Latest news with #Blackwomen
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Lupita Nyong'o opens up about health diagnosis
Lupita Nyong'o has spoken out about her experience with uterine fibroids during Fibroid Awareness Month. Nyong'o discovered she had the non-cancerous growths in 2014, the same year she won her Oscar, and underwent surgery to remove 30 fibroids. She highlighted that while some individuals are asymptomatic, others suffer debilitating symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pain, noting the condition's high prevalence, particularly among Black women. Nyong'o criticized the normalization of female pain and called for increased societal discussion, early education, better screening, and comprehensive research into women's reproductive health. She has joined Democratic congresswomen and senators to introduce legislative bills aimed at expanding research funding, improving early detection, and increasing public awareness for uterine fibroids, also partnering on a research grant.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lupita Nyong'o Revealed She Has Painful Uterine Fibroids. Here's What That Means.
Actress Luptia Nyong'o shared on Instagram that the same year she won an Academy Award for her role in '12 Years A Slave' (2014)she was also diagnosed with chronic uterine fibroids, a common yet understudied medical issue in women — and particularly, Black women. In the Instagram post, Nyong'o said she had 30 fibroids removed only to be told there is nothing she can do to keep them from coming back. Her post is part of a campaign to raise awareness for uterine fibroids, support research funding and push forward Congressional bills. Nyong'o shared this news as a way to break the 'silent suffering' that's forced on women. And while Nyong'o is a well-known person dealing with the often-painful condition, millions of other women deal with it, too. Both in silence and at endless doctor's appointments. For instance, Tanika Gray Valbrun started experiencing extremely heavy periods early in her teen years. 'I was that girl who always had to carry pads with her, felt like I was always on my period, had to wear two panties and biker shorts, always had an extra bag with me,' she told HuffPost. In addition to the heavy bleeding, Valbrun also experienced painful periods, her abdomen protruded and she felt a constant need to use the bathroom. It wasn't until she was about 25 that she received a diagnosis: uterine fibroids. Many doctors appointments and treatments followed, and though she is still on this medical journey, the source of her issues is no longer a mystery. Although fibroids are quite common, they remain relatively unknown or misunderstood for many. 'Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow from smooth muscle cells, so they're often found in the uterus,' said Dr. Sawsan As-Sanie, an associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School. 'They can be in the lining of the uterus, the wall of the uterus or on the surface.' Also called leiomyomas or myomas, fibroids vary in shape, size and number. Some grow slowly over many years while others might remain the same size for a long time and then start to grow rapidly. 'Looking back, I think about how many times I had accommodated my life for fibroids,' Valbrun said. 'I was always strategizing what to bring or how to dress because I would be bleeding. I never wore white clothing, even though I love whites and light colors.' Below, experts break down the facts and misconceptions around uterine fibroids. Who is most likely to have fibroids? 'Fibroids are highly prevalent, and they become more common as patients get older,' As-Sanie noted. The National Institutes of Health estimates that up to 70% of white women and 80% to 90% of Black women will develop fibroids by the age of 50. 'Really, anyone with a uterus can experience uterine fibroids, but they disproportionately impact Black women at a higher rate,' Valbrun said. 'Black women are more likely to experience them, and their fibroids are more likely to occur when they're younger, grow more quickly and cause more symptoms.' Age is a big risk factor with fibroids, as their prevalence increases as patients grow older and then declines in post-menopausal women. Although fibroids are most common in women ages 30 to 40 and in Black women, As-Sanie said that she sees them in patients of all ages, races and ethnicities. 'Mine started in my teenage years, so it's not just an issue for women in their childbearing years,' Valbrun added. 'And even though race is a risk factor, it's not just a Black woman's disease ― just like endometriosis is not just a white woman's thing.' There are genetic factors as well. A family history of fibroids is associated with a three times greater risk of developing fibroids compared with women without that history, As-Sanie explained. She noted that obesity and nulliparous (the medical term for having never given birth) can also be factors. What are the symptoms? Despite their prevalence, fibroids don't cause symptoms in the majority of people who have them. 'Only about a quarter of women who have uterine fibroids have symptoms that are bothersome enough that they end up needing intervention,' As-Sanie said. The most common symptoms are related to menstruation, such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. 