Lupita Nyong’o is once again using her platform to shine a light on an issue that affects millions of women but is still far too rarely discussed.
The Oscar-winning actress has shared a candid update on her ongoing health journey, revealing that she recently underwent a second surgery as part of her long battle with uterine fibroids. While she’s currently recovering, Nyong’o says the experience has only strengthened her determination to advocate for better education, research and treatment options for women’s reproductive health.
Speaking in a new interview with Who What Wear, published on Thursday, July 9, the The Odyssey actress explained why she has been noticeably absent from recent public appearances.
“If I could be very honest with you, I haven’t been in New York,” Lupita shared. “I’ve actually been recuperating from a surgery, so I’ve been away, in nature, taking care of myself.”
Rather than rushing back to work, Nyong’o said she’s been prioritizing rest and allowing herself the time needed to heal.
Earlier this year, the actress revealed she has spent more than a decade dealing with uterine fibroids—a diagnosis that has significantly shaped her health journey.
She shared that doctors had discovered more than 50 uterine fibroids, a condition she described as both physically and emotionally challenging.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, uterine fibroids are common, noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While some people experience no symptoms, others may deal with heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, back pain or discomfort during sex. Treatment varies depending on the size of the fibroids and the severity of symptoms, ranging from medication to surgery.
For Nyong’o, surgery has twice become the necessary option.
She underwent her first myomectomy in 2014 to remove fibroids from her uterus. That same year, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her breakthrough performance in 12 Years a Slave.
Looking back, the contrast between career success and private health struggles has stayed with her.
“It was just a very brutal reminder that no number of red carpets will protect me from poor health,” she said.
Her latest procedure marks another significant step in that journey.
Although recovering has temporarily taken her away from the spotlight, Nyong’o says the experience has also prompted her to become more informed about her own body.
“I realized this system has failed me and I got to try and understand the female body for myself,” she explained. “I would love for there to be more solutions for women than just cutting us open.”
That frustration has become one of the driving forces behind her advocacy.
Nyong’o believes conversations around uterine fibroids should begin much earlier, particularly because the condition affects so many women worldwide.
“Why is this thing that’s so common a mystery?” she questioned. “We should know about fibroids as much as we know about impounded wisdom teeth. Every single girl should know about the risk of fibroids in their teens when they’re learning about their period and their reproductive system.”
Her comments echo a broader conversation taking place across the medical community, where advocates have increasingly called for more research into women’s health conditions that have historically received less attention and funding than many other areas of medicine.
By speaking openly about her own experience, Nyong’o hopes to help reduce the stigma surrounding reproductive health and encourage more women to seek information and medical care if something doesn’t feel right.
The actress has long used her voice to advocate for causes close to her heart, from representation in Hollywood to mental health, education and social justice. Her willingness to discuss such a deeply personal medical experience reflects that same commitment to raising awareness through honesty.
While her recovery continues, Nyong’o’s message extends beyond her own diagnosis.
She’s encouraging women to ask questions, learn about their bodies and advocate for themselves within healthcare systems that don’t always provide enough answers.
It’s a powerful reminder that even someone who has stood on the Oscars stage, starred in blockbuster films and traveled the world isn’t immune to life’s health challenges.
For Lupita Nyong’o, healing isn’t just about recovering from surgery. It’s also about helping ensure future generations of women have more knowledge, more options and better care than those who came before them.
