Latest news with #LinseyDavis
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
Jeffrey Wright and Elijah Wright on playing father and son in new Spike Lee film
ABC News' Linsey Davis sat down with actors Jeffrey and Elijah Wright, who play father and son in both real life and on screen in Spike Lee's new film 'Highest 2 Lowest."
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
What are uterine fibroids? Doctors explain condition that led ABC News anchor Linsey Davis to undergo surgery
It's a condition that blights an estimated 26 million women between the ages of 15 and 50 in the US, still, uterine fibroids remain an under-discussed health concern. ABC News anchor Linsey Davis has just spoken publicly for the first time about her years-long experience with the condition, which causes noncancerous growths to form in the uterus. The 47-year-old was first diagnosed with fibroids 13 years ago after years of suffering. She didn't tell family and friends and felt it was only a matter she could discuss with her gynecologist. Uterine fibroids cause an array of symptoms, including heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and increased urinary frequency. Depending on their size and location in the uterus, fibroids can affect fertility by interfering with sperm implantation and increasing the risk of miscarriage. Dr Johnny Parvani, an emergency medicine physician, told that fibroids can also be life threatening if they are very large, as they can 'cause obstructions and functional impairment of other organs'. To Davis' relief, she was told her case of fibroids was 'mild'. While she was worried that it might make it more difficult to have children, a year after marrying her husband, Paul Roberts, in March 2013, they successfully welcomed their son, Ayden. During her pregnancy, doctors noted that her fibroid was growing alongside the fetus but said the baby would ultimately 'win out,' which proved to be the case. Davis told People: 'During my pregnancy, they said that the fibroid was growing along with the fetus but it should be okay because at a certain point, the baby wins out. And that's what happened. 'I had my son and didn't have any concerns.' In some cases, however, uterine fibroids can lead to several complications during pregnancy, Dr Parvani said. These include increased risks of miscarriage, preterm labor, cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage. Fibroids can also affect fetal position, which can restrict the baby's movement and potentially increase the risk of complications during labor and delivery. Several options can help manage or treat uterine fibroids, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medical and surgical interventions. These include medications to manage symptoms, minimally invasive procedures to shrink or remove the tumors, and in some cases, surgical removal of the uterus (a hysterectomy). After having her son, Davis found that her fibroid pain disappeared, which can happen if the growths shrink. However, six years later her symptoms returned with extreme menstrual cycles, lasting up to two weeks, and severe bloating. In Davis' case, her doctor recommended a myomectomy, surgery to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. Six fibroids were removed in 2020, and her symptoms subsided. Eighteen months later, though, Davis noticed a protrusion on the left side of her lower abdomen. Although doctors initially suspected it was a hernia, a pelvic ultrasound confirmed the fibroids had returned. This time, 13 were detected. Her doctors presented three treatment options: another myomectomy, uterine fibroid embolization, or a hysterectomy. The first two came with the possibility of recurrence, while a hysterectomy would be a permanent solution. It also meant she could have no more children and could potentially go into early menopause. Davis decided on a hysterectomy after experiencing bloating caused by the fibroids during the 2025 Oscars pre-show, which led to speculation online that she was pregnant. She said she had already been weighing her options, but the incident reinforced her decision. 'At that point, I was just in a state of mind like, I just wanna get rid of them,' she said. Her surgery is now scheduled for August 15. Dr Parvani told this website a hysterectomy is the best long-term solution to fibroids but it does come with risk. He explained: 'As a general rule of thumb the more extensive the surgery, the higher the likelihood of complications. 'One common condition encountered post surgery is adhesions, where by inflammatory changes from the surgical procedure cause tissue to become attached as a result of wound healing. 'Inflammation is a result of tissue damage or irritation as such, less invasive procedures are generally better tolerated and have less complications.' A hysterectomy may also send a woman into menopause if her ovaries are removed as well. Along with physical symptoms Dr Rachel Toles, a licensed clinical psychologist based in California, told the condition can have a huge impact on mental health. She reveals: 'Even though fibroids are a physical condition, the emotional and psychological effects they can have are often just as significant - and sometimes more lasting - than the physical symptoms themselves. 