Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has spoken candidly about the recurrence of her uterine fibroids, disclosing that one of the growths is now as large as an orange.
In a recent interview on NBC’s Today Show, the 42-year-old star reflected on her long battle with the condition, stressing the need for increased awareness, better treatment options, and more open conversations around women’s reproductive health.
Nyong’o revealed that she was first diagnosed with fibroids in 2014 — the same year she won her Academy Award. While the year marked a major milestone in her career, it also came with deep emotional and physical struggles.
“Back in 2014, I won an Academy Award. And in that same year, I was diagnosed with fibroids. I was experiencing high high and low low at the same time,” she said.
The actress described the diagnosis as emotionally overwhelming, noting that it initially left her feeling isolated. She also recounted dealing with severe physical symptoms.
“I had heavy bleeding. I had pelvic pain, among other symptoms. I asked my doctor what caused them, but he did not really give me an answer,” she added, explaining that the situation “caused me shame and loneliness.”
Following her diagnosis, Nyong’o underwent surgery to remove the fibroids but was warned that they were likely to return.
“I asked what I could do to treat them. All I was offered was surgery or pain. I chose surgery,” she said.
Despite the procedure, the condition resurfaced years later, this time more aggressively.
“I asked my doctor what can I do to make sure they do not come back, and he said it only a matter of time. And then I learnt that 80% of women have fibroids by the age of 50.
“Now, 12 years later, I have my fibroids again. I have doubled the amount of fibroids. And I am still been offered the same option, surgery or live with the pain,” she revealed.
Nyong’o further explained that doctors often use fruits to describe the size of fibroids for clarity.
“Doctors usually use fruits to help a woman understand the size of her fibroids. Mine was the largest. The size of an orange.
“… the first time I got the fibroids taken out, they took out 23. And this time, I’ve been informed two years ago that I have over 50,” she said.
The actress had previously opened up about her health struggles last year, continuing to advocate for better education, research, and treatment options for women affected by fibroids worldwide.
