Lupita Nyong’o has long been open about her struggle with uterine fibroids—and she just gave a health update about whether she has to undergo surgery once again.
The 42-year-old actress initially opened up about her diagnosis in 2022, revealing that eight years prior she underwent surgery to remove 23 fibroids. The painful condition involves noncancerous growths forming on the uterus which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, long periods and pelvic pain, among many other symptoms, per Mayo Clinic.
Since then, Nyong’o has been an advocate for women going through the same thing, even launching the Foundation for Women’s Health x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Research Grant.
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Nyong’o has previously shared that she know her fibroids would return and she’s now revealing what updates doctors have given her about her condition. During an appearance on the Today show on Wednesday (Feb. 23), Nyong’o shared that her fibroids have unfortunately doubled.
“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, adding that her biggest fibroid is “the size of an orange.”
Nyong’o continued, “And I’m being faced with the same options. Surgery or live with the pain. I’m not ready to make that decision.”
She noted that the surgery, called a myomectomy, is “quite invasive” and a “big threat to our reproductive organs,” so she is hesitating to move forward.
Nyong’o also opened up about her initial diagnosis, sharing that she felt “shame” and believed she must have done something to cause her fibroids. While she “felt very alone and quite scared” for her reproductive health, she says speaking out has been incredibly beneficial.
“I’m excited right now because speaking up has really empowered me,” she explained. “I’ve found community. I’ve locked arms with women who have been fighting this fight for a long time.”
She continued, “There’s a lot of power in speaking up. I spoke up and the amount of support I got hearing women say ‘me too’ and share their stories made me feel less alone and it’s honestly what has bolstered me to do the work that I do now…I think it’s high time we speak up to ensure that this is no longer trivialized and it’s no longer considered normal just because it’s common.”
You can hear all that Lupita Nyong’o had to say below.