'Any amount of bleeding that interferes with quality of life deserves an evaluation,' As-Sanie noted. 'We tell patients if they're soaking through a pad or tampon more frequently than every one to two hours, that should warrant evaluation. That amount can lead to anemia, low blood counts.' Valbrun said that she's had to have at least five blood transfusions over the years to address her severe anemia. 'I was always craving ice and soap, so much that I would be constantly trying to smell them,' she recalled. 'My doctor told me it's called pica, and it's what happens when your body is deficient in iron.' In addition to menstrual pain, fibroids can also cause pain during sex and at random times. As Valbrun reported, they may lead to swelling in the uterus and abdomen as well. 'Patients can also have what we call 'bulk symptoms' ― pressure from fibroids if they get large enough, feelings of bloating, urinary frequency and urgency, and even constipation or other bowel issues,' As-Sanie said. 'Fibroids are also associated with pregnancy-related complications like miscarriage and infertility.' How are fibroids diagnosed? 'In terms of diagnosis, fibroids are generally diagnosed or at least suspected during a pelvic exam,' As-Sanie said, noting that the uterus often feels enlarged. If fibroids are suspected, then the next step usually involves imaging, commonly with a pelvic ultrasound ― though tests including sonohysterography, hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy can also offer information. 'Some patients come in reporting symptoms, but for others it might be diagnosed during a routine exam,' As-Sanie noted. 'They may have had no clinical symptoms. Or if they're having trouble becoming pregnant, fibroids may be discovered as they look into their fertility problems.' What is the treatment for fibroids? If you're diagnosed with uterine fibroids, the next steps depend on your symptoms. You might not need treatment if your fibroids are small and aren't causing symptoms or if you're nearing menopause. 'If someone's not having symptoms, we typically just survey them over time,' As-Sanie said. 'They should get regular checkups to monitor for development of symptoms if they're not having them. Often we'll get repeat imaging every year or couple years to monitor for fibroid growth.' For patients with symptoms, it's important to examine the symptoms they're having and what their goals are. 'With heavy bleeding, this can often be managed with medications ― like hormonal birth control pills, progestin-only birth control methods, other pills and injections,' As-Sanie said. Although those methods are effective for many patients, they don't work for others. And over time other interventions might become necessary. Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids, and uterine artery embolization (sometimes called uterine fibroid embolization) is a less-invasive procedure that involves injecting tiny particles into the blood vessels to stop blood flow to the fibroids and cause them to shrink. 'There are also different types of ablations where you can use forms of energy to basically burn them away or make them smaller,' Valbrun said. She added that the recovery process after fibroid-related procedures can be lengthy, noting that it took her about eight weeks to recovery from her myomectomy. Some fibroids are too small to be removed, and even after you've had fibroids removed or shrunk, there's always a possibility of regrowth or new ones appearing. And some patients have so many fibroids that it wouldn't be feasible to remove all of them. As a result, the only total cure is hysterectomy. 'The choice of what treatment is appropriate in patients very much depends on both a combination of things, like their age and desire to preserve fertility, as well as fibroid size and location,' As-Sanie said. 'Hysterectomy is generally considered a last resort when other things haven't worked, but it is considered curative and it's quite common in the U.S. And uterine fibroids and abnormal bleeding are the most common non-cancerous reasons that women have hysterectomies.' What should you do if you suspect fibroids? 'Any symptoms of heavy bleeding and/or pelvic pain that are bothersome enough that they're interfering with your quality of life warrant evaluation,' As-Sanie said. 'There's no amount of bleeding or pain we would say is automatically 'normal.' If you're not able to work as effectively or enjoy your life, that is by definition considered abnormal and deserves evaluation.' Fibroids are relatively common, but they're also just one of many potential causes for increased levels of pain and bleeding. It's important to see a medical professional to help figure out what might be at the root of your problems and determine the best course of treatment. Many experience pregnancy complications or infertility related to fibroids, but medical interventions can help. So if you're hoping to give birth someday, know that fibroids don't necessarily prevent that. 'For many women who have fibroids but no symptoms, we don't automatically recommend treatment in order to get pregnant or have a successful or healthy pregnancy,' As-Sanie said. 