Lupita Nyong’o Discusses Her Battle with Fibroids, Largest Comparable to an Orange

Acclaimed actress Lupita Nyong’o has opened up about her health struggles, stating that she is currently coping with more than 50 uterine fibroids.

In a recent interview on the Today show, Nyong’o shared that her condition has worsened since she was first diagnosed in 2014, the year she won an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave.

Initially, she underwent surgery to remove 23 fibroids.

"The first instance I had the fibroids removed, they extracted 23," she mentioned. "Now, I’ve been informed, two years ago, that I have over 50."

Nyong’o noted that she is again faced with challenging choices—whether to undergo surgery or to endure the accompanying pain.

"I’m confronted with the same dilemmas—surgery or live with the pain," she explained, highlighting that procedures such as myomectomy are invasive and may come with reproductive risks.

She also confessed that she is not prepared to make that decision at this moment.

In discussing the severity of her condition, she revealed that her largest fibroid resembles the size of an orange.

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, and various other health issues. This condition reportedly affects Black women disproportionately, often resulting in more intense symptoms.

Nyong’o also reflected on the emotional impact her diagnosis initially had on her.

"I felt a sense of shame. What did I do to create this? I felt very isolated and quite anxious regarding my reproductive health," she articulated.

Over time, she found empowerment by connecting with other women facing similar health obstacles.

Currently, she is leveraging her influence to advocate for increased awareness and improved treatment alternatives.

"It is crucial that we start speaking up to ensure this condition is taken seriously," she emphasized.