On March 1, Lupita Nyong’o marked her 43rd birthday by sharing a powerful message about her ongoing battle with uterine fibroids, shedding light on a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Nyong’o revealed that she is living with 77 fibroids, noncancerous growths on the uterus that cause intense pain and various debilitating symptoms, including heavy bleeding, pelvic discomfort, and frequent urination.
Using her platform to raise awareness, the Oscar-winning actress posted images on Instagram showing both herself posing with a basket of fruit and an MRI scan displaying the numerous fibroids inside her. She explained the medical practice of describing fibroid sizes using fruit as a relatable comparison to communicate the severity and scale of her condition.
Personal Experience Highlights the Silent Struggle Millions Face
Nyong’o reflected on her fibroid journey, expressing the emotional and physical toll it has taken over the years.
“Today is my birthday, and it’s got me feeling reflective. Not about age, but about a different number: 77,”
she wrote. She disclosed that 25 fibroids have already been surgically removed, but over 50 remain inside her body, some as large as an orange.
She further emphasized the widespread nature of this condition while noting how seldom it is openly discussed.
“This is not a rare story. It is just a rarely told one,”
Nyong’o stated. She described enduring persistent pain and significant blood loss during her menstrual cycles, often doing so quietly. To symbolize this hidden burden, she held 77 pieces of fruit, each representing one fibroid, to visually share the weight carried by her and many other women.
Launch of the Make Fibroids Count Campaign to Drive Change
After publicly sharing her experience last year, Nyong’o witnessed a flood of responses from women revealing similar struggles with fibroids. Motivated by this collective experience, she launched the Make Fibroids Count initiative in partnership with the Foundation for Women’s Health. The campaign aims to increase fibroid awareness and advocate for more funding to support research into minimally invasive and non-invasive treatment options.
“So, my birthday wish is a world where no woman has to suffer through fibroids untreated, undertreated, or unheard,”
Nyong’o declared. She underscored the urgent need for research funding, stating,
“To get there, we need research. And research needs funding.”
She closed her message with a heartfelt call to action:
“Every dollar goes toward research that could change or even save a woman’s life. Maybe someone you love. Maybe someone you are… 🫶🏿 Thank you for celebrating with me in the most meaningful way possible.💜”
Current Treatment Decisions and Health Implications
Recently, Nyong’o appeared on the Today show to discuss her current health status, revealing that she has not yet decided to undergo a myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids that preserves the uterus. She acknowledged the seriousness of this choice:
“I’m not ready to make that decision,”
she said.
“It’s quite invasive… and it’s a big threat to our reproductive organs.”
Lupita Nyong’o’s openness about her fibroids shines a spotlight on a condition that is often overlooked despite affecting a significant portion of women globally. Through her advocacy and personal narrative, she has brought greater visibility to uterine fibroids, encouraging support for research and better treatments that could improve lives and reduce the stigma surrounding women’s reproductive health.
