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The worldwide incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to increase and represents a major public health problem especially in the developing world causing infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Prevention of the spread of STDs, along with early detection and appropriate therapy has the potential to minimize the reproductive tract damage of these infections and simultaneously improve the health of women in all areas of the world.

When considering infertility as a health problem, the above definition is too restrictive for a number of reasons. First, for women aged 30-35 who have voluntarily delayed childbearing, a waiting period of 1 year or more may be psychologically unacceptable. In this situation, consultation and investigation may be offered sooner if the couple presents with this request. Second, in addition to the treatment of primary and secondary infertility, the spectrum of human infertility therapy today includes the prevention of pregnancy loss, including the problems associated with repeated abortion, as this problem can be equally distressing to women, who may be able to conceive but not able to maintain a pregnancy. Finally, the