Depending on your condition, there may be a number of treatment options you can try before a hysterectomy. "Fibroids are hormone-dependent. After menopause, estrogen goes down and you're no longer feeding the fibroid,” Minkin explained. “If you can wait it out, they can totally disappear after menopause. But if you're young — 30s or 40s — you may not be able to wait it out comfortably." Endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding can also be treated with alternatives. "If a woman has heavy bleeding, low-dose birth control pills, an IUD or an ablation procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus are options," Keller said. Women with pelvic floor issues may use pelvic exercises or devices called vaginal pessaries as alternative treatments to hysterectomy. "If there are other things that can be done, try those first," Minkin said. "The decision is ultimately yours, and you usually have time to make the decision or to get a second opinion." *As classified by the CDC.