Lupita Nyong’o Reveals Her Decade-Long Battle with Uterine Fibroids, Urges Greater Awareness and Improved Healthcare

Hollywood icon Lupita Nyong’o has opened up about her personal struggle with uterine fibroids, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. In a candid and emotional post shared on July 16, during Fibroid Awareness Month, the Oscar-winning actress detailed her journey from surgery to ongoing health challenges, calling for increased public dialogue, better healthcare access, and advancements in treatment.

Nyong’o revealed that in 2014 she underwent surgery to remove 30 fibroids from her uterus. Despite medical warnings that the fibroids were likely to return, she has faced a recurrence, highlighting how persistent and painful this condition can be.

She emphasized how such pain is often normalized or overlooked, especially among Black women. “Periods are not supposed to mean pain,” she stated. “Many of us suffer in silence.”

Using her platform to amplify this often-taboo topic, Nyong’o announced her collaboration with the Foundation for Women’s Health to launch a research grant focused on developing less invasive fibroid treatment options.

She also voiced her strong support for a new bill currently before the U.S. Congress seeking increased funding for fibroid research and public education.

The actress’s heartfelt disclosure has sparked widespread conversation online, particularly among women across Africa and the diaspora, shining a light on the urgent need to address women’s health issues more openly and effectively.

Lupita Nyong’o’s advocacy underscores the importance of recognizing the physical and emotional impact of uterine fibroids and the vital need for improved healthcare solutions to support millions of women living with this condition.