Washington DC, July 16: Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has shared her personal journey with uterine fibroids, shedding light on a health issue that affects millions of women worldwide. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Nyong’o revealed she was diagnosed with 30 fibroids the same year she won her Academy Award in 2014 and underwent surgery to have them removed.
“I asked my doctor if there was anything I could do to prevent them from recurring. She said: ‘You can’t. It’s only a matter of time until they grow again,'” the 12 Years a Slave star shared, as reported by E! News.
Nyong’o expressed frustration at how female pain is often normalized and minimized in society. “We’re struggling alone with something that affects us most… We must reject the normalisation of female pain,” she said, calling for a societal shift in how women’s health is addressed.
She also revealed her ongoing efforts to collaborate with U.S. congresswomen to introduce a legislative package aimed at tackling uterine fibroids. The proposed bills would focus on:
- Expanding research funding
- Improving early detection and intervention
- Investigating causes of uterine cancer
- Raising public awareness
“I envision a future of early education for teenagers, better screening protocols, robust prevention research, and less invasive treatments for uterine fibroids,” Nyong’o wrote. “We deserve better. It’s time to demand it. Silence serves no one!”
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, often going undiagnosed but capable of causing severe symptoms including heavy periods, pelvic pressure, and infertility. While common among women of reproductive age, fibroids have historically been under-researched and under-discussed.
Nyong’o’s openness received strong support from fellow celebrities. Actress Halle Berry commented, “This is such important info to share,” while comedian Amber Ruffin said she had her own “bonkers fibroids story” to tell.
Nyong’o’s advocacy adds a powerful voice to a growing movement pushing for increased visibility, funding, and care for women’s reproductive health issues.