Lupita Nyong'o has revealed she is dealing with over 50 uterine fibroids, some as large as oranges. The actress, first diagnosed 11 years ago, discussed her condition on the Today show, highlighting the limited treatment options available. She expressed concerns about surgery's impact on her reproductive health.
Lupita Nyong'o, the 42-year-old star of A Quiet Place: Day One and 12 Years a Slave, opened up about her battle with uterine fibroids during an appearance on Today. She was first diagnosed with the condition—non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus that can cause long and heavy periods, plus pain in the pelvis, back, and legs—11 years ago. Back then, surgery removed 23 fibroids. But two years ago, she learned she now has over 50.
"The first time I got the fibroids taken out, they took out 23," Nyong'o shared. "And this time, I’ve been informed two years ago that I have over 50. And I’m being faced with the same options. Surgery or live with the pain."
Some of her fibroids are massive—doctors compare them to fruits, and hers reach orange size. She's hesitating on surgery, calling it "quite invasive" and a "big threat" to reproductive organs. "I’m not ready to make that decision," she admitted.
Initially, the diagnosis brought shame and fear: "I felt shame. What did I do to cause them? And I felt very alone and quite scared for my reproductive health." But speaking out has changed that. "I’m excited right now because speaking up has really empowered me. I’ve found community. I’ve locked arms with women who have been fighting this fight for a long time. There’s a lot of power in speaking up."
The support from other women sharing "me too" stories has bolstered her. Now, Nyong'o is advocating for better research and less invasive treatments. "I think it’s high time we speak up to ensure that this is no longer trivialized and it’s no longer considered normal just because it’s common."
Will more stars join her in destigmatizing fibroids? Fingers crossed for real progress. 💪
