Lupita Nyong'o Shares Personal Health Battle with Uterine Fibroids
Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o has publicly revealed her ongoing struggle with uterine fibroids, disclosing that she currently has "over 50" of these non-cancerous growths. The 42-year-old Hollywood star first received her diagnosis eleven years ago, but her condition has significantly worsened in recent years.
A Growing Health Concern
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in or around the uterus, often causing symptoms including prolonged and heavy menstrual periods, along with persistent pain in the pelvis, back, and legs. Nyong'o admitted that her current situation is more severe than her initial experience, with limited treatment options available according to reports from Female First UK.
During an appearance on the Today show, the actress detailed her medical history: "The first time I got the fibroids taken out, they removed 23. This time, I've been informed two years ago that I have over 50. I'm being faced with the same difficult choices: surgery or live with the pain."
Difficult Treatment Decisions
The '12 Years a Slave' actress expressed hesitation about undergoing another surgical procedure due to concerns about her reproductive future. "I'm not ready to make that decision," Nyong'o explained. "It's quite invasive... and it represents a significant threat to our reproductive organs."
Not only does she have dozens of fibroids, but some have grown to substantial sizes. Nyong'o described how doctors typically use fruit comparisons to explain fibroid dimensions: "Your fibroid could be the size of a grape. My largest fibroid is currently the size of an orange."
From Shame to Empowerment
The actress recalled feeling "shame" and fear when she first received her diagnosis over a decade ago. "I wondered what I had done to cause them," she confessed. "I felt very isolated and quite scared for my reproductive health."
However, speaking publicly about her condition has transformed her perspective. "I'm excited right now because speaking up has truly empowered me," Nyong'o shared. "I've discovered a community of support."
She elaborated on this newfound connection: "I've locked arms with women who have been fighting this battle for years. There's tremendous power in speaking openly. When I shared my story, the overwhelming support I received—hearing women say 'me too' and share their experiences—made me feel less alone. This support has genuinely bolstered me to continue the work I'm doing now."
Nyong'o's candid discussion highlights the importance of open dialogue about women's health issues, particularly conditions like uterine fibroids that affect millions of women worldwide but often remain unspoken due to stigma or discomfort.
