Venus Williams Opens Up About Years of Fibroid Pain, Misdiagnosis, and Finding Healing Without Losing Her Uterus

Venus Williams Breaks Silence on Silent Struggle With Fibroids

Tennis legend Venus Williams is speaking out about a health issue that many Black women silently endure—fibroids. In a powerful interview with NBC’s Zinhle Essamuah, Williams, 45, revealed she suffered in pain for years before finally getting a correct diagnosis.

“My symptoms were extreme pain…so much that maybe you throw up or can’t get off the ground,” she said. Despite being a world-class athlete, Venus often missed practices and battled unbearable cramps, heavy bleeding, and fatigue.

Doctors Dismissed Her Pain for Years

Sadly, Venus’s pain was ignored for much of her life. She began experiencing symptoms as a teenager but was often brushed off by doctors. One even joked her condition was “natural birth control.”

“I had no idea what that meant,” she shared. “Looking back, that’s not funny at all. It takes away your choice to have a child.” Another doctor blamed her pain on aging, telling her it was normal when she was just 37.

This pattern of medical dismissal is a common experience for many Black women. Research shows Black women are more likely to be ignored or misdiagnosed when seeking help for fibroids and other reproductive issues.

Beyond Fibroids: The Full Diagnosis

For years, Venus believed her symptoms might be related to Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in 2011. But it wasn’t the full picture.

Eventually, doctors discovered she had both fibroids and adenomyosis, a condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall. Both illnesses can cause intense pain, long periods, and fertility problems.

These issues didn’t just affect her health—they also impacted her tennis career. “I never had enough energy to play a real match the way I wanted to,” she admitted.

Hysterectomy Recommendation Left Her Devastated

At one point, doctors advised Williams to get a hysterectomy, which would remove her uterus. That would mean she could never have children.

“I’ve never been so sad in my life,” she said. “I had never been running to have kids, but I always wanted to have a choice.”

The thought of losing that choice deeply shook her. Like many women, Williams didn’t want her fertility taken from her by force or fear.

A Myomectomy Saved Her Uterus and Her Hope

Luckily, Venus found a better option. She met Dr. Tara Shirazian at NYU’s Langone Health Center for Fibroid Care. A year ago, she underwent a myomectomy, a surgery that removes fibroids without removing the uterus.

Thanks to this procedure, Venus kept her uterus and finally got relief from years of pain. It also gave her back her energy—and her hope.

Speaking Out to Help Other Black Women

Now, Venus is sharing her story to raise awareness during Fibroid Awareness Month. She knows how many women, especially Black women, suffer in silence because they don’t feel heard.

“I’m very passionate about this now,” she said. “Hopefully someone will see this and say, ‘I can get help. I don’t have to live this way.’”

By using her voice and platform, Venus is turning her pain into purpose—and giving many others the courage to seek help.

@thejasminebrand

Venus Williams is candidly opening up about her years-long struggle with undiagnosed fibroids. In a recent interview with The Today Show, the tennis icon revealed she quietly dealt with painful symptoms for years around the time of her monthly cycle, including experiencing anemia, nausea, debilitating cramps, and vomiting that sometimes left her “hugging the toilet.” Venus even recalled one moment when the pain nearly interfered with a doubles match she was playing alongside her sister Serena Williams. Fortunately, Serena found a doctor who was able to help Venus feel well enough to compete. Still, Venus says the condition ultimately affected her tennis career: “I never had enough energy most times to play a real match the way I wanted to, and, of course, it affected my results.” _______________________ Despite the grueling symptoms, Venus says her concerns were brushed off for years before doctors finally discovered she had fibroids. Even then, she says she was never fully informed about the size or impact of the noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in or around the uterus. It wasn’t until last year that the 45-year-old connected with NYU Langone’s Center for Fibroid Care, led by Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, who recommended she undergo a myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids. While Venus was initially hesitant, she says she ultimately trusted Dr. Shirazian’s guidance and is now using her platform to raise awareness and help other women understand their treatment options. _______________________ “I’m sharing now because I was outraged that I didn’t know this was possible. I didn’t know what was wrong with me… No one should have to go through this,” she said. “Hopefully someone will see this interview and say, ‘I can get help. I don’t have to live this way.’ I’m very passionate about this now, because I know that other people can live better than what I lived.” Can you relate to Venus’ health journey? 💭 🎥: The Today Show ✍🏾: Kay Johnson

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