Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has disclosed that she is once again battling uterine fibroids, more than a decade after her first diagnosis. The actress says the condition resurfaced years after surgery, prompting her to advocate for improved research and treatment options for women.
Nyong’o shared that her health challenges began in 2014, the same year she won the Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave. While celebrating a major milestone in her career, she was simultaneously dealing with severe pelvic pain and excessive bleeding linked to fibroids.
At the time, she underwent surgery but was cautioned that the non-cancerous growths could return. Twelve years later, the actress confirmed that the condition has reappeared and that she now has more fibroids than during her initial diagnosis.
She expressed concern over what she described as limited progress in women’s reproductive healthcare, stating that the treatment options presented to her remain largely unchanged. According to her, patients are often faced with either undergoing major surgery or managing ongoing discomfort.
Nyong’o encouraged women experiencing similar symptoms to seek multiple medical opinions and carefully evaluate their treatment choices. She advised against considering hysterectomy as an immediate solution without exploring alternatives.
In response to the stigma and silence surrounding reproductive health conditions, the actress has launched an initiative titled Make Fibroids Count. The campaign seeks to drive funding for scientific research into less invasive treatments and create a platform for women to openly share their experiences.
Highlighting the physical impact of the condition, she noted that doctors often describe fibroid sizes by comparing them to fruit. In her case, she revealed that her largest fibroid was once the size of an orange.
Medical data indicate that uterine fibroids affect a significant percentage of women, with estimates suggesting that up to 80 percent may develop the condition by the age of 50. Nyong’o argued that the high prevalence underscores the need for greater awareness and improved healthcare solutions.
Beyond her advocacy work, the actress confirmed she will appear in a forthcoming film directed by Christopher Nolan titled The Odyssey, scheduled for release later this year.
Nyong’o said the widespread response from women sharing similar stories has strengthened her commitment to speaking publicly about the condition and supporting broader health reforms.
