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Some reasons why a hysterectomy is recommended

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Heavy or very painful periods. In some women, day-to-day life is made difficult because of heavy periods. Sometimes the heavy bleeding can cause anaemia. Various medicines may help to ease heavy periods. But, if they don't work, hysterectomy is an option.
Fibroids. These are swellings of abnormal muscle that grow in the uterus. Fibroids are common and don't always cause problems. However, in some women they can cause heavy or painful periods. Some fibroids are quite large and can press on the bladder to cause urinary symptoms.
Prolapse. This is where the uterus, or parts of the vaginal wall, drops down. This may happen after the menopause when the tissues which support the uterus tend to become thin and weak.
Endometriosis. This is a condition where the cells which line the uterus are found outside the uterus in the pelvis. This can cause scarring around the uterus, and may cause the bladder or rectum to 'stick' to the uterus or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis may cause only mild symptoms, but some women develop painful periods, abdominal pain, or have pain during sex.
Cancer. Hysterectomy may be advised if you develop cancer of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

For most of the conditions mentioned above (apart from cancer), hysterectomy is usually considered a last resort after other treatments have failed. The decision to have a hysterectomy should be shared between you, (your partner), and your doctor or gynaecologist.

Before a hysterectomy, make sure that any questions or worries you have are dealt with. For example, the following three questions are common and only you or your doctor will be able to answer:

Are there any other alternative treatments that have not been tried?
Are my symptoms and problems severe enough to need a hysterectomy?
Do I still want to have children? (if you are considering hysterectomy before the menopause).