Black-ish alum Marsai Martin is opening up about her recent experience with ovarian cysts. The 18-year-old got candid in a recently published op-ed in Women’s Health about the pain she suffered as a result of an ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit. As a result, the teen actress/entrepreneur, had the cyst removed in December 2022.
At the time, Martin explained in an “Instagram Live” her situation. The Mari by Marsai creator told fans that she had been diagnosed with the cyst at the age of 14. When she turned 18, she decided to have the 9.5 cm in diameter cyst removed to help relieve the pain and discomfort that she was feeling.
“I was so scared in the weeks leading up–it was the only thing I could think about,” Martin said in her op-ed. “I have major anxiety, and I didn’t know how my body would react to the surgery and anesthesia. I’d never even been in a hospital for longer than a few hours. But as I waited for my surgery date, I still got my period each month. And despite my fears, every month I just kept thinking, ‘I can’t wait for this pain to be over.’ ”
Martin wanted to, of course, share her story to encourage other women not “suffer in silence,” speak up, and to educate one’s self on what any diagnosis could potentially mean.
“I wanted to share my experience so that other women wouldn’t suffer in silence. Before my diagnosis, I thought the crippling period pain and severe nausea I went through each month during my cycle was normal. So, I resisted going to the ER for my period pain for years.”
Martin continued, “And if I hadn’t sought out help, I probably would have continued trying to tough it out. I would have continued to go through intense, debilitating pain every month during my period.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq6feO3pqMZ/
On a recent Instagram post, celebrities and Martin fans are not only sharing their well-wishes for her continued recovery, additionally, they are also applauding the teen for her transparency and her speaking out to help others.
Her Black-ish co-star Yara Shahidi said, “what an important thing to share.”
Simone Shepherd commented,”The transparency is beautiful.”
“Thanks for sharing info will help so many,” one fan wrote.
Another simply called Martin a “hero.”
To read Martin’s op-ed in its entirety, click here. Marsai Martin is indeed an inspiration to others.
Photo Credit(s)/Featured Image: Marsai Martin/Instagram