'For many women, the experience of living with fibroids begins to shape daily life in subtle but constant ways. 'Unpredictable bleeding can create ongoing anxiety about leaving the house, being in public, or participating in social activities. This fear of visible 'accidents' isn't simply inconvenient - it can lead to avoidance of events, withdrawal from intimacy, and a growing sense of isolation. 'Chronic pain and fatigue add another layer, eroding patience, mood, and overall energy. Over time, this can contribute to feelings of sadness, irritability, or hopelessness.' Davis said she does not plan to have more children and wants to eliminate the symptoms caused by fibroids. Fibroids are common, affecting more than 80 percent of Black women and about 70 percent of women overall by age 50. Davis said she now wants to raise awareness about the condition, sharing her experience so others don't feel they have to endure symptoms in silence. 'So I think that it just feels good to be able to talk with other people who say things like, oh, I had that too, and this is how I dealt with it, and this is what I recommend,' she said. 'I just feel like that is a healthier approach rather than just trying to, on your own, solve for x.' In terms of preventing fibroids, Dr Parvani says the best thing women can do is to ensure routine gynecological examinations. He adds: 'Uterine fibroids don't grow overnight, so the sooner the problem is detected the better the prognosis. 'Furthermore, other more serious conditions can be misidentified as fibroids and routine examination is the best way to distinguish between the two. 'Medications can help regulate hormones to limit symptoms. I personally am also a strong proponent of a healthy diet as processed foods or engineered foods may affect hormonal levels that can impact uterine and overall health.'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
ABC News anchor Linsey Davis reveals secret years-long health battle
ABC News anchor Linsey Davis has spoken publicly for the first time about her years-long experience with uterine fibroids. The 47-year-old journalist told People in a new interview that she was first diagnosed with fibroids - noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus - 13 years ago. 'I suffered in silence,' Davis told the outlet. 'It's not something that I would talk to anybody about other than the gynecologist.' While her doctor initially described her case as mild, she was told the condition could make it harder to have children. Davis married her husband, Paul Roberts, and the couple welcomed their son Ayden in 2014. During her pregnancy, doctors noted that her fibroid was growing alongside the fetus but said the baby would ultimately 'win out,' which proved to be the case. 'Fast forward six years, everything's fine, and then I just started having really drastically bad periods that would last for maybe two weeks,' she said. 'They would be very intense bleeding, and my stomach would be bloated as if I were six months pregnant again.' She was referred to a fibroids specialist, who recommended a myomectomy - surgery to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. Six fibroids were removed, and her symptoms subsided. A year and a half ago, Davis noticed a protrusion on the left side of her lower abdomen. Although doctors initially suspected it was a hernia, a pelvic ultrasound confirmed the fibroids had returned. This time, about 13 were detected. Her doctors presented three treatment options: another myomectomy, uterine fibroid embolization, or a hysterectomy. The first two came with the possibility of recurrence, while a hysterectomy - removal of the uterus - would be a permanent solution. Davis decided on a hysterectomy after experiencing bloating during the 2025 Oscars pre-show, which led to speculation online that she was pregnant. She said she had already been weighing her options, but the incident reinforced her decision. 'At that point, I was just in a state of mind like, I just wanna get rid of them,' she said. Her surgery is now scheduled for August 15. Davis said she does not plan to have more children and wants to eliminate the monthly symptoms caused by fibroids. Fibroids are common, affecting more than 80 percent of Black women and about 70 percent of women overall by age 50. Davis said she now wants to raise awareness about the condition, sharing her experience so others don't feel they have to endure symptoms in silence. 'So I think that it just feels good to be able to talk with other people who say things like, oh, I had that too, and this is how I dealt with it, and this is what I recommend,' she said. 'I just feel like that is a healthier approach rather than just trying to, on your own, solve for x.' She plans to discuss her journey further in an upcoming interview with gynecologist Dr. Soyini Hawkins, singer Tamar Braxton, and former 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' cast member Cynthia Bailey, who all have also experienced fibroids.