'The relationship between fibroids and fertility and pregnancy is complicated, but there are many women who have fibroids ― even fibroids that cause symptoms ― that can become pregnant and carry a healthy pregnancy without needing intervention.' And remember that there's nothing shameful about fibroids or any other gynecological issue. 'Patients often feel like it's embarrassing, and their families ― or even physicians they've seen ― have dismissed or minimized their pain as being a normal part of a woman's experience,' As-Sanie said. 'This is unfair and unhelpful to women.' She urged patients and medical providers to help break down the stigma around menstrual disorders. 'We need to improve awareness and diagnosis, as well as reduce the bias and stigma by talking about pain and bleeding so that young girls and women don't dismiss it as normal or think it's too shameful to talk about,' As-Sanie emphasized. 'That way they can get earlier diagnoses and treatments.' What else should people know about uterine fibroids? Valbrun is dedicated to raising awareness and clearing up misconceptions about uterine fibroids. In 2014, she launched The White Dress Project to spread the word, increase funding for medical research and offer support to other people who are living with fibroids. 'I want to make people feel like they are not alone,' she said. 'And I wanted the support for myself because I never saw any organized walks or runs or people asking me to buy a T-shirt about fibroid awareness. It feels very lonely to feel like you're the only one on the bathroom floor in the fetal position. You're the only one canceling on your girlfriends, the only one not spending the night at a guy's house even though you want to.' The name stems from her desire to reclaim the color white as a symbol of hope and empower herself and others to feel comfortable wearing white ― or to do it anyway in an act of rebellion against the limits fibroids can impose. The White Dress Project hosts community events, offers educational resources, supports research and advocates for policy in support of fibroid awareness. Michigan state Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden (D) has also gotten involved in advocacy after being diagnosed with fibroids in 2020 and undergoing a myomectomy. 'It took me seven weeks to get back to what I felt was 100%, but ever since then, I've been on this quest to just bring more awareness to fibroids,' she told HuffPost. 'After I shared my story on the House floor during Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, I got an outpouring of messages from women sharing their fibroid experience and how horrific it had been.' Bolden has also partnered with organizations to spread awareness, worked on legislation and even helped get funding allocated for fibroid research in the Michigan state budget. 'This condition affects so many women but isn't widely talked about,' she said. 'If I had known it was so common, I probably wouldn't have waited until my condition got so bad to seek treatment and could've had a less invasive surgery.' Valbrun also wants to spread the word about the different treatment options for fibroids. 'A lot of times, hysterectomy is the only option offered for women to deal with fibroids,' she said. 'Black women are more likely to be offered hysterectomy. I was told to have a hysterectomy when I was 26 and use a surrogate if I wanted children, and it was really disheartening. Fortunately, I found another doctor who told me about my other options.' Of course, many patients are great candidates for a hysterectomy, especially if they are done having children or don't want to give birth, but Valbrun wants to make sure people feel informed and empowered about this decision rather than pressured. 'Remember that you are powerful and have a say,' she said. 'Nobody knows your body like you do.' Related... 9 Red Flags You May Have PCOS, According To Experts Are 'Dropsies' During Your Period A Real Thing? 4 Signs Your Period Pain Isn't Normal
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lupita Nyong'o reveals uterine fibroid battle
Lupita Nyong'o has revealed she has spent more than a decade fighting uterine fibroids. The Oscar winner shared details of her longtime struggle with the chronic condition in a candid Instagram post and explained she learned of her diagnosis more than a decade ago. "In March 2014, I won an Academy Award. That same year, I discovered I had uterine fibroids," Lupita, 42, wrote on 15 July. "30 fibroids. I had surgery to remove them. 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'." Lupita went on to explain that fibroids are "non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus" but that while they might be far from rare, with "8 out of 10 Black women" and "7 out of 10 white women" experiencing fibroids, they were infrequently discussed. "When we reach puberty, we're taught that periods mean pain, and that pain is simply part of being a woman," she wrote. "I started talking about my experience privately, and I realized so many women are going through this. We're struggling alone with something that affects most of us. No more suffering in silence!" To that end, Lupita explained, she had joined forces with a group of congresswomen with the aim of legislating funding for research, early detection and treatment.
