Entertainment (Commonwealth Union) _ Lupita Nyong’o has publicly revealed her battle against uterine fibroids, utilising her platform in order to urge for systemic changes in addressing women’s reproductive health in the United States. The Kenyan-Mexican actress shared her experience during Fibroid Awareness Month with the aim of developing conversation regarding the condition that affects millions of women, while also pushing for legislative reform.
Nyong’o took to Instagram on July 15, sharing her experience of undergoing surgery to remove 30 fibroids in 2014, the same year she received an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave.
According to the actress, the diagnosis was accompanied by an extremely limited number of medical options, where she was offered either “invasive surgery or living with the pain” at the age of 31.
Currently 42, the actress has decided to speak out about her experience while also addressing the significant repercussions of how the US handles women’s reproductive health. Appearing alongside Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke on Capitol Hill, Nyong’o contributed towards introducing a legislative package that is aimed at tackling the neglect of uterine health.
Including four bills, the proposed uterine health legislation is designed to expand research funding, improve early detection and intervention methods, study the causes of uterine cancer, and raise public awareness.
“Let’s stop treating this massive issue like a series of unfortunate coincidences,” Nyong’o wrote, urging people to reject the normalisation of pain experienced by females, emphasising the stigma and neglect surrounding female reproductive conditions, particularly uterine fibroids, which are often undiagnosed or undertreated.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus, and despite not being malignant, can trigger debilitating symptoms. Women may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, anaemia, frequent urination, and even complications during pregnancy. Nevertheless, for most women, the options available for treatment are limited and usually involve invasive procedures such as hysterectomies or myomectomies.
According to medical statistics, around 80% of Black women and 70% of white women developing the complication by the age of 50, making fibroid extremely common. However, Black women are seen to be disproportionately affected, with a tendency to develop fibroids earlier, more frequently, and with more severe symptoms than white women.
Nevertheless, research conducted towards the causes and treatments of fibroids remains severely underfinanced. “We’re struggling alone with something that affects most of us,” Nyong’o argued, her statement reflecting the rising movement of women who demand better care and more attention to the realities of pain caused by female-specific conditions.
Nyong’o has formed a partnership with the Foundation for Women’s Health in order to launch the FWH x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Grant, which will fund research directed towards non-invasive and minimally invasive options for treating uterine fibroids. This initiative aligns with her larger goal of creating a healthcare future where prevention and screening are prioritised, and where women are empowered with choices beyond surgery.
Nyong’o’s advocacy is part of an initiative by lawmakers and healthcare professionals who argue for serious discussion regarding women’s health. The legislative package that the actress is currently supporting aims to bring attention to the millions of women living with fibroids, many of whom either do not receive a proper diagnosis or are disregarded by medical systems.
With celebrities increasingly utilising their platforms to direct public awareness towards medical inequalities, Nyong’o’s advocacy is also expected to stir a deeper interest in fibroid research and policy reform, accelerating the insertion of uterine health in mainstream discussion.
