Lupita Nyong'o Shares Personal Health Battle with Uterine Fibroids
Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o has publicly revealed her ongoing struggle with uterine fibroids, opening up about the difficult decision she faces regarding surgical intervention. The 12 Years a Slave star, 43, discussed her diagnosis during a recent appearance on the Today show, where she detailed the physical challenges and emotional toll of this common medical condition.
Diagnosis and Symptoms of Fibroids
Nyong'o explained that doctors have identified approximately 50 uterine fibroids in her body, with her largest growth comparable in size to an orange. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, affecting millions of women worldwide. Before receiving her diagnosis, the actress experienced persistent pelvic pain, extreme fatigue, and heavy menstrual bleeding that she initially dismissed as normal.
"When I was experiencing the heavy bleeding, it didn't sound an alarm. The clotting was not anything remarkable to me. I didn't understand my body," Nyong'o confessed. She noted that many women are conditioned from puberty to accept menstrual pain as an inevitable part of womanhood, which can prevent them from seeking medical attention for serious underlying conditions.
Surgical History and Current Dilemma
The actress underwent her first myomectomy procedure to remove fibroids at age 23, shortly after her 2014 Oscar win for her role in 12 Years a Slave. Now, two decades later, she faces the same difficult choice as new fibroids have developed. "I'm being faced with the same options: surgery or live with the pain. I haven't yet chosen the surgery. I'm not ready to make that decision," Nyong'o revealed.
She expressed particular concern about the invasive nature of fibroid treatments, noting that many women ultimately undergo hysterectomies to completely remove the uterus. This would be a significant surgical intervention with permanent consequences for reproductive health.
Raising Awareness About Women's Health
Nyong'o has become increasingly vocal about uterine fibroids and women's reproductive health issues. In July 2025, she shared an Instagram post during Fibroid Awareness Month, disclosing that she previously had surgery to remove 30 fibroids, only to be told by doctors that "it's only a matter of time until they grow again."
The actress highlighted the disproportionate impact on different demographic groups, noting that eight out of ten Black women and seven out of ten white women will develop fibroids at some point in their lifetimes. Despite these staggering statistics, she believes society fails to adequately discuss women's reproductive health concerns.
Breaking the Silence on Female Pain
"I started talking about my experience privately, and I realized so many women are going through this. We're struggling alone with something that affects most of us. No more suffering in silence!" Nyong'o declared. She emphasized the importance of rejecting the normalization of female pain and creating more open conversations about reproductive health issues.
The actress described how fibroid symptoms can range from nonexistent to debilitating, with potential side effects including heavy menstrual bleeding leading to anemia, pelvic discomfort, frequent urination, and pregnancy complications. By sharing her personal journey, Nyong'o hopes to encourage other women to seek proper medical care and advocate for their health needs without shame or hesitation.
