Actress Lupita Nyong’o has publicly shared her experience with uterine fibroids, aiming to raise awareness about this common yet often overlooked condition. In a recent Instagram post, Nyong’o revealed that she was diagnosed with 30 uterine fibroids in 2014 and underwent surgery to remove them. She emphasized the need for better education, screening, and research to address this issue effectively.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in or around the uterus, which can cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pregnancy complications. Despite affecting a significant number of women—eight in 10 Black women and seven in 10 white women—fibroids are rarely discussed openly.
Nyong’o called for an end to the normalization of female pain and advocated for early education, improved screening protocols, and less invasive treatments. She also joined members of Congress to introduce bills aimed at expanding research funding and raising public awareness about uterine health.
In addition to her advocacy efforts, Nyong’o partnered with the Foundation for Women’s Health to launch a research grant focused on developing minimally or non-invasive treatments for uterine fibroids. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for the millions of women affected by this condition.
Other celebrities, including Venus Williams and FKA Twigs, have also spoken out about their experiences with fibroids, highlighting the need for greater awareness and better medical care for women dealing with this condition.