Lupita Nyong’o recently opened up about her ongoing struggle with uterine fibroids, revealing that they have returned more severely after her initial surgery over a decade ago.

She was first diagnosed in 2014 (the same year she won her Oscar for 12 Years a Slave), after experiencing symptoms like fatigue, pelvic pain, and pre-anemia. Her doctor ordered an ultrasound only after she repeatedly mentioned her pain, which revealed the fibroids. She underwent surgery to remove 23 of them at that time.

Recently, she shared that the fibroids have returned—this time numbering over 50, with her largest one being the size of an orange. She was informed about the recurrence about two years ago, but she publicly discussed it in detail on February 25, 2026, during an appearance on the Today show.

In the interview, Nyong’o spoke candidly about feeling initial shame, fear for her reproductive health, and isolation, but emphasized the power of speaking up. She noted how many women (especially Black women, who are disproportionately affected—80% by age 50) face similar issues, often with limited non-invasive treatment options. She described the pain and the tough choice between another invasive surgery or living with it.

To raise awareness and push for better solutions, she partnered with the Foundation for Women’s Health (which she had already collaborated with earlier in 2025 to launch a research grant for minimally or non-invasive treatments). She highlighted the need for more research, funding, and advancements, as fibroids remain under-researched despite affecting millions.