“Don’t Accept Hysterectomy As First Resort To Fibroid Treatment” – Lupita Nyong’o Tells Women

Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has advised women not to accept a hysterectomy as the first line of treatment for fibroids.

Nyong’o spoke during an interview with the TODAY show, where she discussed the ‘Make Fibroid Count Campaign, ’ an advocacy she is heading that is raising funds to support scientists researching less invasive ways to treat fibroids.

Speaking of what inspired the campaign, the actress said she had been diagnosed with fibroids in 2014, the same year she won the Academy Award.

“I was experiencing this high-high and low-low at the same time. I had heavy bleeding. I had pelvic pain among other symptoms.”

Further inquiry offered her only two options – surgery or living with the pain. At the time, she chose the surgery, but 12 years down the line, the fibroid regrew, while her options for treatment remain the same.

“I thought if the majority of the women are going through this, surely, we should have more options,” said Nyong’o.

Thus, the campaign also aims to help women with fibroids speak up. The actress took a couple of photos with Studio 1A, which showed her partially nude with a basket of fruit, particularly an orange, which she said was the size of her fibroid.

“I think it is high time that we speak up to ensure that this is no longer trivialised, and no longer considered normal because it’s common.

Initially ashamed post her diagnosis, wondering what she did to have caused it, Nyong’o said she had been “very alone and quite scared for her reproductive health”, particularly on learning women are being recommended hysterectomies, which is the complete removal of the womb.
“The first thing I’d say is seek a second opinion, and don’t accept hysterectomy as the first resort.”
“There is a lot of power in speaking up. I spoke up, and the amount of support I got. Hearing women say, “me too”, and share their stories made me feel less alone, and is honestly what has bolstered me to be able to do the work that I do now.”