Possible side effects of the retinoids etretinate and isotretinoin on the germinal epithelium were examined. 15 men received etretinate and 13 isotretinoin. After 16 weeks of treatment at therapeutic doses, no changes were observed in fundamental spermatological parameters. On the basis of examinations and data in the literature, we hold the opinion that retinoid treatment is to be considered safe from the andrological viewpoint.