Infertility Many different factors and problems can cause infertility, including problems in the female reproductive system, the male reproductive system, or a combination of the two. Infertility Risk Factors for Men and Women Age, chronic diseases, and endometriosis are common factors for women. For men, they are STDs, toxic substances at work, and cigarette smoking. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Untreated, PID can cause infertility and can also lead to chronic infection or even peritonitis. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) This syndrome results from several related factors, including insulin resistance. This can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes and affect fertility. Uterine Fibroids Some estimates say that 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroids, although not all are diagnosed. In most cases, fibroids are benign. Male Factor Infertility Problems with the production and maturation of sperm are the most common causes of male infertility. Endometriosis Women with endometriosis develop tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Women suffer more frequent and severe symptoms from STDs. Some STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to both infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Endometrial Biopsy An endometrial biopsy is a procedure performed to obtain a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus. Hysteroscopy Hysteroscopy is the visual examination of the canal of the cervix and interior of the uterus using a thin, lighted, flexible tube called a hysteroscope. Laparoscopy Laparoscopy is a procedure that utilizes a laparoscope, a thin flexible tube containing a video camera to examine the organs of the abdominal cavity. Pelvic Ultrasound Ultrasound, or sound wave technology, is used to examine the organs and structures in the female pelvis.