ABSTRACT
Infertility is a common medical issue and has been reported in approximately 10% of couples [1]. It is defined as a failure of conception after 12 months of unprotected and frequent intercourse [2]. There are many etiologic causes of infertility including both male and female factors. Approximately 26% of infertility can be attributed to male factors. Other causes including ovulatory dysfunction (21%), endometriosis (6%), and cervical and mechanical factors such as tubal occlusions (17%) account for female infertility. Another factor that plays a role is coital failure and accounts for up to 6% of cases. There is also a significant amount of unexplained causes (Figure 11.1) [3,4]. Another factor to consider for the high rates of infertility can be ascribed to increasing maternal age after the first successful delivery [5].
