Actress Gabrielle Union (Being Mary Jane, Bring It On) has been open about her struggles with infertility, writing in her book We’re Going to Need More Wine about her “eight or nine miscarriages.” Now she has finally received a diagnosis. This week Union shared she is suffering with adenomyosis, a form of endometriosis.
Speaking about her health issues, Union was candid, saying:
Towards the end of my fertility journey I finally got some answers. Everyone said ‘You’re a career woman, you’ve prioritized your career, you waited too long and now you’re just too old to have a kid — and that’s on you for wanting a career.’ The reality is I actually have adenomyosis.
She also discussed the frustration that can come with infertility, especially for someone in the public eye.
She described the experience:
For so many women, and not just women in the spotlight, people feel very entitled to know, [they ask] ‘Do you want kids?’ A lot of people, especially people that have fertility issues, just say ‘no’ because that’s a lot easier than being honest about whatever is actually going on. People mean so well, but they have no idea the harm or frustration it can cause.
Gabrielle Union shares her struggles with getting pregnant, ineffective cycles of IVF, and has suffered “8 or 9 miscarriages.” https://t.co/3aGZNduNF4 pic.twitter.com/3ajTWboglu
— xoNecole (@xonecole) August 13, 2018
Gabrielle Union wants to break the stigma around miscarriage. pic.twitter.com/sFHpsILvT4
— AJ+ (@ajplus) October 20, 2017
Her fans showed a lot of support.
Jesus lawd she strong
— Ace Bella (@AceSoSerious) August 13, 2018
I feel for her. She really want that baby badly. Why not try surrogate?
— Yetunde Folarin (@xxyettymamaxx) August 13, 2018
We look at celebrities all envious thinking that they got this life thing sorted not understanding the stuff they go through strength to her
— Manto (@makaPoky) August 14, 2018
Sorry to hear this will keep you up in prayers
— weyoneafricanmarket (@weyoneafricanm1) August 13, 2018
Oh my goodness. And we would have no idea she was going through so much! Wow.
— Danielle S. Reed (@DanielleSReed_) August 13, 2018
And some shared their own struggles.
I can feel your pain, I had 5 miscarriages but thankfully carried #pregnancy6 to term – she's now almost 16❤️️
— Caroline Barber (@CarolineB_XJW) August 13, 2018
.@itsgabrielleu thank you for sharing your walk. I've been there too and ended up childless not by choice. Grieving the loss of the dream is hard too.
— Lisa (@tribelisa32) August 14, 2018
This will be my first time I'm publicly talking about my miscarriage cause I was so ashamed… It wasn't until @itsgabrielleu spoke about her experience that I told people outside of my immediate family besides my best friend… But most people still don't know… https://t.co/eolkoREbUZ
— B. (@portlandpinay) August 11, 2018
I too have adenomyosis. I’m hanging onto my uterus as long as I can! Why there isn’t more research into this condition is clear: misogyny in medical research. @wep_uk have a plan to tackle the absence of research on women’s bodies. Join @WEP_UK https://t.co/eC1KyjX6j2
— Dr Elisha Foust ️ (@allthingsFoust) August 14, 2018
Let’s hope Union has started a conversation that will alleviate the stigma surrounding miscarriages.
