Venus Williams Discloses Three Decades of Struggle with Uterine Fibroids
Venus Williams, the four-time Olympic gold medallist and seven-time Grand Slam champion, has shared her journey of battling uterine fibroids and finding relief through a holistic, personalised approach to treatment. Diagnosed in 2016, Williams had been suffering from painful periods for decades, a common symptom of uterine fibroids.
In July 2024, Williams underwent uterine-sparing surgery at NYU to remove her fibroids, a procedure that was a success with no complications. The surgery was recommended by Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, a specialist at NYU Langone Health’s Center for Fibroid Care, where Williams found the comprehensive, personalised care she needed.
Prior to her formal diagnosis, Williams had lived with the discomfort and inconvenience of her condition. She experienced physical pain and mental anguish, including needing to pack extra menstrual products and experiencing "accident runs" to the bathroom. The diagnosis of an adenomyoma, a condition where the lining of her uterus was growing into her uterine wall, further compounded her struggles.
However, Williams did not let her condition define her. She advocated for herself and found a fibroid clinic and a doctor who offered promising treatment options. Dr. Shirazian takes a holistic, personalised approach to fibroid treatment, viewing it as a chronic ailment that needs continuous care.
A year after her surgery, Williams is now fully free from the pain that took over her life for nearly 30 years. This victory serves as a beacon of hope for many women, especially Black women, who are disproportionately affected by fibroids.
For those seeking alternative treatment options beyond a hysterectomy, several choices are available. Myomectomy, a surgical procedure that removes only the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, is a viable option for women who want to preserve their fertility. Minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization and radiofrequency ablation can also be considered.
Medications, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches can also help manage symptoms. Hormonal therapies, dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal supplements can all play a role in alleviating symptoms.
Centres offering multidisciplinary care, such as NYU Langone Health’s Center for Fibroid Care, provide comprehensive, personalised care through a team of specialists. Dr. Shirazian partners with grassroots organisations in the Black community to raise awareness about uterine fibroids and ensure that women receive empathetic and specialized treatment.
Williams's journey serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of seeking out specialists who understand and cater to individual needs. Her victory on the tennis court and her triumph over fibroids inspire all to never give up and to keep striving for better health.
- Venus Williams, despite her battle with uterine fibroids that caused decades of painful periods and mental distress, found relief through a holistic, personalised approach to treatment.
- In 2024, Williams underwent a successful uterine-sparing surgery at NYU to remove her fibroids, a procedure recommended by Dr. Taraneh Shirazian.
- Women disproportionately affected by fibroids, especially Black women, can find hope in Williams's victory over the condition, which has taken over her life for nearly 30 years.
- Dr. Shirazian, a specialist at NYU Langone Health’s Center for Fibroid Care, offers a holistic, personalised approach to fibroid treatment, viewing it as a chronic ailment that needs continuous care.
- For those seeking alternatives to hysterectomy, options like myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation, medications, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches can help manage symptoms.
- Centres offering multidisciplinary care, such as NYU Langone Health’s Center for Fibroid Care, provide comprehensive, personalised care through a team of specialists who cater to individual needs.
- Dr. Shirazian partners with grassroots organisations in the Black community to raise awareness about uterine fibroids and ensure that women receive empathetic and specialized treatment, drawing inspiration from Williams's advocacy for herself.