Mint
2 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Who is Linsey Davis? News anchor reveals years-long battle with fibroids
ABC News anchor Linsey Davis is speaking out after 13 years of hidden pain. The 47-year-old star of "World News Tonight" weekends and "Good Morning America" has uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. Like many, Davis suffered silently, only discussing it with her gynecologist. "I normalized the discomfort," she admits. Her journey started mildly in 2012 when doctors warned pregnancy might be hard. But she defied odds, welcoming son Ayden in 2014. For years, she pushed through fatigue and heavy periods while reporting major news events. Now, she's breaking her silence: 'If I'd known others' stories, I wouldn't have felt alone'. Everything changed six years after childbirth. Davis faced "drastically bad" two-week periods with intense bleeding and bloating so severe she looked "six months pregnant." In 2021, surgery removed six fibroids, bringing temporary relief. But 18 months ago, a lump in her abdomen revealed 13 new fibroids, mistaken at first for a hernia. The growths forced tough choices: another surgery, a blood-blocking procedure, or a hysterectomy (removing the uterus). As symptoms disrupted her life, Davis scheduled interviews around her menstrual cycle and hid bloating with loose clothes. While co-hosting the 2025 Oscars pre-show, Davis' fibroid bloating sparked pregnancy rumors online. "It was embarrassing," she recalls. The public chatter pushed her to choose a hysterectomy, scheduled for August 15, the only permanent solution. Her decision highlights a stark reality: Black women develop fibroids 3x more often, with genetics and vitamin D deficiencies playing roles. Davis now leads a movement to transform women's health conversations. Her goal? Helping others avoid silent suffering. Open dialogue, she argues, is healthier than "solving it alone." With 70-80% of women affected by fibroids, and Black women at highest risk, with medical experts urging symptom tracking (heavy bleeding, back pain, frequent urination) and early doctor visits, according to reports.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Linsey Davis of 'ABC News' reveals she has uterine fibroids, will get hysterectomy
"ABC News" anchor Linsey Davis is revealing for the first time her yearslong struggle with uterine fibroids. The "World News Tonight" weekend anchor explained during a "ABC News Live Prime" conversation with singer Tamar Braxton and model and actress Cynthia Bailey on Monday, Aug. 12, that she has powered through painful and severe fatigue behind the scenes due to fibroids. Davis hopes to help women by revealing her fibroid battle. "I feel like if there is an 80% instance in anyone's health, it should be a priority," she said. She also said a hysterectomy was the right path forward for her. "I guess I just want to be final. You just want to be finished," Davis said. "It causes me enough angst and grief, and planning my day differently, accordingly, that I really feel like I'm ready to be finished with this journey." What are fibroids? Uterine fibroids are a type of noncancerous tumor that grows in and on the uterus, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The common diagnosis can also result in back pain, frequent urination or pain during sex. Small fibroids rarely need treatment, while large fibroids can be treated with medication or surgery. Fibroids are more common and more severe in Black people, and up to 90% of Black people with a uterus have fibroids by age 50, according to the Mayo Clinic. Black women are also two to three times more likely to have frequent fibroids or experience complications, according to Michigan Medicine. A hysterectomy is an effective treatment for fibroids and is the only cure for uterine fibroids, but it typically prevents future pregnancies as it completely removes the uterus, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Davis, 47, has one son, Ayden, 11. Who is Linsey Davis? What to know about ABC anchor moderating Harris-Trump debate Davis said she also experienced intense bloating due to her uterine fibroids. She said during coverage of the Oscars in March, people online began to speculate she was pregnant. Both Braxton and Bailey said they also experienced severe bloating. Lupita Nyong'o joins fight to fund fibroids research: 'I no longer want to remain silent' "I stayed on the celebrity baby bump alert. Like I was always giving '(I'm) pregnant with imaginary children' because of my fibroids," Bailey said. "And I was shutting down on rumors, I was like, 'I'm not pregnant, I have fibroids.'" This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'ABC News' anchor Linsey Davis reveals uterine fibroids
