Tennis champion Venus Williams has broken her silence about a painful health battle. The 45-year-old sports icon recently shared her struggle with fibroids during an interview on NBC’s TODAY show. Williams opened up about years of dismissed symptoms and medical challenges that affected both her career and personal life.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner spoke candidly with NBC News correspondent Zinhle Essamuah about her journey to diagnosis. Williams revealed how her symptoms were repeatedly overlooked by medical professionals. Her story highlights a troubling pattern many Black women face in healthcare settings.
Venus Williams Reveals Severe Fibroid Symptoms That Disrupted Her Career
Williams described experiencing extreme pain that would leave her unable to function normally. “My symptoms were extreme pain. You know, getting so much in pain that maybe you throw up. Or you can’t get off the ground,” she explained during the interview. The tennis star admitted she missed practices because of the debilitating symptoms.
These health issues began when Williams was a teenager and experienced heavy bleeding during periods. The symptoms significantly impacted her athletic performance throughout her 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,” Williams shared.
Initially, Williams thought her symptoms might be related to Sjögren’s syndrome. This chronic autoimmune disease, which she publicly disclosed in 2011, attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. However, she later discovered the real cause was fibroids growing in her uterus.
Black Women Face Higher Fibroid Risks and Medical Dismissal
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that disproportionately affect Black women. Statistics show that up to 80% of Black women develop fibroids by age 50. These growths can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, pelvic pain, and fertility challenges.
Williams also learned she had adenomyosis alongside her fibroids. This condition occurs when uterine tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The combination of both conditions created severe symptoms that doctors repeatedly dismissed over the years.
Unfortunately, Williams’ experience reflects a broader healthcare disparity. Black women often face skepticism when reporting pain or health concerns to medical professionals. This dismissal can lead to delayed diagnoses and unnecessary suffering for many patients.
Doctors Dismissed Venus Williams’ Pain for Years Before Proper Diagnosis
Throughout her journey, Williams encountered multiple doctors who minimized her symptoms. One physician told her the pain was simply a normal part of aging when she was around 37 years old. Another doctor made an inappropriate joke about her symptoms, calling them “natural birth control.”
“I had no idea what that meant. No one explained it to me,” Williams recalled. “Looking back, that’s not funny at all to take away someone’s opportunity to have a child or create a family if they want to. It’s not a joke.” The tennis star expressed frustration about how her reproductive health was treated as a laughing matter.
Williams was also advised to undergo a hysterectomy, which would have removed her uterus entirely. This recommendation devastated her because it would eliminate her ability to have children. “I’ve never been so sad in my life,” she remembered. “I had never been running to have kids, but I always wanted to have a choice, and to have that taken away is just frightening.”
Venus Williams Finds Hope Through Myomectomy Surgery and Expert Care
Williams eventually found proper medical care through Dr. Tara Shirazian at NYU’s Langone Health’s Center for Fibroid Care. The specialist offered her a myomectomy procedure instead of a hysterectomy. This surgery allows patients to keep their uterus while removing the problematic fibroids.
Williams underwent the myomectomy procedure a year ago and has experienced significant improvement since then. The surgery preserved her reproductive options while addressing the painful symptoms she endured for years. This treatment option demonstrates the importance of seeking specialized care for fibroid management.
The tennis champion’s positive outcome shows that women have alternatives to hysterectomy. Many fibroid patients can find relief through less invasive procedures when they work with experienced specialists. Williams’ story proves that persistence in seeking proper medical care can lead to better outcomes.
Tennis Champion Uses Platform to Raise Fibroid Awareness During July Recognition Month
Williams decided to share her story publicly to help other women facing similar struggles. The typically private athlete chose to speak out during July, which is recognized as Fibroid Awareness Month. Her timing amplifies the message about this important women’s health issue.
“Hopefully someone will see this interview and say, ‘I can get help. I don’t have to live this way,'” Williams stated. She wants other women to know they don’t have to suffer in silence with fibroid symptoms. Her advocacy could encourage more women to seek proper medical attention for their health concerns.
Williams expressed deep passion about raising awareness on this topic. “I’m very passionate about this at this point in time because I know that other people can live better than what I lived,” she emphasized. Her platform as a sports icon gives her message significant reach and impact.