WebMD
15-07-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Why I Still Get Tested for HIV, Even After My Diagnosis
Nine years ago, I got tested for HIV. There was no dramatic movie moment. No ominous music. Just a quiet room … and a truth that would reshape how I saw myself, my body, and the world around me. I tested positive. And nearly a decade later, here's something that surprises a lot of folks: I still get tested. Yes, even after diagnosis. Even after achieving undetectable viral loads. Even after becoming an advocate, educator, and public health professional. Because testing – for me – has never just been about diagnosis. It's about care. It's about clarity. It's about love. National HIV Testing Day: More Than a Single Test Every year on June 27, we observe National HIV Testing Day – a call to action that encourages all folx to know and speak their status. But this moment is about more than a single test. It's a reminder that testing isn't something you check off once. It's something you return to, again and again – with tenderness, with curiosity, and with courage. For Black women especially, that reminder is critical. We face higher vulnerability, limited access, and deeper stigma when it comes to our sexual health. And yet, we've inherited generations of brilliance, care, and survival – along with the right to understand, protect, and advocate for our bodies without apology. Why I Still Get Tested You might ask: What's the point? Why still get tested? And I get it. For many, testing feels like a starting line – something you only do when you don't know where you stand. But for me, it's a rhythm. A ritual. A holistic way to check in with myself – honestly and without rushing past the truth. When I get tested, I'm not just looking for lab results. I'm asking bigger questions: Am I honoring my health with the same energy I give to others? Am I continuously making space for my own healing? I still get full panels for STIs and STDs. I stay informed about PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP. I stay connected to my medical care team – because staying informed is one of the most loving things I can do for myself. Not out of fear – but out of reverence. Too often, a full panel is wrapped in fear and shame – like wanting to know what's going on with your body is something to whisper about. But here's what I know: Testing is an act of self-respect. It's a way to love yourself enough to stay informed. It's a step toward protection and autonomy. When we say, 'Know and speak your status,' what we're really saying is: Know your power. Know your wellness. Know your way forward. If it's been a while since your last test, let this be your gentle nudge – not because something's wrong, but because you deserve to know what's right for you. Here's how to get started: Visit to find free or low-cost testing near you. Talk to your provider about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), and DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis). Start a conversation with your partner(s) – it might feel awkward, but it's a powerful act of trust. Testing isn't about judgment. It's about honoring your path, protecting your health, and tending to what matters most. Whether it's your first test or your 50th, walk in with your head held high. You are worthy of care. And that care starts with knowing. Nine years ago, I walked into a quiet room and learned a truth that changed everything. Today, I'm asking you to find your own quiet room – not because you have to, but because you deserve to know what's true for you.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Community Is Helping First-Time Investors Build Wealth
How Investing In Community Is Helping First-Time Investors Of Color Build Wealth For Black and Brown communities, the path to wealth has often encountered different systematic disadvantages, financial trauma, and a lack of access to generational wealth. However, there is a cultural shift as many first-time investors are beginning their investment journeys. Despite this progress, many still feel uncertain and underserved. According to J.P. Morgan Wealth Management's 2024 Diverse Investor Study, 51% of Hispanic and Latina women and 46% of Black women (46%) only started investing outside of an employer-sponsored retirement plan within the past five years, which is far behind the broader population. Women in the U.S. are projected to control $30 trillion in assets by 2030, a shift known as the Great Wealth Transfer. Yet despite these promising numbers, the gender wealth gap persists, especially among women of color. The same J.P. Morgan study found that 74% of Hispanic and Latina women and 69% of Black women say building generational wealth is their driving force. However, only 55% of women report feeling confident about their investing knowledge, and 77% describe their investment approach as risk-averse. It is essential to explore what can support Black and Brown communities in continuing to build wealth through investing. One promising solution lies in communities supporting each other to learn, invest, and grow together or what I will call investing collectively or in community. Emotional Empowerment Is Driving Long-Term Investment Behavior According to U.S. Census Bureau data, only 1 in 20 Black households had wealth