Lupita Nyong’o has disclosed that her uterine fibroids have recurred, with over 50 growths, including one as large as an orange. The 42-year-old actress shared her story on February 25 during an appearance on the Today show, addressing the painful condition that affects her reproductive health and the limited treatment options available.
Nyong’o first learned she had fibroids in 2014, coinciding with the year she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “12 Years a Slave.” Since then, the fibroids have returned more aggressively, posing difficult decisions concerning her health and well-being.
Details on Fibroids and Available Treatments
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors growing on the uterus, often causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and other distressing symptoms. Nyong’o revealed that during her previous surgery, doctors removed 23 fibroids. She was informed two years ago that her fibroid count had increased to more than 50.
She is faced with either undergoing invasive surgery, such as a myomectomy—which removes fibroids but preserves the uterus—or living with the persistent pain of the condition. Nyong’o has not yet committed to the surgical option, citing concerns about its invasiveness and its threat to reproductive organs.
“The first time I got the fibroids taken out, they took out 23,”
she explained on the show.
“And this time, I’ve been informed two years ago that I have over 50.”
“And I’m being faced with the same options,”
Nyong’o continued.
“Surgery or live with the pain.”
“I’m not ready to make that decision,”
she added,
“It’s quite invasive… and it’s a big threat to our reproductive organs.”
Understanding the Size and Impact of Her Fibroids
Nyong’o also discussed how doctors use fruit comparisons to describe fibroid size, noting the largest of hers is about the size of an orange. Sitting with Katy Brodsky Falco, founder and executive director of the Foundation of Women’s Health, Nyong’o highlighted the severity of her condition.
“When you have fibroids, doctors usually use fruit to explain to you what size your fibroids are,”
she said.
“So your fibroid could be the size of a grape. My biggest fibroid is the size of an orange.”
She shared the emotional toll the diagnosis had on her, admitting that she initially felt isolated and blamed herself for the condition.
“I felt shame. What did I do to cause them? And I felt very alone and quite scared for my reproductive health,”
Nyong’o said.
Finding Strength Through Community and Advocacy
Despite her initial feelings, Nyong’o expressed that speaking out about her fibroids has empowered her and helped her connect with others facing similar challenges. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness and advocating for less invasive treatment options.
“I’m excited right now because speaking up has really empowered me,”
she said.
“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,”
Nyong’o added.
“I spoke up and the amount of support I got hearing women say ‘me too’ and share their stories made me feel less alone and it’s honestly what has bolstered me to do the work that I do now.”
The actress is now focused on fundraising efforts for scientists to develop less invasive or non-invasive fibroid treatments, hoping to challenge the tendency to trivialize this widespread condition.
“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,”
Nyong’o said.
Broader Implications and the Path Forward
Lupita Nyong’o’s openness about her fibroid journey draws critical attention to a health issue that affects many women but is often overlooked or misunderstood. Her advocacy highlights the need for better medical options and increased awareness, potentially influencing future research and improved care standards. As she continues to weigh her treatment choices and raise her voice for change, her story resonates with countless others facing similar reproductive health struggles.
