When my female patients review their treatment options for their particular problem, the question most often on their minds is, If I chose this treatment, when can I get pregnant?”

Every woman’s individual answer is shaped by the medical facts of her condition, her attitude and the advice of her fertility doctor. For some of the most common causes of infertility—endometriosis and fibroids—women have surgical options and often others, such as hormone therapy or fertility treatment such as IVF.

It’s not unusual for women to opt for the least invasive treatment option, at least at first. After all, “surgery” isn’t a word people take lightly. But in my experience, it’s often the best option to get a woman to “When can I get pregnant?” sooner and safely.