In 1868 he received his doctorate with the dissertation-thesis "Über Zerreissung der Schamfuge während der Geburt".
In 1873 he obtained his habilitation for obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Leipzig, and in 1877 attained the title of associate professor.
In 1881 he became a full professor at the University of Giessen, then two years later relocated to Marburg as director of the university Frauenklinik and school for midwives.