Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o has opened up about a lifelong condition she was diagnosed with 11 years ago.

According to Lupita, she discovered she had uterine fibroids in 2014, the same year she won an Academy Award.

"I had 30 fibroids. I had surgery to remove them."

In the Tuesday, July 15 post, the actress said she asked her doctor whether there was anything she could do to stop them from recurring.

"You can't. It's only a matter of time until they grow again," the doctor told her.

She then shared details about uterine fibroids, noting that they are non-cancerous growths.

"They can range from the size of a pea to as large as a melon. They cause heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and complications with pregnancy."

Lupita noted that uterine fibroids might not have symptoms, but some have debilitating effects.

In the caption, Lupita noted that she was speaking to create more awareness.

“This Fibroid Awareness Month and beyond, I hope my experience will resonate with anyone else who has ever felt dismissed, confused or alone.

"And I hope to seek answers for the far too many women dealing with uterine fibroids (80% of Black women and 70% of white women by age 50!). We deserve better. It’s time to demand it. Silence serves no one,” she wrote.

Lupita said that she had joined several congresswomen and senators in Washington, DC to introduce a package of uterine fibroid Congressional bills.

“These bills would expand research funding, increase early detection and interventions for uterine fibroids, study the causes of uterine cancer, and increase public awareness.”

She also launched an eponymous uterine fibroid research grant that will seek research proposals to develop minimally invasive or non-invasive treatments for uterine fibroids to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of affected women.

Women lauded Lupita for speaking out about the condition, and some shared their experiences:

Nisha M Perry:

“Last year, I had a complete hysterectomy for this reason. My only issue is that I should've done it sooner. No more heavy bleeding, pain or other crazy symptoms.”

Uchenna Uche:

“I am so glad someone is talking about this! I’ve had 4 surgeries, the first one barely out of my teenage years.”

Tarieka Stoklosa:

“I have them too. Several. They are painful. I'm lucky I was still able to bear three healthy children.”

Gloria Omumbejja:

“Thanks for sharing about the silent pain we experience as women.”

In other news, Lupita opened up about the emotional journey of losing her Kenyan accent after pursuing acting in the US. She said the transformation began during drama school, where she felt the need to master different speech techniques.

While aiming to fit into Hollywood, the process left her feeling disconnected from her identity.

Lupita described the experience as heartbreaking, admitting she often cried herself to sleep out of frustration. Ironically, after adapting, the industry began seeking her original accent.

She later struggled to reconnect with it, and a speech from her mother brought her to tears. During a visit home, a niece pointed out her changed accent, making Lupita reflect on how deeply the shift had affected her sense of self.

Source: TUKO.co.ke