over $1 million, compared to 1 in 5 White households. Conversely, nearly 1 in 4 Black households had zero or negative wealth, compared to just 1 in 12 White households. Households with negative wealth face heightened financial vulnerability and are far more susceptible to economic shocks, creating not only material disadvantages but deeper emotional impacts that influence financial behavior. These emotional barriers are often overlooked in traditional finance, where guidance is rarely tailored to lived experiences. As of July 1, 2025, more than 81% of all certified financial planners (CFPs) are white, while just 1.9% are Black or African American and 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, according to the CFP Board. That underrepresentation reinforces a gap in culturally relevant financial advice; advice that not only teaches strategy, but understands how trauma, systemic exclusion, and generational financial stress affect people's willingness to take the first step. 'One of the biggest things I truly believe is if you don't believe you deserve to be wealthy, you're not going to be wealthy,' Ashley M. Fox, Founder and CEO of Empify, told me. 'Because if you don't think I'm good enough, your actions are going to reflect exactly how you see yourself in the mirror.' This mindset shift is translating into tangible results within Empify as they celebrate their community, surpassing $10 million in collective investments made by members, who mostly began with little to no experience in investing. 'These are people who once felt overwhelmed by money, afraid to even check their bank balances,' said Fox. For individuals entering the investing space, recognizing the emotional barriers that have held them back is a key part of their success. But awareness is just one part of the path, they also need spaces that feel safe, culturally relevant, and judgment-free. That is where collective investing environments come in. These are communities where people can ask questions without shame, start small, and grow alongside others who share similar experiences and financial fears. What Steps Are Making The Difference When Investing In Community? Being surrounded by others on the same journey, which may have once been a scary path, creates emotional safety and momentum. 'When you see thousands of people doing it, it convinces you, like, hey, maybe I can do it too,' said Fox. 'There's a sense of belonging in that.' Collective investing can potentially normalize the learning curve and alleviate the pressure of performing well from the start, allowing individuals to start acting. 'Learning the language of money [is] the exact same thing as learning Spanish,' said Fox. 'In order for me to learn Spanish, I have to speak it. I have to read it and I have to be around people who are speaking it,' she adds. However, as interest in community-based investing grows, so does the risk of encountering fraudulent schemes that mimic the structure of these models. Scams that often exploit financial literacy gaps and market scams, such as pyramid schemes, gifting circles or unregulated crypto programs, as opportunities for fast-track wealth. These offerings typically promise high returns with minimal effort, lack transparency, and rely on the constant recruitment of new participants to sustain payouts. It is important to distinguish between these scams from models like investing with the support of a community. Credible platforms prioritize education, transparency, and the use of regulated financial tools. They encourage independent decision-making, not blind participation. So, what steps are making the difference when it comes to investing if the community is involved? When individuals are surrounded by others who look like them and are actively building wealth, it creates space to reimagine what is possible. The shift in behavior starts with a shift in self-perception. Within collective environments, investors begin to see themselves as wealth builders, even before they buy their first stock, because they are immersed in a culture that affirms they belong at the table. Collective spaces foster accountability in a way solo investing cannot. They help normalize imperfection and encourage staying the course, especially through uncertainty. 'We cheer on the $5 every single week,' said Fox. 'Every share counts. Every little dollar that you set aside […] we are building.' The power of collective investing is exponential. Once individuals build financial confidence, they often pass that mindset and knowledge to others, whether to children, peers or extended family. 'What if I just start with an even smaller amount for my children?,' Fox asked. 'Now there's a little bit more hope.' When investing happens in a community, it is no longer just about one person, but it has a community ripple effect. Investing collectively or as part of a community helps level the playing field for those just starting out. It removes the pressure to have all the answers, replacing isolation with belonging, and allowing people to build financial confidence at their own pace, factors that are crucial in the development of an investor behavior for Black and Brown communities. As more first-time investors shift their mindset, take consistent action, and pass on what they learn, the ripple effect is substantial.
