20~-dihydroproge- sterone and 17a-hydroxyprogesterone in the plasma of human placental blood". This Benno Runnebaum VI Preface publication was the first to describe the progestin cycle in the feto-placental unit. His thesis was supported by Professor Dr. med. Dr. h. c. Josef Zander. It was graded "sum- ma cum laude" and won him a scholarship from the National Institute of Health for training in steroid biochemistry at the Biochemical Institute in Salt Lake City (Profes- sor Samuels) in 1962 and 1963. After his return to Germany he worked at the Univer- sity Women's Hospital of Cologne. He received his further specialist training in 1964 at the Heidelberg Women's Hospital, under the chairmanship of his teacher, Professor Zander.

Contraceptives have always provided ground for controversy. This book describes and discusses latest findings concerning the advantages as well as hazard and risk factors of contraception. The clinical impact of oral contraceptives on metabolism is particularly highlighted. In addition, behavioral methods, intrauterine devices, implants and modern approaches in animal and clinical research in the field of immunization against pregnancy are considered. Last, but not least, the book summarizes the complex ethical, religious and political aspects of family planning and contraception.

Die Nachfolgebande der "Gynakologischen Endokrinologie" (1987) signalisieren bereits im Titel die Erweiterung des Fachgebiets, die aus den zahlreichen Neuentwicklungen der letzten Jahre resultiert. Hierzu zahlen z.B. der Nachweis und die Bedeutung neuer Hormone, neue Funktionsteste, die Therapie mit weiblichen Sexualhormonen, die Untersuchung von Umwelteinwirkungen sowie diagnostische und operative Techniken der Fertilitatschirurgie. Damit ist fur den deutschsprachigen Raum der aktuelle Kenntnisstand dieses Spezialgebiets umfassend und ausfuhrlich dargestellt. Mit zahlreichen Graphiken und Tabellen sowie ausgezeichnetem Bildmaterial sind deshalb die Bande Gynakologische Endokrinologie und Fortpflanzungsmedizin fur den Gynakologen in der Klinik wie in der Praxis ein wichtiger Begleiter.

Diese beiden Nachfolgebande der "Gynakologischen Endokrinologie" (1987) signalisieren bereits im Titel die Erweiterung des Fachgebiets, die aus den zahlreichen Neuentwicklungen der letzten Jahre resultiert. Hierzu zahlen z.B. der Nachweis und die Bedeutung neuer Hormone, Wachstumsfaktoren, neue Funktionsteste, die Therapie mit weiblichen Sexualhormonen, die Untersuchung von Umwelteinwirkungen sowie diagnostische und operative Techniken der Fertilitatschirurgie. Mit diesen beiden Buchern sind Sie umfassend uber den aktuellen Kenntnisstand dieser Spezialgebiete informiert. Mit ihren zahlreichen Graphiken und Tabellen sowie ihrem ausgezeichneten Bildmaterial werden die Bande Gynakologische Endokrinologie und Fortpflanzungsmedizin fur AErzte in der Klinik wie auch in der Praxis ein standiger Begleiter sein.