Former professional tennis player Jelena Dokic has delivered a candid and important health update to her followers, revealing she has undergone surgery to remove a large, non-cancerous growth from her uterus.
A Personal Health Journey Shared Publicly
The 42-year-old sports broadcaster took to Instagram on Friday to share the news directly from her hospital bed at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. She posted two images of herself recovering, accompanied by a lengthy and heartfelt message detailing her experience.
"Fibroid removal surgery done," Dokic wrote. "Just had my surgery to remove a large fibroid (a non-cancerous growth on the uterus) and it all went well." She described feeling "a bit sore from the four cuts on my stomach and abdomen" but confirmed her recovery was proceeding normally and she planned to "take it slow for a bit."
Raising Crucial Awareness for Women's Health
Moving beyond her personal story, Dokic used her platform to highlight a widespread but often under-discussed health issue. She pointed out that a staggering 70 per cent of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50.
"That's a massive number and there has not been a lot of awareness or talk about it," she penned. Dokic explained that while some women remain unaffected, others suffer significant pain and bleeding, depending on the fibroid's size and location.
Her message contained a powerful call to action for all women:
- Attend regular gynaecological check-ups and get necessary scans.
- Never dismiss unusual pain or symptoms and consult a doctor promptly.
- Always advocate for your own health, seeking second opinions if needed.
"Please get your scans, regular gynaecological check-ups and if anything ever feels off or painful please don't dismiss it and go to your doctor," she urged.
Gratitude and a Focus on Recovery
Dokic concluded her post by expressing profound thanks to the medical team at Frances Perry House for their "incredible care" and kindness. She also sent love to her inner circle for their support with calls, messages, and flowers.
The athlete's decision to share her experience publicly shines a vital light on common reproductive health concerns, encouraging open conversation and proactive healthcare among women worldwide.
