There is an increase in the number of visits to infertility clinics in the last few years. This may be due to increased awareness and declining fertility. The average age at which women wish to become pregnant has increased due to postponement of the decision about pregnancy. Marital instability like divorce and seeking stability with new partners implies waiting longer before making the decision to have any children.
Alterations in semen quality can influence the need for advice on infertility. Habits such as cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse are harmful for semen quality. There have been changes in sexual behaviour like changing partners and use of proper contraception among younger couples. This may lead to higher incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (ST) to tubal–peritoneal infections that have consequences for fertility. Elimination of most taboos about fertility results in a higher frequency of visits by couples to the doctor.
