Tennis icon Venus Williams, celebrated globally for her power and resilience on the court, has courageously shared the details of a debilitating private health struggle that shadowed her career for nearly three decades. In 2025, the seven-time Grand Slam champion revealed she has been contending with uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, conditions that began affecting her in her teenage years.
A Champion's Silent Struggle
In a candid interview with NBC News Now, Venus Williams described the severe monthly symptoms she endured for years. Her battle included intense cramps, heavy bleeding, persistent nausea, and anemia so severe it left her fatigued. "I was hugging the toilet, waiting for it to pass," she shared, offering a raw glimpse into the pain that persisted despite her elite athletic status. She emphasized the profound personal toll, stating, "No one should have to go through this." Her revelation underscores a critical issue in women's healthcare: even world-class athletes with access to top-tier medical resources can suffer for years without proper diagnosis or support.
Understanding Fibroids and Adenomyosis
Venus Williams' experience brings much-needed attention to two common yet frequently misunderstood gynecological conditions.
Uterine fibroids are benign, non-cancerous tumors that develop from the muscular tissue of the uterus. Their impact varies based on size, number, and location, potentially distorting the uterine shape, pressing on organs like the bladder or bowel, and causing significant discomfort.
Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the organ. This condition often leads to painful, heavy periods. According to the Mayo Clinic, while it typically affects women in their late reproductive years (35-50), it can occur in younger women, as seen in Venus's case starting in her teens.
The combination of these conditions, as Venus's story highlights, can drastically diminish a woman's quality of life. Healthline reports that up to 70% of women may develop fibroids by age 50, with women of African descent being at higher risk and often experiencing more severe symptoms.
Path to Treatment and Management
After decades of managing symptoms, Venus Williams finally sought and received specialized care. She opted for treatment paths that allowed her to preserve her uterus, undergoing procedures to remove the problematic fibroid and adenomyotic tissue. This decision significantly improved her daily life and health.
Treatment for fibroids and adenomyosis is not one-size-fits-all and depends on factors like symptom severity, the size and location of growths, and a patient's reproductive goals. Common management strategies include:
- Medications and hormonal therapies to manage symptoms.
- Minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization or MRI-guided focused ultrasound.
- Surgical options, ranging from myomectomy (removal of fibroids) to hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Venus's journey delivers a powerful message: with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, women can effectively manage these conditions and reclaim their health and vitality, often while preserving fertility.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The symptoms described are specific to Venus Williams. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.
