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Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o shared an update on her health, revealing the return of her uterine fibroids, with one growth measuring as large as an orange. Discussing her Lupita Nyong’o fibroids update on NBC’s ‘Today Show,’ she highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness and improved treatment options for this condition.
Early Diagnosis and Emotional Struggles
Lupita Nyong’o was first diagnosed with fibroids in 2014, the same year she won an Academy Award. In that period, she faced intense pain and heavy bleeding while juggling the highs and lows of her career success. She underwent surgery shortly after her diagnosis, but her doctor cautioned her about the likelihood of the fibroids returning.
Reflecting on this, Nyong’o said,
“Back in 2014, I won an Academy Award. And in that same year, I was diagnosed with fibroids. I was experiencing high high and low low at the same time.”
She also described the symptoms she experienced:
“I had heavy bleeding. I had pelvic pain, among other symptoms. I asked my doctor what caused them, but he did not really give me an answer.”
Limited Treatment Options and Rising Fibroid Numbers
Nyong’o emphasized the limited choices available, stating that surgery was the only treatment offered beyond managing pain. She recalled a significant conversation with her doctor about prevention:
“I asked my doctor what can I do to make sure they do not come back, and he said it only a matter of time. And then I learnt that 80% of women have fibroids by the age of 50.”
— Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
Since her initial surgery, the number and size of her fibroids have increased considerably. Currently, she has over 50 fibroids, with the largest being the size of an orange. She explained how doctors often compare fibroid sizes to fruits to help patients grasp their scale.
Discussing her recent diagnosis, she remarked,
“Now, 12 years later, I have my fibroids again. I have doubled the amount of fibroids. And I am still been offered the same option, surgery or live with the pain.”
She added,
“Doctors usually use fruits to help a woman understand the size of her fibroids. Mine was the largest. The size of an orange.”
Nyong’o also shared that during her first surgery, doctors removed 23 fibroids, and two years ago, she was informed that the number had risen to over 50.
“… the first time I got the fibroids taken out, they took out 23. And this time, I’ve been informed two years ago that I have over 50.”
— Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
The Broader Impact and Awareness Needs
Lupita Nyong’o’s candid update underscores the challenges many women face concerning uterine fibroids, a condition that affects a significant portion of the female population by midlife. Her experience highlights the urgent need for better treatment options and a deeper understanding of fibroids within the medical community and society.
As a prominent public figure speaking openly about this issue, Nyong’o is contributing to increased awareness, which could lead to enhanced research and novel therapies that go beyond surgery and pain management. Her story may inspire others to seek help and advocate for improved healthcare solutions.