Lupita Nyong’o reflects on lessons from her 10-year battle with fibroids
By Valerian Khakayi, September 11, 2025Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o has once again opened up about her decade-long battle with uterine fibroids, sharing the lessons she has learned from living with the condition.
The award-winning actress, who has previously spoken about her health journey, took to her official Instagram account on Thursday, September 11, 2025, and said Fibroids remain a silent struggle for many women, even though awareness campaigns often fade once Fibroid Awareness Month ends.
“Fibroid Awareness Month may be over, but some of us still have them! After 10+ years, here’s what I wish I knew from day one,” she wrote.
In her latest reflection, Lupita shared ten lessons she wishes she had known from day one. She says that when she was first diagnosed, she thought she had done something wrong and blamed herself.
The actress also revealed that she discovered fibroids were hereditary, adding that she learned that some of her family members have had them.
In addition, she emphasised the importance of seeking medical attention, adding that early detection would offer more treatment options.
The actress also advised women battling fibroids to be accompanied by a trusted person during doctor’s visits, to ask questions, and to seek a second opinion.
Battling uterine fibroids
The award-winning actress, on July 14, 2025, revealed for the first time that she underwent surgery to remove 30 uterine fibroids shortly after winning her Academy Award in 2014.
“In March 2014, I won an Academy Award. That same year, I discovered I had uterine fibroids. Thirty fibroids. I had surgery to remove them,” she wrote.
She explained that when she asked her doctor if there was anything she could do to prevent the fibroids from coming back, the response was deeply discouraging.
“I asked my doctor if I could do anything to prevent them from recurring. She said, ‘You can’t. It’s only a matter of time until they grow again,” Nyong’o recalled.
The actress described uterine fibroids as non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus and can vary in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a melon.
“Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can range from the size of a pea to as large as a melon. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and anaemia, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and complications with pregnancy. Some have no symptoms at all, while others experience debilitating effects,” she explained.
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