Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has disclosed that her fibroid condition has returned and multiplied since her initial diagnosis. In a recent interview, the 42-year-old star spoke openly about her ongoing Lupita Nyong’o fibroid battle, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of this painful uterine condition.
History and Scale of the Fibroid Challenge
Nyong’o first identified her fibroids in 2014, the same year she earned an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave. At that time, she underwent surgery to remove 23 fibroids. However, she shared that two years ago, doctors informed her that the number of fibroids had increased to over 50. She faces the difficult decision between undergoing surgery again or continuing to live with the pain and discomfort.
The first time I got the fibroids taken out, they took out 23,
Nyong’o stated.
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,
she added.
Contemplating Surgery Amid Concerns for Reproductive Health
The actress has not yet decided whether to have a myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove fibroids. She expressed hesitation about the invasiveness of the operation and its risks to reproductive organs.
I’m not ready to make that decision,
Nyong’o said.
It’s quite invasive, and it’s a big threat to our reproductive organs.
To describe her condition, Nyong’o explained the size of her largest fibroid using a common medical analogy.
When you have fibroids, doctors usually use fruit to explain to you what size your fibroids are. So your fibroid could be the size of a grape. My biggest fibroid is the size of an orange.
The Emotional Impact of Fibroid Diagnosis
Initially, Nyong’o admitted that her diagnosis caused feelings of isolation and shame, leaving her worried about the implications for her reproductive health.
I felt shame. What did I do to cause them? And I felt very alone and quite scared for my reproductive health,
she recalled.
Empowerment Through Speaking Out and Community Support
Since publicly discussing her condition, Nyong’o says she has found strength and solidarity with other women facing similar battles. Speaking up has transformed her experience.
I’m excited right now because speaking up has really empowered me,
she noted.
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,
she 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.
Advocacy for Less Invasive Treatments and Greater Awareness
Nyong’o is now using her platform to push for increased awareness and better treatment options for fibroids, emphasizing the need to end the trivialization of this condition.
I think it’s high time we speak up to ensure that this is no longer trivialised and it’s no longer considered normal just because it’s common,
she urged.
Lupita Nyong’o’s candid conversation sheds light on the challenges many women face with fibroids, a condition often overlooked in discussions about women’s health. Her advocacy signals a push toward improved treatment and greater support for those affected by this issue.
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