Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has opened up about her ongoing battle with uterine fibroids, revealing that she is currently living with more than 50 of the noncancerous growths.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the Today show, the actress shared that her condition has worsened since she was first diagnosed in 2014 — the same year she won an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave.
At the time of her diagnosis, Nyong’o underwent surgery to remove 23 fibroids.
“The first time I got the fibroids taken out, they took out 23,” she said. “And this time, I’ve been informed two years ago that I have over 50.”
The actress explained that she is once again faced with difficult options — either undergo surgery or continue living with the pain.
“I’m being faced with the same options — surgery or live with the pain,” she said, noting that procedures such as myomectomy are invasive and carry potential reproductive risks.
Nyong’o admitted she is not yet ready to make that decision.
Describing the severity of her condition, she disclosed that her largest fibroid is the size of an orange.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in or around the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and other complications. The condition disproportionately affects Black women, who often experience more severe symptoms.
Reflecting on her initial diagnosis, Nyong’o spoke candidly about the emotional impact it had on her.
“I felt shame. What did I do to cause them? And I felt very alone and quite scared for my reproductive health,” she said.
However, she revealed that connecting with other women facing similar struggles helped her find strength and reassurance.
Now, the actress says she is using her platform to push for greater awareness and improved treatment options.
“I think it’s high time we speak up to ensure that this is no longer trivialized,” she said.
