Epidemiology of human reproduction

This study on the epidemiology of human fertility emphasizesthe study and analysis of several parameters. These include:(a) the measure and distribution of fertility. The incidenceof sterility is low (3–5% of couples) and the fecundabilityof fertile couples is {small tilde}30% per cycle. Approximately7% of newly-formed couples per year will undergo complex treatmentfor infertility. (b) The results of clinical and diagnosticexplorations. Among infertile couples, the woman is responsiblein {small tilde}60% of cases, and the man in {small tilde}25%of cases, and both of these factors may be associated. Clinicaland diagnostic explorations are negative in {small tilde}18%of couples and the infertility is termed idiopathic. (c) ‘Normal’sperm characteristics vary according to age, seasonal or environmentalfactors, (d) Female factors varying as a function of age, menstrualcycle, ovulation and functional status of the genital organs.(e) Infertility in both partners leads to specific difficultiesfor epidemiological analyses, where the base unit is not anindividual.