Factors associated with an increase in infertility Section: Featured Articles How to quote Gallardo Trujillo C, Salguero Cabalgante R. Factores relacionados con el incremento de la infertilidad. Metas Enferm may 2014; 17(4): 13-18. Authors1Carmen Gallardo Trujillo, 1Rocío Salguero Cabalgante Position 1Matrona. Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío de Sevilla. Contact address Carmen Gallardo Trujillo. Avda. de Europa, 66-2º C. 41089 Montequinto (Sevilla). Contact email: cgallardotrujillo@gmail.com Abstract Objectives: to understand those factors associated with an increase in infertility, as well as the causes and referral criteria for infertile couples and to review the process of different therapeutic alternatives which can be offered, as a result of new technologies. Method: narrative review involving a bibliographic research in the Cochrane, Medline and Cuiden databases, and a search in webpages by scientific societies. The selection criteria was limited to original articles and reviews within the past 15 years, with text available as abstract or full text, in Spanish and in English. Results and conclusions: in total, 56 references were collected, and 19 of these were selected. From the analysis of these selected 19 articles and documents, three main categories were generated: factors associated with infertility, causes of infertility, and treatments for this condition. The delay of the reproductive desire, as well as lifestyle, can explain a possible increase in infertility problems, which may have a single cause, or multiple causes. For treatment, the selection of a technique over another (artificial insemination, in vitro fecundation, and ovocyte donation) varies according to the etiology of sterility. It is estimated that almost 15% of couples in Spain have sterility problems. The fast rate of evolution of assisted human reproduction and infertility treatments highlight the need for constant training targeting those professionals associated with reproduction. Keywords: Infertility; Assisted Reproduction Techniques; matronpreconception consultation Versión en Español Título: Factores relacionados con el incremento de la infertilidad