health requests

Question: I have experienced heavy periods, cramping and lower back problems for quite some time now. I went to my physician to ask what could be the cause and she told me that I had a 3cm fibroid on my uterus.  She recommends a hysterectomy, but I am unsure if that is the best possible course of treatment for me. Could you explain what fibroids are and let me know if there are alternative options available for treating them?